2.6.3. Role in Pavement Support

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is shear strength?

   Hint

   Think about how soil handles force.

2. 2.

   Name one factor that affects pavement support.

   Hint

   What affects how much weight a road can hold?

3. 3.

   What is the effect of high shear strength on pavement performance?

   • Increases deformability
   • Provides good load support
   • Reduces moisture retention

   Hint

   Remember the main function of shear strength.

4. 4.

   True or False: Low shear strength soils cannot be used for pavement without stabilization.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what we learned regarding soil strength.

5. 5.

   You are designing a road over expansive clay. Propose a stabilization technique and justify its use.

   Hint

   Think about how chemical reactions can often improve material properties.

6. 6.

   How would you evaluate the shear strength of an existing subgrade? List the steps you would take.

   Hint

   Consider both field testing and lab testing for a comprehensive evaluation.