FEM Modelling of Stabilization of Flexible Pavements with RBI Grade-81

Due to the non-availability of coarse-grained soils in large quantities, it is imperative nowadays to use fine-grained soils for embankment-related work. The presence of clay minerals in fine-grained soils makes its behaviour more complex. Five expansive soils having different clay mineralogy were selected based on physical and index properties. RBI Grade-81 admixture is blended in different percentages of weight with the soils. The blended soils were kept for a maturation period for equilibration. Compaction tests were conducted (SP, RSP, MP and RMP) on the blended soils. The compaction characteristics of these soils that are maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) were determined for various compaction energies, including standard Proctor (SP), modified Proctor (MP), reduced standard Proctor (RSP), and reduced modified Proctor (RMP). The soil compacted to different energy levels with reference to MDD and OMC was kept for the soaked condition. The CBR tests were conducted on the soaked soils. In the current experimental study, the compaction characteristics and CBR were linked with the index properties of soils. Regardless of the soils’ clay mineralogy, the plastic limit can be better connected with compaction characteristics than the liquid limit. Reduction in thickness of pavement ranging from onefold to fourfolds was observed, for the compacted subgrade soils having different clay mineralogy blended with admixture, which saves associated time and cost. FEM modelling was carried out for different dynamic loading conditions with particular reference to material composition to compare the results of the experimental study.