Exploring Compaction Methods for Laboratory Performance of Full Depth Reclamation

Abstract

Full depth reclamation (FDR) is a pavement recycling technique that incorporates the entire pavement section to create a rehabilitated, stabilized pavement layer. This method is cost effective, environmentally friendly, and structurally viable. Unfortunately, there is some uncertainty regarding how this composite material is classified. In this study, the material characterization of FDR was explored by comparing the effect of different compaction methods on the optimum moisture content, optimum amount of foamed asphalt or asphalt emulsion, the tensile strength, and the stability of the mixture. The superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) is typically used for the compaction of HMA samples, and the Proctor hammer is the most common method of compaction for soil samples. In addition to comparing these two methods, different sized compaction molds and varying amounts of compactive effort were considered. Samples compacted with the modified Proctor hammer produced the highest dry unit weights. Although samples compacted in the SGC had higher tensile strengths. At optimum mixture proportions, moisture conditioned samples compacted with the modified proctor hammer did not reach the minimum tensile strength requirements.

Demonstrating Field Use of the Plastic Mold Device on Full-Depth Reclamation Projects in Mississippi

“…Several research efforts are also underway to determine the most appropriate compaction method for FDR materials in a laboratory setting by evaluating the potential of gyratory compactors as well as standard or modified proctor compaction ( 16 , 17 ). However, few efforts have assessed on-site compaction methods to produce laboratory-scale specimens which can be used for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities to monitor variability during construction.…”