Samples of laterite soils from the quarries of Lam-Lam and Mont-Rolland (Thiès Department/Western Senegal) were investigated in the laboratory following the standard procedures suggested by the French norms. The main objective was directed at evaluating the geotechnical properties and the suitability for use as aggregates in road construction. The investigation revealed low load-bearing capacity (CBR of 61-65) as the primary technical parameter that constrained their suitability in road structure based on the general technical specifications. The bulk material meets the requirement for use as aggregates in road sub-grades, but does not fulfill the criteria for use as sub-bases in road construction; thus there is the need for necessary pretreatment in order to enhance their mechanical performance. The observed low bearing capacity can be attributed to the relative abundance of fines particles which tends to decrease the mechanical resistance and performance of aggregates, particularly in wet conditions.
This study is carried out to appreciate the coarse elements influence of the gravel lateritic soils on the pavement behavior. The material involves not only the 0/20 mm granular particles considered in the specifications and on the laboratory tests, but also all of the material that is actually used in the construction sites. Geotechnical characterization was leaned on five differentiated granular classes of 0/20; 0/25; 0/31.5; 0/40 and 0/63 mm diameters. The sample of 0/40 mm gets the best compaction aptitude, while that of 0/31.5 mm reaches the greatest bearing strength and a good Optimum Moisture Content. According to the requirements and its bearing strengths, the material is usable up to subbase layer and its behavior depends on the grain size.
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