Assessment of Subgrade Soils through California Bearing Ratio (CBR) on Gilgit-Skardu Road (Pakistan): Techniques for Improvement of Subgrade Soil Properties

Muhammad Bilal Sadiq*, Syed Husnain Ali Shah **, Abdullah Khan ***, Aneel Ahmed ****
*-**** COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Pakistan.
Periodicity:March - May'2020
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.10.2.16619

Abstract

Quality and stiffness of subgrade soils play a crucial part in performance of the pavements subjected to overwhelming traffic stack. To evaluate the quality of road subgrades, a test known as California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was developed by California State Highways Department. CBR is regularly utilized for flexible highway and airport pavements and occasionally for other development purposes to assess the strength of earth materials. To assess the values of CBR, Standard Proctor Compaction, and Moisture Content and Atterberg Limits, the collected subgrade soil samples were taken to the laboratory. Standard test methods of ASTM were followed for carrying out different tests. The CBR of the samples ranges from 4 – 16% and the plasticity index (PI) values extend from 13-17% which demonstrates the expansive behavior of the subgrade soils. The examination of different results portrays that the subgrade soils from the study area are of destitute quality, thus these soils don't qualify to be utilized as subgrade concurring to the National Highway Authority (NHA) specification. From the study, it can be concluded that the performance of the examined material ought to be upgraded for utilization as subgrade. After checking on the financial contemplations, evacuation of the existing subgrade soil upto 0.6m and stabilization with a natural waste material such as granite cutting waste and fly ash etc. has been proposed as a subgrade soil enhancement strategy. The other suggested soil advancement strategy involves the introduction of an additional base layer.

Keywords

Subgrade Soil, California Bearing Ratio, Atterberg Limits, Maximum Dry Density, Optimum Moisture Content.

How to Cite this Article?

Sadiq, M. B., Shah, S. H. A., Khan, A., and Ahmed, A. (2020). Assessment of Subgrade Soils through California Bearing Ratio (CBR) on Gilgit-Skardu Road (Pakistan): Techniques for Improvement of Subgrade Soil Properties. i-manager's Journal on Civil Engineering, 10(2), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.10.2.16619

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