Laboratory Study of Hydraulic Conductivity for Coarse Aggregate Bases

Abstract

Inadequate drainage of pavement structures has been identified as a primary cause of pavement distress. Hydraulic conductivity is the most important factor controlling drainage capability. Coarse grained materials have high values of hydraulic conductivity. ASTM and AASHTO standard test methods are limited for coarse materials used in pavement bases and subbases because of their high permeability and large particle sizes and the horizontal flow in the field conditions. A large scale horizontal permeameter and a testing procedure were developed and the range of hydraulic conductivities of six base and subbase specifications made up of three material types provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation were evaluated. A horizontal permeameter (305 × 305 × 457 mm) and a testing procedure were developed to reduce errors produced by sidewall leakage, partial saturation, measurement of small head differences, and interpretation of turbulent flow as laminar flow. Fifty-four samples were tested, including various gradations of nonstabilized, portland cement stabilized, and asphalt stabilized bases made of limestone, gravel, or slag materials. The results obtained were analyzed and compared with previous research, empirical relations, and field test results of similar base and subbase materials. The comparisons and analyses indicate that the permeameter and the procedure produce representative results. Test results indicate a wide range of hydraulic conductivities for gradations at each extreme of a specification. Effective porosities were also found to be as low as 6 percent for the fine gradation of a common limestone base material.