Variation of Resilient Modulus, Strength, and Modulus of Elasticity of Stabilized Soils with Postcompaction Moisture Contents

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of postcompaction moisture variations on the resilient modulus (MR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and modulus of elasticity (E) of cementitiously stabilized subgrade soils. Class C fly ash (CFA) and hydrated lime were used as the stabilizing agents. Specimens were compacted at optimum moisture content (wopt) with different percentages of stabilizers (i.e., 10% CFA and 6% lime) and then either dried or wetted to different moisture contents prior to testing for MR, UCS, and E. Results showed that MR, UCS, and E values increased due to drying and decreased due to wetting. MR-moisture, UCS-moisture, and E-moisture models were developed and proved to be useful in predicting the variations of MR, UCS, and E values of stabilized subgrade soils with moisture changes. These models can be used, in the new mechanistic-empirical pavement design approach (M-E PDG), to predict MR, UCS, and E values of stabilized subgrade soils with moisture variations.