There is very little to no literature that substantiates a method of analysis for pavements that have stabilised depths of 200 mm or less and experiencing relatively light traffic. Whilst there is some qualitative data which is based on past performance, there is little information regarding the structural nature of the pavements and their response to repeated loading over time and the appropriate method of design. The paper focuses on investigating the appropriateness of the current fatigue relationship used in mechanistic design of stabilised pavements, and assessing the predicted life of thin-stabilised layers with reference to these models and also through non-destructive field testing. The methodology of assessing performance was through the selection of ten local roads in the Macquarie Lakes district of NSW that had been previously stabilised at different periods with varying traffic volumes. Each road underwent data collection including, traffic volume and composition, and Benkelman beam. Computer modelling was undertaken using EFROMD2 and CIRCLY. The analysis indicated that it was not possible to assess the design or remaining life of an in situ stabilised pavement with a cemented base layer less than 200 mm given the mechanistic design principles with the fatigue relationship in common use. Further research is required to understand the performance of these pavements subject to light traffic. (A)
Abstract