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The roadbase and sub-base are generally only divided into upper
and lower for highly trafficked roads.
The nest step is the foundation design. This can be found by
following the link below.
Introduction
The main purpose of the foundation is to distribute the applied
loads to the underlying subgrade, without causing distress to
either the foundations, the overlying layers or the subgrade.
The critical condition for a pavement foundation is whilst carrying
the construction traffic as, whilst the repetitions are low, the
stresses are applied direct to the foundation. Standard foundation
design is thus to design for the construction traffic. That is the
method described below.
Assessment Methods
The first step in the design of the foundations depends on the
situation that is causing the design.
If the road is new then the first step is the assessment of the
subgrade on which the road is to be built. This is described in the
next section and is essential to the design. If this is not carried out
correctly then the information on which the designs are based
may be incorrect.
If the road is a not a new road then the first step is the
assessment of the existing foundations. This is described later on
in the chapter and is the same procedure as the compliance
testing for a new road.
Subgrade Strength
The test involves the equipment shown below. The plunger is then
seated into the soil using a force of 50N for an expected CBR
below 30% or 250N for greater than 30%. The plunger is then
penetrated into the soil at a constant rate of 1mm/min and the
forces recorded at penetration intervals of 0.25mm. The total
penetration should not exceed 7.5mm. These results are then
compared to a standard curve for a value of 100% CBR. The
forces on the standard curve are 13.2kN at 2.5mm penetration
and 20.0kN at 5.0mm penetration. The CBR is then a simple ratio
of the corresponding values and where a difference between the
value at 2.5mm and 5mm occurs, the higher value is taken.
Annular weights are sometimes used to represent a surcharge.
For subgrades with CBR values of 15% and above the sub-base
should have a standard thickness of 150mm, a value determined
as the minimum practical for spreading and compaction.
For subgrades with CBR values in excess of 30% and a low water
table or hard rock subgrades then the sub-base may be omitted.
When designing a road of some length, it is not advisable to
frequently vary the foundation thickness but rather select an
appropriate value for each significant change in the subgrade
properties.
Compliance Testing
Of you are designing the repairs to an existing road then this is
the start point for you design. If you are designing the foundation
for a new road then you will need to test the foundation to show
that it will perform as desired. The tests used all comply with BS
1377 and reference should be made to this manual before any
tests are carried out.
In Situ Testing