Camadas granulares desempenham um importante papel no comportamento global de pavimentos, especialmente daqueles com revestimentos delgados ou sem revestimento. Para conhecer as características de resistência e deformabilidade de materiais componentes dessas camadas são realizados ensaios triaxiais. No caso de ensaios em materiais granulares, o corpo de prova deve ter diâmetro de pelo menos cinco vezes o tamanho máximo de partícula e altura igual a duas vezes o seu diâmetro. Como as especificações do DNIT permitem o emprego de agregados de até 5 cm em camadas de brita graduada ou solo-agregado, os corpos-de-prova devem ter diâmetro de 25 cm e altura de 50 cm. Equipamentos capazes de ensaiar corpos-deprova com estas dimensões são raros no mundo e inexistiam no Brasil até 2008. Com o intuito de superar esta carência e avançar no conhecimento do comportamento mecânico de agregados graúdos, a pesquisa relatada nesta tese teve como objetivos desenvolver um equipamento triaxial de grande porte capaz de aplicar carregamentos estáticos, monotônicos e cíclicos em corpos-de-prova de grandes dimensões (25 cm x 50 cm); bem como realizar e interpretar os primeiros ensaios. A concepção e a montagem do equipamento são descritas considerando as partes principais. Também é detalhada a instrumentação utilizada composta por: duas células de carga, três transdutores de deslocamento e dois transmissores de pressão. Para os primeiros ensaios foi escolhida uma brita graduada de basalto, anteriormente utilizada em pistas experimentais solicitadas por simulador de tráfego. Ensaios em corpos-de-prova de 10 cm de diâmetro e 20 cm de altura foram realizados para comparação com resultados de ensaios em corpos-de-prova maiores, realizados no novo equipamento. Os ensaios de módulo de resiliência foram conduzidos segundo o método de ensaio do DNIT, com algumas modificações para adequá-lo ao padrão internacional. Os ensaios triaxiais monotônicos e os cíclicos de deformações permanentes foram conduzidos tanto em multiestágios, quanto em estágio único de tensões. Os resultados obtidos foram interpretados segundo diversas teorias e modelos, obtendo-se parâmetros de resistência e de deformabilidade. Uma análise mecanística utilizando os parâmetros obtidos nos ensaios permitiu analisar o comportamento do material estudado como camada de pavimento. Conclui-se que o equipamento triaxial de grande porte atende as necessidades para as quais foi projetado, permitindo obter parâmetros para caracterização do comportamento de agregados graúdos e prever desempenho de pavimentos, quanto a deformações permanentes e ruptura por cisalhamento de camadas granulares. / Unbound aggregates layers play an important role in the performance of thinly surfaced or unsurfaced pavements. In order to assess the strength-strain characteristics of soils and aggregates used in those layers, triaxial tests must be carried out on cylindrical specimens with diameter not smaller than 5 times the particle maximum size and height twice the diameter. Since Brazil National Roads Department allows using 2” aggregates in granular bases, specimens for triaxial tests should be at least 25 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height. All over the world there are only a few equipments for testing such specimens; and up to 2008 none of them in Brazil. Aiming at overcoming this deficiency and enhance the knowledge on the mechanical behavior of coarse aggregates, the objectives of research reported in this thesis were to develop a triaxial equipment capable of applying static, monotonic and repeated loadings on large specimens (25 cm x 50 cm) and perform and analyze the first tests. The design and assemblage of the equipment are describe, detailing its main components and the instrumentation, that included two load cells, three displacement transducers and two pressure transmitters. The first tests were carried out on specimens made of dense crushed aggregates, formerly used in APT test sections. Tests were also carried out on specimens with 10.0 cm diameter and 20.0 cm height, in order to compare their results to those of tests carried out in larger specimens tested in the new triaxial equipment. Resilient modulus tests were carried out according to the Brazilian standard, but some modifications were introduced to follow international patterns. Triaxial monotonic and repeated loading permanent deformation tests were carried out both in multiple stages and unique stage of stresses. The results were interpreted were calculated taking into account several theories and models, strength and strain parameters being obtained. A mechanistic analysis using parameters obtained in tests allowed analyzing the behavior of the studied aggregates making part of pavement layers. It is concluded the new triaxial equipment for large specimens fulfills the requirements that motivated its design and construction, making possible to obtain parameters for characterizing the behavior of coarse aggregates and estimating pavements performance regarding permanent deformation and shear failure of granular layers.

abstract: Recent research efforts have been directed to improve the quality of pavement design procedures by considering the transient nature of soil properties due to environmental and aging effects on pavement performance. The main purpose of this research study was to investigate the existence of subgrade soil moisture changes that may have arisen due to thermal and hydraulic gradients at the Atlantic City NAPTF and to evaluate their effect on the material stiffness and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) strength parameter of the clay subgrade materials. Laboratory data showed that at the same water content, matric suction decreases with increasing temperature; and at the same suction, hydraulic conductivity increases with increasing temperature. Models developed, together with moisture/temperature data collected from 30 sensors installed in the test facility, yielded a maximum variation of suction in field of 155 psi and changes in hydraulic conductivity from 2.9E-9 m/s at 100% saturation to 8.1E-12 at 93% saturation. The maximum variation in temperature was found to be 20.8oC at the shallower depth and decreased with depth; while a maximum variation in moisture content was found to be 3.7% for Dupont clay and 4.4% for County clay. Models developed that predicts CBR as a function of dry density and moisture content yielded a maximum variation of CBR of 2.4 for Dupont clay and 2.9 for County clay. Additionally, models were developed relating the temperature with the bulk stress and octahedral stress applied on the subgrade for dual gear, dual tandem and triple tandem gear types for different tire loads. It was found that as the temperature increases the stresses increase. A Modified Cary and Zapata model was used for predicting the resilient modulus(Mr) of the subgrade. Using the models developed and the temperature/moisture changes observed in the field, the variation of suction, bulk and octahedral stresses were estimated, along with the resilient modulus for three different gear types. Results indicated that changes in Mr as large as 9 ksi occur in the soils studied due to the combined effect of external loads and environmental condition changes. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2017

Com o crescimento dos grandes centros urbanos e expansão da ação do homem sobre a natureza, muitos projetos de engenharia se tornam inviáveis devido a inexistência de solos que atendam as solicitações necessárias no local, elevados custos de transporte e excessivos danos ambientais. Uma das alternativas existentes é a melhoria das condições destes solos e entre as múltiplas técnicas para melhoramento encontram-se os solos artificialmente cimentados, os quais têm como uma de suas mais corriqueiras utilizações em campo a resistência a solicitações cíclicas, principalmente na construção de pavimentos, o reforço de áreas suscetíveis a sismos e a fundação de estruturas costeiras. Assim esta pesquisa estuda o comportamento cíclico de uma determinada areia artificialmente cimentada, aferindo sua resistência a compressão simples, módulo cisalhante, sucção e focando nos parâmetros módulo de resiliência e vida de fadiga e busca correlacioná-los com a razão porosidade/teor volumétrico de cimento. Para tanto, foi projetado e construído um equipamento para realização dos ensaios de fadiga e calibrado outro equipamento já existente para execução de ensaios de módulo de resiliência conforme a norma vigente. Em conjunto com os resultados dos ensaios, são apresentadas uma relação de previsão do módulo com base no modelo composto de estado de tensões e correlações satisfatórias dos parâmetros cíclicos obtidos com a razão porosidade/teor volumétrico de cimento, comprovando a possibilidade de seu uso na previsão do comportamento e dosagem deste solo-cimento. / With the growth of large urban centers and expansion of human activities, many engineering projects become infeasible due to the absence of soils that meet the necessary requests on site, high transportation costs and excessive environmental damage. One of the alternatives is to improve the conditions of these soils and, among multiple improvement techniques, the artificially cemented soil is highlighted. This practice has one of its most usual applications on the field to improve materials strength to cyclic loads, especially in pavement designs, reinforcement of areas susceptible to earthquakes and foundations of coastal structures. This research studies the cyclic behavior of a artificially cemented sand, checking its compressive strength, shear modulus, suction and focusing on the resilient modulus and fatigue life parameters. Additionally it seeks to correlate them with the porosity/volumetric cement content ratio. To this end it was designed and built a device for carrying out the fatigue tests and calibrated another existing equipment to run resilient modulus tests according to current standards. Along with the tests results, a modulus prediction relationship is shown based on the composite model of stress state and good correlations of cyclic parameters obtained with the porosity/volumetric content of cement ratio are observed proving the possibility of its use for predicting behavior and dosage of this soil-cement.

Os parâmetros obtidos nos resultados de ensaios triaxiais de módulo de resiliência em solos têm sido cada vez mais utilizados no dimensionamento de pavimentos. Estes parâmetros são fundamentais em análises estruturais e mecanísticas de pavimentos. Pelas normas atuais o ensaio pode ser realizado em diversos tamanhos de corpo-de-prova contanto que respeite a relação entre diâmetro por altura 1:2 e a relação tamanho máximo de partícula por diâmetro do corpo-de-prova 1:5. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como variam os resultados de módulo de resiliência quando os ensaios são realizados em diferentes tamanhos de corpode- prova. Para realizar esta pesquisa foram utilizados quatro solos distintos ensaiados em corpos-de-prova de 7,5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm e 15 x 30 cm. Os solos escolhidos foram uma areia, um solo arenoso fino laterítico, um solo argiloso e um solo residual de granito (saibro). Todos os quatro solos são utilizados como materiais para pavimentação e são provenientes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os materiais foram caracterizados por ensaios de granulometria, peso específico real dos grãos e limites de liquidez e plasticidade. Foram realizados ensaios de compactação nas energias normal e intermediária obtendo-se assim os parâmetros de compactação para os ensaios triaxiais. Em dois dos quatro solos da pesquisa ainda se realizou ensaios de classificação MCT. Os ensaios triaxiais foram realizados com os quatro solos, em três tamanhos e com duas energias de compactação, totalizando 24 ensaios. Após revisão bibliográfica sobre modelos matemáticos de regressão, decidiu-se interpretar os resultados pelos modelos Tensão Confinante, Tensão Desvio, Modelo Teta e Modelo Composto. Dentre os quatro modelos utilizados, o Modelo Composto obteve os melhores resultados de ajuste. Realizaram-se análises dos parâmetros obtidos nos modelos pela variação do tamanho de corpo-de-prova, onde se observou um pequeno aumento dos valores de MR quando ensaiados em corpos-de-prova maiores. Realizou-se ainda uma comparação estatística entre os resultados dos ensaios triaxiais em que a principal conclusão foi de que a areia, dentre os quatro solos estudados, é considerada o único material que não varia seus módulos conforme o ensaio é realizado em diferentes tamanhos de corpo-de-prova. / The results of resilient modulus test of soils have been increasingly used in pavement design, once they are fundamental in structural and mechanistic analysis of pavements. By the current standards/protocols, the test may be performed in various sizes of test specimens as long as it respects the relationship between diameter and height ratio 1:2 and the relationship between maximum particle size and diameter of the test specimen 1:5. The aim of this study is to understand how the results of resilient modulus vary when the tests are conducted in different sizes of test specimen. In order to conduct this research, four different types of soil were used and tested in specimens of 7.5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm and 15 x 30 cm. The soils chosen were sand, fine sandy lateritic soil, clayey soil and residual soil of granite (gravel). All the four soils are used for pavement materials and are original from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The tests carried out for characterization of the materials include: grain size distribution, physical characterization and Atterberg limits. Proctor compaction test were performed in two different energies, thus obtaining the compression parameters for the compaction of the specimen. Additionally, in two of the four soils of the research, experiments of MCT classification were carried out. The resilient modulus tests were performed with the four soils in three sizes and in two compaction energies, totalizing 24 experiments. After reviewing the literature on regression mathematical models, it was decided to interpret the results from models of Confining Pressure, Deviation Stress, Teta Model and Composted Model. Among the four models used, the Composted Model showed the best fitting results. Analysis were performed considering coefficients obtained in the models versus the size of the specimen. A small increase in resilient modulus values was noticed for experiments performed with larger samples. A statistical comparison between the results of the resilient modulus tests was performed, and the main conclusion was that the sand is considered the only material among the four soils that do not vary its modules as the test is performed on different sizes of specimen.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / VÃrios fatores podem influenciar no comportamento resiliente de materiais granulares, dentre eles vale citar a umidade que pode variar de acordo com as condiÃÃes ambientais a que os pavimentos estarÃo sujeitos no campo (infiltraÃÃo de Ãgua de chuva pelas trincas do pavimento ou pelos acostamentos, variaÃÃo do nÃvel do lenÃol freÃtico, transferÃncia de umidade entre as camadas devido Ãs variaÃÃes de temperatura, etc). As variaÃÃes climÃticas sazonais podem acarretar alteraÃÃes que comprometam o desempenho do pavimento, sendo importante verificar quais os materiais locais que melhor resistem a tais variaÃÃes. Na tentativa de analisar um pavimento mais adequado Ãs caracterÃsticas regionais, o presente trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da variaÃÃo da umidade dos solos na anÃlise dos pavimentos à luz de mÃtodos empÃricos e mecanÃsticos-empÃricos. Para tanto, foram realizadas anÃlises numÃricas (atravÃs do programa de anÃlise CAP3D e do programa de dimensionamento SisPav) para determinar tensÃes e deslocamentos atuantes nos pavimentos asfÃlticos, considerando-se o efeito da variaÃÃo da umidade nos solos. Para execuÃÃo do programa experimental foram coletados solos no municÃpio de Caucaia, localizado na RegiÃo Metropolitana de Fortaleza, estado do CearÃ, que foram submetidos aos ensaios de caracterizaÃÃo, compactaÃÃo, CBR (Ãndice de Suporte CalifÃrnia) e MR (MÃdulo de ResiliÃncia). O ensaio de CBR foi realizado em diferentes condiÃÃes de imersÃo. Jà o MR dos solos foi avaliado nas umidades de compactaÃÃo e pÃs-compactaÃÃo. A partir dos resultados de laboratÃrio foram realizadas anÃlises numÃricas para determinar tensÃes e deslocamentos atuantes nos pavimentos asfÃlticos. Os resultados mostram que os valores de MR sÃo mais sensÃveis à variaÃÃo do teor de umidade para o caso de solos pertencentes ao subleito do que para os provenientes de jazidas. Os estudos mostram, ainda, que a variaÃÃo da umidade influencia nos resultados dos deslocamentos verticais, das tensÃes horizontais e verticais dos pavimentos. Verificou-se que a alteraÃÃo de  2% em termos absolutos em torno da umidade Ãtima, normalmente aceito para a compactaÃÃo do solo em campo, pode representar variaÃÃes significativas nos dimensionamentos dos pavimentos. Percebeu-se que estruturas mais esbeltas sÃo obtidas quando se considera os materiais 2% abaixo da umidade Ãtima, tanto de compactaÃÃo quanto de pÃs-compactaÃÃo. Mas esta prÃtica nÃo deve ser incentivada, pois se a umidade vier a aumentar a tendÃncia à que o pavimento seja prejudicado. / Several factors may influence the resilient behavior of granular materials, among which it is worth mentioning the moisture content. The moisture variation depends on the environmental conditions to which the pavements will be subjected in the field (infiltration of rainwater through the cracks of the pavement or shoulders, groundwater level variation, moisture transfer between layers due to temperature variations, etc.). It is well known that seasonal climatic changes can affect the performance of the pavement. Thus, it is important to choose local materials that better resist such changes. In an attempt to analyze a pavement that best suits regional characteristics, this study aims to evaluate the effects of soil moisture variation in the analysis of pavements in the light of empirical and mechanistic-empirical design methods. Numerical analyses were performed (through the programs CAP3D and SisPav) to determine stresses and displacements on asphalt pavements with different soil layers moisture contents. For the experimental program, different soils were collected in the city of Caucaia, located in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, state of CearÃ, which were subjected to the following laboratory tests: compaction, CBR (California Bearing Ratio) and MR (Resilient Modulus). CBR was conducted in different conditions of saturation. On the other hand, resilient moduli were evaluated in the compaction and post-compaction humidities. Using the results of laboratory tests, numerical analyses were performed to obtain stresses and displacements on asphalt pavements. The results show that MR values are more sensitive to variation of the moisture content in the case of subgrade soils than for those soils of deposits. The studies also show that the variation of moisture affects the results of vertical displacements, as well as horizontal and vertical stresses. It was found that the variation of  2%, in absolute terms around the optimum moisture normally accepted for soil compaction in the field, may represent significant variations in the design of flexible pavements. It was also observed that slender structures are obtained when considering materials 2% below the optimum moisture content in compaction and in post-compaction cases. But this practice should not be encouraged, because if moisture increases the pavement will probably be damaged.

Os parâmetros obtidos nos resultados de ensaios triaxiais de módulo de resiliência em solos têm sido cada vez mais utilizados no dimensionamento de pavimentos. Estes parâmetros são fundamentais em análises estruturais e mecanísticas de pavimentos. Pelas normas atuais o ensaio pode ser realizado em diversos tamanhos de corpo-de-prova contanto que respeite a relação entre diâmetro por altura 1:2 e a relação tamanho máximo de partícula por diâmetro do corpo-de-prova 1:5. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender como variam os resultados de módulo de resiliência quando os ensaios são realizados em diferentes tamanhos de corpode- prova. Para realizar esta pesquisa foram utilizados quatro solos distintos ensaiados em corpos-de-prova de 7,5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm e 15 x 30 cm. Os solos escolhidos foram uma areia, um solo arenoso fino laterítico, um solo argiloso e um solo residual de granito (saibro). Todos os quatro solos são utilizados como materiais para pavimentação e são provenientes do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os materiais foram caracterizados por ensaios de granulometria, peso específico real dos grãos e limites de liquidez e plasticidade. Foram realizados ensaios de compactação nas energias normal e intermediária obtendo-se assim os parâmetros de compactação para os ensaios triaxiais. Em dois dos quatro solos da pesquisa ainda se realizou ensaios de classificação MCT. Os ensaios triaxiais foram realizados com os quatro solos, em três tamanhos e com duas energias de compactação, totalizando 24 ensaios. Após revisão bibliográfica sobre modelos matemáticos de regressão, decidiu-se interpretar os resultados pelos modelos Tensão Confinante, Tensão Desvio, Modelo Teta e Modelo Composto. Dentre os quatro modelos utilizados, o Modelo Composto obteve os melhores resultados de ajuste. Realizaram-se análises dos parâmetros obtidos nos modelos pela variação do tamanho de corpo-de-prova, onde se observou um pequeno aumento dos valores de MR quando ensaiados em corpos-de-prova maiores. Realizou-se ainda uma comparação estatística entre os resultados dos ensaios triaxiais em que a principal conclusão foi de que a areia, dentre os quatro solos estudados, é considerada o único material que não varia seus módulos conforme o ensaio é realizado em diferentes tamanhos de corpo-de-prova. / The results of resilient modulus test of soils have been increasingly used in pavement design, once they are fundamental in structural and mechanistic analysis of pavements. By the current standards/protocols, the test may be performed in various sizes of test specimens as long as it respects the relationship between diameter and height ratio 1:2 and the relationship between maximum particle size and diameter of the test specimen 1:5. The aim of this study is to understand how the results of resilient modulus vary when the tests are conducted in different sizes of test specimen. In order to conduct this research, four different types of soil were used and tested in specimens of 7.5 x 15 cm, 10 x 20 cm and 15 x 30 cm. The soils chosen were sand, fine sandy lateritic soil, clayey soil and residual soil of granite (gravel). All the four soils are used for pavement materials and are original from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The tests carried out for characterization of the materials include: grain size distribution, physical characterization and Atterberg limits. Proctor compaction test were performed in two different energies, thus obtaining the compression parameters for the compaction of the specimen. Additionally, in two of the four soils of the research, experiments of MCT classification were carried out. The resilient modulus tests were performed with the four soils in three sizes and in two compaction energies, totalizing 24 experiments. After reviewing the literature on regression mathematical models, it was decided to interpret the results from models of Confining Pressure, Deviation Stress, Teta Model and Composted Model. Among the four models used, the Composted Model showed the best fitting results. Analysis were performed considering coefficients obtained in the models versus the size of the specimen. A small increase in resilient modulus values was noticed for experiments performed with larger samples. A statistical comparison between the results of the resilient modulus tests was performed, and the main conclusion was that the sand is considered the only material among the four soils that do not vary its modules as the test is performed on different sizes of specimen.

Camadas granulares desempenham um importante papel no comportamento global de pavimentos, especialmente daqueles com revestimentos delgados ou sem revestimento. Para conhecer as características de resistência e deformabilidade de materiais componentes dessas camadas são realizados ensaios triaxiais. No caso de ensaios em materiais granulares, o corpo de prova deve ter diâmetro de pelo menos cinco vezes o tamanho máximo de partícula e altura igual a duas vezes o seu diâmetro. Como as especificações do DNIT permitem o emprego de agregados de até 5 cm em camadas de brita graduada ou solo-agregado, os corpos-de-prova devem ter diâmetro de 25 cm e altura de 50 cm. Equipamentos capazes de ensaiar corpos-deprova com estas dimensões são raros no mundo e inexistiam no Brasil até 2008. Com o intuito de superar esta carência e avançar no conhecimento do comportamento mecânico de agregados graúdos, a pesquisa relatada nesta tese teve como objetivos desenvolver um equipamento triaxial de grande porte capaz de aplicar carregamentos estáticos, monotônicos e cíclicos em corpos-de-prova de grandes dimensões (25 cm x 50 cm); bem como realizar e interpretar os primeiros ensaios. A concepção e a montagem do equipamento são descritas considerando as partes principais. Também é detalhada a instrumentação utilizada composta por: duas células de carga, três transdutores de deslocamento e dois transmissores de pressão. Para os primeiros ensaios foi escolhida uma brita graduada de basalto, anteriormente utilizada em pistas experimentais solicitadas por simulador de tráfego. Ensaios em corpos-de-prova de 10 cm de diâmetro e 20 cm de altura foram realizados para comparação com resultados de ensaios em corpos-de-prova maiores, realizados no novo equipamento. Os ensaios de módulo de resiliência foram conduzidos segundo o método de ensaio do DNIT, com algumas modificações para adequá-lo ao padrão internacional. Os ensaios triaxiais monotônicos e os cíclicos de deformações permanentes foram conduzidos tanto em multiestágios, quanto em estágio único de tensões. Os resultados obtidos foram interpretados segundo diversas teorias e modelos, obtendo-se parâmetros de resistência e de deformabilidade. Uma análise mecanística utilizando os parâmetros obtidos nos ensaios permitiu analisar o comportamento do material estudado como camada de pavimento. Conclui-se que o equipamento triaxial de grande porte atende as necessidades para as quais foi projetado, permitindo obter parâmetros para caracterização do comportamento de agregados graúdos e prever desempenho de pavimentos, quanto a deformações permanentes e ruptura por cisalhamento de camadas granulares. / Unbound aggregates layers play an important role in the performance of thinly surfaced or unsurfaced pavements. In order to assess the strength-strain characteristics of soils and aggregates used in those layers, triaxial tests must be carried out on cylindrical specimens with diameter not smaller than 5 times the particle maximum size and height twice the diameter. Since Brazil National Roads Department allows using 2” aggregates in granular bases, specimens for triaxial tests should be at least 25 cm in diameter and 50 cm in height. All over the world there are only a few equipments for testing such specimens; and up to 2008 none of them in Brazil. Aiming at overcoming this deficiency and enhance the knowledge on the mechanical behavior of coarse aggregates, the objectives of research reported in this thesis were to develop a triaxial equipment capable of applying static, monotonic and repeated loadings on large specimens (25 cm x 50 cm) and perform and analyze the first tests. The design and assemblage of the equipment are describe, detailing its main components and the instrumentation, that included two load cells, three displacement transducers and two pressure transmitters. The first tests were carried out on specimens made of dense crushed aggregates, formerly used in APT test sections. Tests were also carried out on specimens with 10.0 cm diameter and 20.0 cm height, in order to compare their results to those of tests carried out in larger specimens tested in the new triaxial equipment. Resilient modulus tests were carried out according to the Brazilian standard, but some modifications were introduced to follow international patterns. Triaxial monotonic and repeated loading permanent deformation tests were carried out both in multiple stages and unique stage of stresses. The results were interpreted were calculated taking into account several theories and models, strength and strain parameters being obtained. A mechanistic analysis using parameters obtained in tests allowed analyzing the behavior of the studied aggregates making part of pavement layers. It is concluded the new triaxial equipment for large specimens fulfills the requirements that motivated its design and construction, making possible to obtain parameters for characterizing the behavior of coarse aggregates and estimating pavements performance regarding permanent deformation and shear failure of granular layers.

<p> The central theme of the study is to identify strength-stiffness correlations for chemically treated subgrade soils in Indiana. This was done by conducting Unconfined Compression (UC) tests and resilient modulus tests for soils collected at three different sites, namely : US 31, SR 37 and I-65. At each site, soil samples were obtained from 11 locations at 30 ft spacing. The soils were treated in the laboratory with cement, using the same proportions used for construction, and cured for 7 and 28 days before testing. Results from the UC tests were compared with the resilient modulus results that were available. No direct correlation was found between resilient modulus and UCS parameters for the soils investigated in this study. A brief statistical analysis of the results was conducted, and a simple linear regression model involving the soil characteristics (plasticity index, optimum moisture content and maximum dry density) along with UCS and resilient modulus parameters was proposed.  </p>

A laboratory test program was undertaken to evaluate a series of engineering properties over a range of soil types; amendment types and addition rates; and moisture contents to enhance understanding of the engineering significance of polymer amendment. Four soils were manufactured and tested with varying ranges of fines and plasticity. A proprietary elastic copolymer was tested at addition rates of 0.5% to 2.5% (dry weight basis). Cement was tested at addition rates of 1% to 4%. Lime was tested at an 8% addition rate. Water addition rates ranged from 4% dry of optimum to 4% wet of optimum. Engineering properties determined throughout the test program included dry unit weight / moisture content relationships through compaction tests; shear strength through unconfined compression strength tests and direct shear tests; durability through freeze-thaw and wet-dry durability tests; and stiffness through resilient modulus tests and through interpretation of the unconfined compression and direct shear test results. The addition of polymer altered the optimum moisture content of the soils. Change in optimum moisture content ranged from 0.51 to 1.27 times the control water demand. The dry unit weight of polymer amended specimens ranged from 0.97 to 1.01 times their respective control dry unit weight. The peak strength of polymer amended specimens ranged from 1.02 to 18.4 times the control strength. The peak wet-dry and freeze-thaw durability of polymer amended specimens ranged from 6.8 to 10.8 times the control durability. The addition of polymer increased the peak initial stiffness of specimens to approximately 3 times the control stiffness. However, the stiffness was reduced to 0.68 times the control stiffness with dynamic repeated loading through the resilient modulus test. The polymer addition rate required to achieve peak engineering performance ranged from 0.5% to 2.5%, based on soil type. Polymer modified the engineering properties of soil through physical bonding. The amount of polymer required to modify the engineering properties was directly related to specific surface and soil particle coating thickness. It was determined that polymer amendment had an optimal addition rate that resulted in the greatest increase in engineering parameters. The addition rate was optimum when polymer was applied at rates high enough to sufficiently coat all soil particle surfaces, but at rates low enough that it did not cause additional particle separation. Overall, polymer amendment of soil improved or maintained all tested engineering parameters, except the resilient modulus, of all soils. Polymer amended soils displayed a reduced performance compared to cement amended soils, and an improved performance compared to lime amended soils.

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has fully implemented the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for pavement design but has been using primarily level-three design inputs obtained from correlations to aggregate base materials developed at the national level. UDOT was interested in investigating correlations between laboratory measurements of resilient modulus, California bearing ratio (CBR), and other material properties specific to base materials commonly used in Utah; therefore, a statewide testing program was needed. The objectives of this research were to 1) determine the resilient modulus of several representative aggregate base materials in Utah and 2) investigate correlations between laboratory measurements of resilient modulus, CBR, and other properties of the tested materials. Two aggregate base materials were obtained from each of the four UDOT regions. Important material properties, including particle-size distribution, soil classification, and the moisture-density relationship, were investigated for each of the sampled aggregate base materials. The CBR and resilient modulus of each aggregate base material were determined in general accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials D1883 and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials T 307, respectively. After all of the data were collected, several existing models were evaluated to determine if one or more of them could be used to predict the resilient modulus values measured in this research. Statistical analyses were also performed to investigate correlations between measurements of resilient modulus, CBR, and other properties of the tested aggregate base materials, mainly including aspects of the particle-size distributions and moisture-density relationships. A set of independent predictor variables was analyzed using both stepwise regression and best subset analysis to develop a model for predicting resilient modulus. After a suitable model was developed, it was analyzed to determine the sensitivity of the model coefficients to the individual data points. For the aggregate base materials tested in this research, the average resilient modulus varied from 16.0 to 25.6 ksi. Regarding the correlation between resilient modulus and CBR, the test results show that resilient modulus and CBR are not correlated for the materials tested in this research. Therefore, a new model was developed to predict the resilient modulus based on the percent passing the No. 200 sieve, particle diameter corresponding to 30 percent finer, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density (MDD), and ratio of dry density to MDD. Although the equation may not be applicable for values outside the ranges of the predictor variables used to develop it, it is expected to provide UDOT with reasonable estimates of resilient modulus values for aggregate base materials similar to those tested in this research.