UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 3 Research Projects

Project No.: CY3-UTEP-05
Title: Next-Generation Weather-Resistant Pavement Foundations -- High Strength and Durable Stabilized Base Courses
Performing Institution: The University of Texas at El Paso
Principal Investigator: Rajib B. Mallick and Soheil Nazarian
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 01/01/2026 to 01/15/2027 
Abstract: Durability of the pavement foundation is critical to ensuring a sustainable and resilient roadway infrastructure and minimizing life-cycle costs. This research project explores innovative techniques and materials to improve the durability of base layers, a crucial component of a typical asphalt pavement foundation. The objectives of this project are to explore cement-stabilized FDR mixes with high stiffness for base courses with enhanced resistance against shrinkage cracking. The scope of work consists of preparing and testing FDR mixes with cement (both Type I/II and Type IL) as the main stabilizer, and various concentrations of crack mitigation asphalt emulsions with high maltene content (CM-Emulsion), analyzing the results, and preparing conclusions and recommendations. The cement stabilized materials will be tested for shrinkage crack potential, compressive and indirect tensile strength, and will be evaluated for mineralogical information using XRD for each combination of test variables. The conclusions and recommendations from this study are expected to be beneficial for constructing long-lasting pavements.
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