Base Stabilization is an effective pavement rehabilitation technique that provides public and private sectors with a strong, durable base capable of withstanding a wide range of traffic loads. It creates an improved homogeneous material which utilizes the entire thickness of the existing bituminous layer and a portion of the underlying granular materials thereby reducing material transportation costs and construction durations. This technique may be successfully utilized in urban, rural, and freeway applications.
A wide range of pavement distresses including longitudinal and transverse cracking, rutting, distortions, and raveling may be treated by various stabilization techniques to improve the ride quality and provide a structural improvement to the roadway. Stabilizing agents typically used across North America include foamed asphalt cement, emulsion, lime, Portland cement, fly ash, and liquid chloride. The subsequent recycled material must be covered with chip seal or hot mix asphalt.
A geotechnical analysis of the potential candidate should be performed to determine the appropriate stabilization methods to be used considering forecast traffic loads, life cycle, and climate.
Base Stabilization is very attractive to asset owners due to the lower life-cycle costs, low environmental impact, overall performance, and ease of construction.