Granular Sub-base (GSB)
Granular Sub-base (GSB) consists of laying and compacting well graded material
on prepared sub-grade in accordance with the specifications. GSB layer is
intermediate layer in between Sub-grade and Wet mix macadam. GSB layer is
laid in roads and higway works due to its properties.
Function
It acts as a drainage layer for the pavement to avoid excessive wetting and
weakening of sub grade.
Permeability requirements of Granular Sub-base (GSB) is 300m/day as
per IRC 37:2012 Flexible Pavement
Strength wise GSB is more superior as compared to the sub grade.
Material Requirement for Granular Sub-base (GSB)
River/Natural sand
Crushed Gravel
Crushed Stone
Blast Furnace slag metal
Brick metal, kankar and crushed concrete are permitted in lower sub-base.
Granular Sub-base (GSB) materials shall be free from organic or other
deleterious constituents
It shall confirm the grading requirements as per MORTH V Table 400-1
Grading I & II – Filter Layer
Gradng III, IV, V, VI- Drainage Layer
Grading Requirements-Morth V Table 400-1:
IS
Gradin Grading Grading Grading Grading Grading
Sieve (
g I II III IV V VI
mm)
75.0 100 – – – 100 –
53.0 80-100 100 100 100 80-100 100
26.5 55-90 70-100 55-75 50-80 55-90 75-100
9.50 33-65 50-80 – – 35-65 55-75
4.75 25-55 40-65 10-30 15-35 25-50 30-55
2.36 20-40 30-50 – 10-20 10-25
0.85 – – – – 2-10 –
0.425 10-15 10-15 – – 0-5 0-8
0.075 <5 <5 <5 <5 – 0-3
Types of Gradation:
Uniformly Graded:
Few points of contact
Poor interlock (shape dependent)
High permeability
Well Graded:
Good interlock
Low permeability
Gap Graded:
Only limited sizes
Good interlock
Low permeability
Quality Tests and its Frequency as per MORTH V:
Relevant IS
Test Performed Frequency of Test Limits
Code
IS 2720 As Per Morth Table 400-
Sieve Analysis 1 test per 400 cum
(Part4) 1
IS 2720
Moisture Content 1 test per 400 cum -2 to +1% of OMC
(Part2)
Aggregate Impact IS 2720 1 test per source or as
<40%
Value (Part4) required
Wet Aggregate As required (If WA >
IS 5640 <40%
Impact Value 2%)
IS 2720
Liquid Limit 1 test per 400 cum <25%
(Part5)
IS 2720
Plasticity Index 1 test per 400 cum <6%
(Part5)
IS 2720
MDD & OMC 1 test per 400 cum –
(Part8)
CBR at 98% Dry IS 2720
1 test per 400 cum >30%
Density (Part16)
IS 2386 <2% (if WA>2%, AIV is
Water Absorption 1 test per 400 cum
(Part3) required)
IS 2720
Field Dry Density 1 test per 400 cum >98% of MDD
(Part28)
Plant and Machinery Required
GSB Construction Operation
Toe Line Marking:
The toe line/fixing of pegs to mark the limits of Granular Sub Base(GSB) shall
be done before the commencement of work.
The width of pavement for toe line shall be calculated by referring the drawings
with due considerations to formation width plus the offsets and slopes of
different layer’s depth the current layer from the formation road level.
Hauling and Dumping:
The required quantity of GSB shall be calculated and informed to GSB area
mate.
Dumping pattern, such as to ensure uniform spread shall be determined and
explained to the dumping mate.
The GSB material shall be hauled to site by tippers and dumped on the bed in
predetermine pattern.
Spreading and Grading:
The material shall be mechanically (viz grader, etc.) spread in uniform layers
such that compacted thickness not exceeding 200mm – 250mm with due
consideration to loose thickness (compaction factor) of GSB.
Control pegs at every 10m along C/L shall be fixed on both sides of the bed in
such a manner that they are not disturbed by grader movement. (5m pegs are
suggested on curves).
Required level of pegs shall be marked on the pegs with suitable vertical offset.
After rough initial spreading, a cotton/nylon string (line dori) shall be held at the
marks on the control pegs at both sides.
String’s height from the bed top is measured at fixed horizontal offset from C/L.
The grader operator shall be directed according to measurement in the above
step to cut and fill at every point.
Each grader run shall overlap 1/3rd of blade length.
Watering:
The moisture content shall be checked for OMC an if it is less than required
water may be added by sprinkling and if it is more than required, shall be
exposed to sun.
Calculate the water required,
Water(L)= 1000*MDD*(OMC-NMC) *Volume of GSB
The moisture content shall be adjusted with allowance for evaporation losses
in a manner to achieve +1 % or -2% below OMC.
Compaction:
The compaction shall be done mechanically using vibratory rollers of 80-100
KN static weight for entire width of pavement.
The rolling shall commence from lower edge and proceed to upper side with
1/3rd of overlap.
Generally, 6-8 number of passes are required for compaction of 98% of Lab
MDD.
Each layer shall be tested by Sand replacement method.
Productivity
GSB Productivity : 12000 m³/month/team/shift
Grader Productivity: 90 m³/hour
Roller Productivity : 80 m³/hr
Note:
Above details are assumed for the front availability and material is not a
constraint within a 5 Km approach and 8-10 Hr of working.
