Application of Cementitious Materials for Stabilization of Soil in Flexible Pavement: A Review

The depletion of natural aggregates as a result of their widespread use in road construction has prompted the introduction of non-traditional materials. The use of treated soil in the subbase and base course of flexible pavement can significantly reduce natural aggregate consumption and construction cost. This article reviews the use of several cementitious binders, such as lime, cement, copper slag, dolime, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and steel slag to stabilize poor soil for the base and subbase layers of road pavement. The results from various researchers indicated an increase in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and resilient modulus (Mr) with the addition of cementitious binder and curing period. The use of binders to stabilize virgin soil for road pavement is well suited for sustainable construction as it meets the IRC standards along with its economic benefits. This study will help researchers and engineers choose the best binders for stabilizing poor soil to be used in road pavement applications.