Local government roads constitute more than 80% of the 810 O00-km long road network in Australia. The combination of larger vehicle loads, increased traffic flows, ageing infrastructure and adverse environmental conditions has contributed to continual degradation of many Australian roads. This paper presents results of a survey undertaken to determine the state of the road stabilisation practice in various local governments (councils) throughout Australia. The survey covered pavement material types and thicknesses, methods of rehabilitation of degraded pavements, type and quantity of chemical additives used, modes and causes of pavement distress, and impediments to the widespread use of chemical stabilisation in local government roads. Clayey gravel or gravel, and crushed igneous rocks are commonly used as pavement materials, and cementitious binders are the main stabilising agents. Cracking appeared to be the dominant mode of distress in chemically stabilised pavements. Shrinkage of pavement materials is considered to be a dominant cause of pavement cracking. (a).
Abstract