TITLE:
A Proposed Framework for Optimised Utilisation of Materials for Low Volume Roads Using the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
AUTHORS:
Michael Pinard, Philip Paige-Green, Jon Hongve, Estime Mukandila
KEYWORDS:
Low Volume Roads, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, Materials, Fit-for-Purpose
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
Vol.11 No.1,
January
6,
2021
ABSTRACT: In order to minimise the cost of constructing low
volume roads (LVRs), it is essential that optimum use is made of locally
available, naturally occurring materials. However, conflicts often arise
between material acceptability, as defined by conventional test methods and
specifications, and material suitability in terms of actual engineering
performance as a “fit-for-purpose” road construction material. To avoid such
conflicts, it is crucial to adopt appropriate test methods and specifications
for selecting construction materials. This paper presents a materials
evaluation framework for optimizing the utilisation of materials in LVR
pavements based on the use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP). This
approach enables materials to be selected on the basis of their
“fitness-for-purpose”. It avoids suitable materials from being rejected based
on one or other of the traditionally specified parameters not being complied
with, even though their strength, as measured by the DCP penetration rate (DN
value in mm/blow) of the soil, may be adequate. Investigations of the
properties of a wide range of locally available materials that have been used
successfully in the construction of LVRs have confirmed the validity of the
materials evaluation framework.