Evaluation of Bituminous Stabilized Blow Sands and River Sands in Texas (235-2F)

This study evaluates the basic mixture properties, fatigue potential, rutting or deformation potential of several river sands and blow sands from sources throughout Texas. The mixture characterization evaluates (1)resistance to lateral flow under vertical load by means of the resistance or R value; (2) moisture damage susceptibility as indicated by the percent moisture pick-up following soaking and as indicated by stabiIity loss following vacuum saturation; and (3) air voids content. The Herrin (2) and Chevron (1) criteria for accepting aggregates as candidates for bituminous stabilization were evaluated based on the results of the mixture tests mentioned above as well as resilient modulus, fatigue, and permanent deformation testing. The resilient moduli of the selected sands were determined versus temperature. These data were compared with resilient moduli data from other bituminous stabilized aggregates as well as other traditional base materials. Laboratory resilient moduli versus temperature were coupled with field determined moduli (using nondestructive deflection measuring techniques) from severaI Iocations to evaIuate structuraI coefficients of the in situ bituminous stabilized marginal sands. Two sands representing the range of properties evaluated were subjected to permanent deformation testing using the Shell Method (23). The factors of gradation, percent fines, binder content, weighted average annual air temperature, and traffic were considered. Based on results of the testing discussed above, recommendations are made concerning the use of asphalt stabilized marginal sands.