Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon) 2019

Determination of Optimum Design Parameters for

Semi Rigid Pavement
K. I. Pradeep Wasantha K. Mampearachchi
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering
University of Moratuwa University of Moratuwa
Moratuwa, Sri Lanka Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
140473m@uom.lk wasanthak@uom.lk

AbstractPreparation of the porous asphalt skeleton and

cement grout for void filling are two major parts in the design C. Construction Process
of Semi Rigid Pavement. Finding the optimum mix ratios for The porous asphalt mixture is produced in an asphalt
cement grout and the level of compaction for asphalt mixtures batching plant and is placed using an asphalt concrete paver.
were the objectives of this research. This paper mainly Then several roller passes from a steel wheel roller (3-tonne
deliberates the design of experiments, data collection and maximum) are done to achieve the required air voids.
analysis of semi rigid pavements mixtures. Workability test and
compressive strength of cement grout and compressive strength, After the asphalt mixture gets cooled, the cement grout is
indirect tensile strength and qualitative measurements of semi poured on to the asphalt layer. A plate compactor can be used
rigid mixtures were considered in the designing of the semi rigid to fill the voids with the selected cement grout.
pavement mixtures. And also, to confirm the cement grout
mixture composition, the penetration capability of cement grout
A rough surface texture will also be achievable after
and visual observations were studied. Optimum cement content, removing the excess grout [2].To improve the skid resistance,
void filled with cement grout and the stability of the asphalt the surface should be mechanically textured.
mixture for early age traffic were the other factors considered D. Areas of Application
in the selection of the compaction level of the porous asphalt
mixture. 20 blows in marshal compaction, 5% Silica fume, 0.39 Semi rigid pavement can be used for vehicular pavements,
water/cement ratio and 2ml/kg A & F type admixture were industrial and warehouse floorings, fuel depots and
selected for the semi rigid mixture design. commercial gasoline stations, city plazas and malls, railway
KeywordsSemi Rigid Pavement, porous asphalt skeleton, stations, air field pavement and port facilities.
aggregate gradation, penetration, indirect tensile strength,
Further, road junctions, bus stops, zebra crossings and
compressive strength
areas with toll gates in expressways are the recommended
I. INTRODUCTION areas for application.
A. What is Semi Rigid Pavement ? E. Problem Statement
The semi rigid pavement is a composite pavement material Even though the Semi Rigid Ppavement is considered as
consisting of porous asphalt concrete with 25-30 % air voids, an alternative road surfacing method, a proper mix design
filled with a cementitious grouting material [1]. guideline is not available. Research finding shows the use of
various ingredient for the mix designs. However, there is a
B. Importance of Semi Rigid Pavement need for research to find the optimum ratios for the mixture of
A summary of the advantages of semi pavement design in design parameters.
listed in TABLE I which was introduced by D. Q. Wu [1].
F. Objective
TABLE I. COMPARISON WITH FLEXIBLE AND RIGID PAVEMENTS This study aims to select the optimum cement grout mix
(optimum quantity of ingredients: admixtures and optimum
Portland
Compared Properties
Asphalt
Cement
Semi Rigid water cement ratio) and level of compaction to maximize the
Concrete Pavement penetration of the cement grout to the porous asphalt to enable
Concrete
Resistance to the usage of the optimum amount of cement grout while
Poor Good Good
rutting/deformation maintaining sufficient strength during the curing period for
Skid resistance properties Good Poor Good early age traffic.
Resistance to petroleum Poor Good Good G. Methodology
Resistance to moisture
damage
Poor Good Good Aggregate gradation, bitumen content, value variance for
Maintenance and repair Easy Difficult Easy
w/c ratio, admixtures and casting method were selected from
previous researches.
Lifespan
Lower Higher High
Different samples of cement grout were prepared by
Flexural strength changing the water to cement ratio, admixture ratio, cement
Low High High
properties
Expansion joints
content, silica fume and fly ash content. Afterwards the
No Need No workability and compressive strength tests were performed.
Installation and open to Within 0.5-3.0
traffic hours months
24 hours After observing the results of grouting material, semi rigid
Maintenance cost High Low Low
asphalt concrete samples were prepared for various

978-1-7281-3632-5/19/$31.00 ©2019 IEEE

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compaction levels. Subsequently, the penetration capability TABLE II. AGGREGATE GRADATION FOR SEMI RIGID PAVEMENT
test, compressive strength test (ASTMC39), indirect tensile Sieve Size Passing percentages Specifications limits (%)
strength (ASTM D1423) were conducted to accomplish the 23 mm 100
optimum cement grout mix. Finally, the results were 19.0 mm 63.6
evaluated, and the optimum mix design and optimum level of 16.0mm 49.7
compaction were selected. 13.2 mm 40.6
9.5 mm 18.6
II. LITERATURE REVIEW 4.75 mm 12.7
2.36 mm 11.1
Since the semi rigid pavement design is an emerging 1.18 mm 8.1
technology, the literature on this topic is quite limited. 600um 5.4
300um 4.1
A. Design 75um 2.7
1) Air Void Content
TABLE III. INDIRECT TENSILE STRENGTH LIMITS
Dong Qing Wu presented that the semi rigid pavement is
a composite material consisting of a porous asphalt concrete Indirect tensile strength
with air voids between 25%-30% [1]. Likewise, Wang Lei Material Test temperature (ºC)
(KPa)
recommended the air void content to be between 25% to 35%
[3]. RMP 2 2525
RMP 25 1561
2) Aggregate Gradation
RMP 40 571
Aggregate gradation presented in TABLE II was used by
Dissanayake in his research [4]. TABLE IV. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SEMI RIGID PAVEMENT FOR
DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROUTS
3) Bitumen Content
Compressive strength (MPa)
Dong Qing Wu presented that the bitumen content with
60/70 penetration is 3.6% to 4.6% by weight [1]. Wang Lei Material 1day 7days 28days
concluded in his research, the optimum asphalt content as curing curing curing
3.6% [3]. A previous research followed by Dissanayake had HL/OPC-GM 8.77 11.80 11.85
concluded the bitumen content as 3.7% [4]. HL/SF-GM 8.82 10.76 13.82
4) Water Cement Ratio HL/FA&SF-GM 7.18 9.66 13.71
HL/Poz-GM 8.71 11.07 13.82
Gary Lee Anderton stated in his research that w/c ratio
should be within 0.65 to 0.75 [2]. A research on super TABLE V. TEST LIMITS FOR CEMENT GROUT
plasticized blended cement grout for semi rigid pavements
Property Curi Chemili Code Project Project
stated that the water/binder ratio shall be between 0.3 and 0.36 and Code ng nk SS- of tender tender
[5] .Wang Lei stated that water-cement ratio has to be time 141 Practi document document
controlled within the range of 0.7-0.8 [3]. ce for (b) (c)
works
B. Strength Properties (a)
Workabili - >27cm - - -
1) Indirect tensile strength of semi rigid pavement
ty (JASS
Gary Lee Anderton states that the tensile strength of the 15 M103)
Semi Rigid pavement decreases with the rising of the Compressi 7- 100-120 - - >40MPa
ve days MPa
temperature, similar to the typical dense graded asphalt strength
concrete mixtures. The sample results were obtained after 28 BS EN 28- 120-140 >110 40-50 MPa -
days [2]. Results were summarized in TABLE III. 12190 days MPa MPa
The testing procedure used to find the tensile strength by
Gary Lee Anderton was ASTM D1423 Indirect tension test
for resilient modulus of bituminous paving mixtures TABLE VI. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH LIMITS FOR SEMI RGID
PAVEMENT
2) Compressive strength of semi rigid pavement
Properties Cur Chemili Code Project Project
A. Setyawan describes in his research that the compressive ing nk SS- of tender tender
strength can change by changing the type of cement grout, tim 141 Practi document( document
bitumen type and aggregate types as in TABLE IV [6]. e ce for b) (c)
works
The limits for compressive strength of cement grout and (a)
semi rigid pavement were mentioned in a code of practice Compressiv 8- 9-12.5 - - -
e strength day MPa
followed in Singapore tabulated in the TABLE V and TABLE BS EN s
VI presented by Dong Qing Wu [1]. 12190 28- 10-14.5 7-10 >7 MPa 7-10MPa
day MPa MPa
s

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 III. DESIGN OF THE STUDY
A. Selection of Optimum Grout Mix
Following factors clarify why two properties are chosen to
select the optimum cement grout.
• Workability - To obtain a good semi rigid pavement,
the cement grout should have better penetration to
the voids in the porous asphalt mixture. For that
cement grout should have a high workability.
• Compressive strength - In rigid pavement the main
factor which is considered is the compressive
strength. Therefore, the compressive strength of the
design must be established. About 1/4th of the semi
rigid pavement content comprises of cement grout.
Impact of the cement grout affects the strength of the
design.
1) Ingredients
In this research Ordinary Portland Cement was used.
Further, silica fume was used because silica fume is a highly
effective pozzolanic material, resulting in strength and
durability [7]. Additionally, Fly Ash was used as a
cementitious material [8]. Class A & F types of admixture
were used according to ASTM C494 to increase the
workability and strength.
2) Grout Preparation
Firstly, cement and water were used to test workability.
W/C ratio varied between 0.5-0.58 by 0.02 intervals. Next
silica fume of 5%, 10% and 15% were used from the cement
mass as cementitious material with different w/c ratios.
Similarly, fly ash was also used as a filler material by changing
the percentage with the cement mass. (10%-30%) with 0.50-
0.58 w/c ratio. Since the required workability could not be
obtained, a super plasticizer which increases the workability
and acts as a water reducing admixture, was used with 2ml,
4ml, 8ml quantities per 1kg of cement.
3) Workability Test
JASS15 M103 method was carried out to find the
workability of cement grout. A hollow cylinder with a 50mm
inside diameter and a 51mm in height, a flow table, and tape
were the needed material for the test. The cylinder was placed
on the center of the flow table. Then it was filled with prepared
cement grout and the mold was lifted vertically upward
slowly. Finally, the diameter of the spreading grout was
measured.
4) Compressive Strength Test
ASTM C942 test was followed to test the compressive
strength of cement grout. 70x70x70mm cubes were casted and
tested in 7 days and 28 days to find the compressive strength
of cement grout.
B. Casting Porous Asphalt Samples
Approximately 1200g of sieved aggregates and filler was
heated to a temperature of 175-1900C. Bitumen was heated up
to a temperature of 121-1250C. The heated aggregates and
bitumen were thoroughly mixed at a temperature of 154-
1600C. The mixture was placed in a preheated mold and
compacted using the automatic marshal compactor with
specified blows on either side at a temperature of 138-1490C.
The prepared samples were kept in a mold for 24 hours or until
9
they cooled. A number of samples were prepared for different
compaction levels (blows 20, 30, 35 and 50).
C. Sample Grouting
Molds which were used to cast porous asphalt samples
were used here for grouting. Then the asphalt sample was
inserted in to the mold and one side was covered with a plastic
paper circle.
Subsequently, the prepared cement grout was slowly poured
on to the sample. When inserting the grout, a vibrating table
was utilized to ensure better penetration. After 24 hours the
sample was removed and was kept in water for curing.
D. Penetration Capability Test
1) Void ratio calculation
Following equations according to Asphalt institute 1989
were used to calculate voids in the porous asphalt skeleton and
further penetration capability [2].
Gsb =100/(P1/G1 + P1/G1 ++ Pn/Gn) (1)
Gsb - Apparent specific gravity of aggregate blend
P1, P2, Pn - Respective percentages of aggregate stockpiles
1, 2, etc.
G1, G2, Gn - Respective apparent specific gravity of
aggregate stockpiles 1,2 etc.
Gmm = Pmm /(Ps/Gsb + Pb/Gb) (2)
Gmm - Maximum theoretical specific gravity of asphalt
concrete mixture (no air voids)
Pmm - Total loose mixture, percent by total weight of
mixture (100%)
Gsb - Apparent specific gravity of aggregate
Ps - Aggregate, percent by total weight of mixture
Pb - Asphalt percent by total weight of mixture
Gb - Specific gravity of asphalt
VTM = 100  100/(Wtair / (Volume × Gmm)) (3)
VTM - Voids in Total Mix
Wtair - Dry weight of specimen
2) Penetration Capability
Penetration = (Volume of grout filled /Volume of air voids)
× 100 (4)
E. Strength Properties of Semi Rigid Pavement
1) Indirect tensile strength test
ASTM D6931-17 Standard Test Method for Indirect
Tensile Strength of Asphalt Mixtures was followed to find
the indirect tensile strength of semi rigid pavement.
The grouted samples were kept in water for 28 days to
cure. After 28 days, all samples were cut in to 50mm height.
When cutting the sample, it is essential to consider the level
of the cut surface of the sample. The recommended test
temperature is 250C.
 Then the sample was kept between two loading plates
symmetrically balanced for both sides. Vertical compressive
load was applied until the maximum load was recorded
The indirect tensile strength of each sample was calculated
using the (5).

TS = 2P/
tD (5)

P - Ultimate load required to fail specimen (N)

t - Thickness of specimen (m)
D - Diameter of the cylindrical sample (mm)

2) Compressive Strength Test

The grouted samples were kept in water for 7 days to cure. Fig. 1. Workability of cement grout + Silica fume with W/C Ratio
After 7 days, all samples (102.4mm in diameter) were cut in
to a 50mm height. 2 caps (1-2mm) were placed on the top and
bottom of the sample using Plaster of Paris to level the surface.
According to ASTM C39, the compressive strength of
each sample was calculated using (6).

C = 4P/
D2 (6)

P - Failure Load (KN)

D - Diameter of the cylindrical sample (mm)
Since the height of the samples is 50mm, according to
ASTM C42 the above compressive strength values were
adjusted using a correction factor.
IV. DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS Fig. 2. Workabiltiy of cement grout + Fly Ash with W/C Ratio
A. Workability of Cement Grout
3) Workability with Silica Fume + Admixture
1) Workability with silica fume
According to the guidelines given by the manufacturer
According to Fig. 1, it can be concluded that workability about the admixture dosage (0.4-0.9L per 100Kg of cement),
increases with w/c ratio but decreases with the increase of firstly 8ml per 1Kg of cement was used. Even though
silica fume dosage. It is because the addition of silica fume workability is high for that mix proportion, the mixture
increases the density of mixture [7]. stiffened within a short period of time (2-3 minutes).
However, 5% of Silica fume was the optimum percentage Subsequently, the admixture dosage was reduced to 4 ml. Yet
when silica fume was used as a cementitious material. Even there was a tendency in mixtures with a water to cement ratio
though 0% silica fume dosage gives high values, for the more than 0.3 to bleed.
compressive strength of cement grout, minimum dosage of Again, the admixture dosage was reduced to 2 ml and the
silica fume must be used. test was repeated. No experimental difficulties arose.
2) Workability with Fly Ash However, workability was low compared to other results.
According to the Singapore guideline for semi rigid pavement,
According to Fig. 2, workability increases with the w/c workability of the cement grout should exceed 270mm. The
ratio. For 0.52 w/c ratio, fly ash content is directly results were plotted in Fig. 3.
proportional to the workability. However, for higher w/c ratios
(0.54, 0.56, 0.58), fly ash content is inversely proportional to
the workability.
Nonetheless, the required limits were not achieved.
Although the mixture which consisted of 20% of fly ash can
be regarded as the optimum mixture out of the three mixtures.

Fig. 3. Workabiltiy of cement grout + silica fume + admixture with w/c

Ratio (5% Silica fume)

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 Without getting the mixture (5% silica fume + 2ml 2) Visual Observations
admixture dosage) to stiffen or bleed, workability exceeds the
limits for 0.39 w/c ratio. Since the workability increases with Fig. 9 shows the following observations.
w/c ratio, it cannot go beyond 0.39 because water will yet 1. Cement grout was well coated to the bitumen surface.
again separate from the mixture. Hence, the optimum w/c ratio 2. Cement grout did not reach the end of the air voids (due
is 0.39 for silica fume. to the small space). The time allocated for vibration
4) Workability with Fly Ash + Admixture being low could be a reason.
3. Cement grout was insufficient to fill the air voids.
According to the Fig. 4, workability is directly 4. Isolated air voids were not filled with grout (similar
proportional to the admixture dosage and w/c ratio. However, observation for all).
for high w/c ratios workability does not depends on the
admixture dosage. Nevertheless, the results failed to exceed
Observations were summarized in Table VII. The 0.39 is
the limits.
the optimum w/c ratio according to the visual observations.
B. Compressive Strength of Cement Grout
TABLE VII. VISUAL OBSERVATION COMPARISON
Fig. 5 shows the compressive strength results of cement
grout after 7 days. Compressive strength is inversely Observation W/C Ratio
proportional to the w/c ratio and silica fume content. The No 0.33 0.36 0.39
mixture which consists of 20% fly ash shows the lowest 1 Less Middle High
2 High Middle Less
compressive strength out of 3 different mixtures.
3 High Middle Less
According to Fig. 6, 28 days results were entirely different
from 7 days results. Compressive strength is directly
proportional to the silica fume content. The mixture consisting
of 20% Fly Ash has average results compared to the other two
mixtures.
Since mixtures having 20% fly ash and 10% silica fume
have low results in early age, for early age strength 5% silica
fume was selected for the mix design.
C. Penetration Capability of Cement Grout
Fig. 7 concludes that penetration of cement grout directly
proportional to the w/c ratio. Samples having a w/c ratio
beyond 0.39 were not casted since the grout prepared with
0.41 w/c ratio bled.
Fig. 5. Compressive strength of cement grout with w/c ratio (7 days results)
Due to the high w/c ratio, liquid gets a low viscosity and
presents a good workability. It can also be attributed the
properties of the admixture used to prepare grout.
1) Voids Percentage Variation
Fig. 8 shows a linear variation between void ratio and level
of compaction and void ratio is inversely proportional to the
compaction level. The sample which was compacted with 50
blows apart from the recommended limits. Compared to
compressive strength and indirect tensile strength results, a
high void content gives higher values. Therefore, it is
recommended to compact the asphalt mixture in a low level.

Fig. 6. Compressive strength of cement grout with w/c ratio(28days results)

Fig. 4. Workabiltiy of cementious gorut + fly ash + Admixture with W/C

Ratio (20% Fly Ash)
Fig. 7. Penetration of cement grout vs w/c ratio

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Fig. 8. Void ratio of semi rigid pavement with level of compaction
03
01 04
02
Fig. 9. Cross section of a semi rigid pavement sample
D. Compressive Strength of Semi Rigid Pavement
According to Fig. 10, compressive strength is inversely
proportional to the compaction level and directly proportional
to the w/c ratio. If voids in the porous asphalt mixture are high,
more grout will penetrate into voids, resulting in a high
compressive strength. Therefore, cement grout penetrated into
the void governs the compressive strength values. Workability
of cement grout adversely affects the compressive strength
values before compressive strength of cement grout governs
the results. It is because high workability grout penetrated into
the porous sample much better and packed well with bitumen
coated aggregates.
E. Indirect Tensile Strength of Semi Rigid Pavement
According to the results obtained, there is not much
disparity in value with w/c ratio and level of compaction. All
the values were between 1.4  1.75 MPa. When results were
analysed in depth, some variations with the number of blows
and w/c ratio were observed as illustrated in Fig. 11. Indirect
tensile strength is inversely proportional to the water to
cement ratio.
Fig. 10. Compressive strength of semi rigid pavement with level of
compaction
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Fig. 11. Indirect tensile strength of semi rigid pavement with w/c ratio
V. CONCLUSION
When comparing the 7day early compressive strength
results of cement grout, grout containing silica fume shows
higher values than other results. Further, 5% dosage was the
optimum dosage. A high workability value was obtained when
the w/c ratio was equal to 0.39 (guides limit achieved). Due
to better penetration, grout prepared with 0.39 shows a high
compressive strength in semi rigid pavements. An admixture
dosage of 2ml per 1Kg of cement were selected out of several
dosages. Beyond 2ml dosage, mixtures with other dosages,
stiffened and bled. Indirect tensile strength results for all
samples vary with in a small limit. It concludes that w/c ratio
and, compaction level does not highly influence the results.
While factors like temperature, bitumen content will be the
dependent factors. Conclusively, the design parameters for
semi rigid pavement design were established as in TABLE
VIII.
TABLE VIII. OPTIMUM DESIGN PARAMETERS FOR SEMI RIGID DESIGN
Parameters values
Silica fume 5%
W/C Ratio 0.39
Admixture 2ml per 1Kg of cement
Level of Compaction 20 blows
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