Study of the behaviour of an unpaved road stabilized with calcium chloride

Abstract

Currently a large percentage the roads in the Antofagasta Region are not paved, according to the MOP Highway Direction, more than 40% are not in good condition. Unpaved roads experience a more accelerated deterioration than a paved road, since the fine particles when joined with the coarse aggregates exposed to the environment, loss moisture, added to the abrasive action of vehicular traffic, generate a superficial disintegration of the material, becoming dust and causing superficial faults such as; bumps, corrugations and corners, which results in loss of comfort, safety and durability. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate in situ calcium chloride CaCl2 as a stabilizing agent for granular layers on unpaved roads, analysing the behaviour of a test road stabilized with CaCl2,  to understand how its incorporation influences the mechanical properties of the soil. The methodology used is the construction of a test path with a section stabilized with CaCl2 and a section stabilized with Bischofita. In parallel, an experimental study was carried out in the field and in the laboratory, to evaluate the influence of CaCl2 used for the construction of the road. The results observed in the field and in the laboratory allow us to conclude that the application of CaCl2 generates a substantial improvement in the behaviour of the rolling layers, due to the cementing effect it generates on the surface, improving road properties, as well as being an economical product easy to apply.