Expectations
Base stabilization can be used in new construction or reconstruction. When used in reconstruction it can treat all manner of distresses in the pavement structure except drainage issues and deep subgrade instability (greater than 2 feet below the existing surface). Deep subgrade issues can be treated with FDR or base stabilization and soil stabilization. For both new construction and reconstruction, the service life of a base stabilized pavement is dependent on a good structural design. With reconstruction the adequacy of the selected treatment to mitigate the existing distress impacts the service life as well. The limiting factor of a well designed and constructed pavement with base stabilization is often the life expectancy of the wearing surface and not the stabilized layer. In optimum application situations, many agencies see their stabilized treatments lasting 25 plus years.
| Base Stabilization | Optimum Performance | Average Performance | Stop-Gap Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Distress | New Construction or any distress in the treated layer | Minor drainage and/or some subgrade instability | Drainage issues and subgrade instability |
| Depth of Distress | Extends no deeper than the treated layer | Below stabilized layer | Below stabilized layer |
| Life Extension | 25+ years | 15-25 years | 5-15 years |
EXAMPLES OF ROADS THAT HAVE BEEN TREATED WITH Base Stabilization OVER VARIOUS STAGES IN SERVICE LIFE:
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Base Stabilization on a rural road
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After image of a Stabilized Aggregate Base
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