2.14. Summary of Key Soil Parameters in Pavement Design

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does gradation refer to in soils?

   Hint

   Think about how the size of soil particles might affect construction.

2. 2.

   What are Atterberg limits used to measure?

   Hint

   What property helps in understanding how soil behaves with moisture changes?

3. 3.

   What does high shear strength in soil indicate?

   • Good load support capacity
   • Poor drainage abilities
   • High compressibility

   Hint

   Consider the characteristics of a strong foundation.

4. 4.

   True or False: Gradation affects both drainage and compaction in soils.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   What do we want to happen to water when the rain falls on a road?

5. 5.

   You are tasked with designing a pavement over a clayey subgrade with a high PI. What measures would you implement to ensure the pavement remains durable and what tests would you perform?

   Hint

   What characteristics should you consider about your soil's expansion potential?

6. 6.

   If a soil has a CBR of 8%, what would you conclude about its suitability for heavy traffic pavements?

   Hint

   Consider the general thresholds for CBR values and their implications.