Laboratory study on the relative performance of treated granular materials used for unpaved roads

Unpaved roads in Canada are subjected to high wheel loads and environmental factors that significantly affect their performance. As part of a larger research project, the objective of this laboratory study was to compare the relative performance of various stabilization and dust lifting resistance agents to an untreated granular material commonly used as a base and wear course on unpaved roads. The performance is compared using California bearing ratio (CBR), resilient modulus, and unconfined compression strength tests. In addition, the surface sealing potential was measured on each specimen. The effects of compaction water content, product concentration, and the environment were investigated in this study. The results show that these variables have a significant impact on the performance measured, and it was possible to identify peak performance concentrations and performing products for the conditions tested.