Mechanical and Physical Evaluations of Fine Sand-RAP Blends for Subgrade and Subbase Applications

Mohamed H. Zakaria; Mostafa El-Fewy; Sabry Fayed; Ali Basha

doi:10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-05-017

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Mohamed H. Zakaria
mohammed_hamed@eng.kfs.edu.eg
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33511, Egypt
Mostafa El-Fewy Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33511, Egypt
Sabry Fayed Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33511, Egypt
Ali Basha Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, 33511, Egypt

Vol. 11 No. 5 (2025): May

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Fine sand has a low load-bearing capacity and tends to deform easily, limiting its use in road construction. Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) may offer a sustainable solution to improve these properties. Accordingly, the primary objective is to assess how varying RAP content affects the gradation, compaction, bearing capacity, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of sand-RAP blends. RAP contents ranged from 0% to 100% by weight. The results show that integrating RAP improves sand gradation, making it suitable for subgrade layers, with mixtures containing 40%-60% RAP meeting subbase requirements. CBR increases significantly with RAP, from 8.78% in fine sand to 41.67% at 100% RAP. Dry density also improves by 12%-16% with 40%-60% RAP, while optimum moisture content (OMC) decreases by over 30%. Bearing capacity increases significantly with RAP content. At 40%-60% RAP, increases range from 299.53% to 411.83% (D_r = 60%) and 243.69% to 318.43% (D_r = 90%). RAP inclusion enhances stiffness, peaking at 530% (Dr = 60%) and 326% (D_r= 90%) between 40%-60% RAP. Initial gains are steady at 10%-30% RAP, but diminishing returns occur beyond 50% RAP. Generally, notable performance is achieved at 40% RAP, while 50% RAP ensures optimal stiffness and structural integrity, with diminishing returns afterward.

Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-05-017

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Mechanical and Physical Evaluations of Fine Sand-RAP Blends for Subgrade and Subbase Applications

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