Analysis of Subgrades with Low Bearing Capacity of 3% Stabilised with Neo Soil and Polyacrylamide for the Characterisation of the Mechanical Properties of Rigid Pavements in Urban Areas

Elihel Abdi Z.M.; Panez Ricaldi D.J.; Cahuana M.C.; Alcoser Porras M.R. · SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (2025) · DOI: 10.14445/23488352/ijce-v12i12p103

Resumen

Access to adequate road infrastructure remains a challenge in many regions of Peru, especially in the province of Huancayo, where highly plastic silty and clayey soils predominate. The soils retain moisture, have a weak structure, and are easily deformable, which makes building and maintaining durable pavements in an urban setting especially challenging. In light of this issue, this study aimed to understand and characterise the empirical relations of mechanically stabilised sub-bases with 3% bearing capacity, using a combination of Neo Soil and polyacrylamide, to determine the possible use of such sub-bases in urban rigid pavements. Accordingly, preliminary characterisation tests such as granulometry, Atterberg limits, and moisture content were deployed, and then sub-bases of different mixtures of the two additives were tested. The modified Proctor and CBR tests were then employed to measure the strengths gained in the sub-bases. The extensive statistical tests employed to fully understand the data obtained were Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, Tukey, fragility curve, and CBR. The results showed significant improvements in bearing capacity, particularly for highly plastic clay, which, with the combination of 0.6% polyacrylamide and 6% Neo Soil, increased the CBR by 250.00% at 100% compaction. This finding was statistically confirmed by Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey tests and reinforced by fragility curves, which showed its better performance compared to the other soils evaluated. Consequently, these findings demonstrate that the combined use of these additives significantly improves the mechanical behaviour of problematic soils in urban contexts. However, due to the natural variability of soils, it is recommended that additional studies be conducted in different locations and that their long-term performance be evaluated in order to consolidate their implementation as a replicable solution in road infrastructure.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental