Degradation of the road surface quality of the unpaved sand roads of Fraser Island, Queensland, a World Heritage Listed site, occurs due to two major Factors: the combined impact of surface runoff from storm events causes water erosion of the road surface, and the impact of vehicle tyres causes lateral displacement of road surface material. Laboratory testing of bentonite stabilised sand by varying the percentages of bentonite and moisture content within the sand mixes was undertaken. The effectiveness of bentonite as a sand stabiliser was measured against criteria including optimum bentonite content, optimum moisture content, suction, permeability and CBR. Results obtained to date, indicate that bentonite can significantly improve the load bearing characteristics of the unpaved sand roads. Stabilisation of the sand roads using bentonite and compaction, may thus provide a low cost option to increase the bearing capacity of the sand roads in this sensitive environment and thereby provide a sustainable road network in the long term. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208431.
Samenvatting