PREPARATION OF UNPAVED SURFACES

The following roadway surfaces are generally considered unpaved:

1. Compacted subgrade
https://constructionmentor.net/compacting-subgrade/#:~:text=Subgrade
%20compaction%20is%20the%20act,optimum%20moisture%20contents
%20and%20densities.
Subgrade compaction is the act of grading, shaping, and compacting the
natural subgrade materials prior to placing an aggregate base or
pavement. It mechanically increases the unit volume (density) of the soil
or base. Different soil types have different optimum moisture contents and
densities. Sandy soils require lower moisture contents and can typically
achieve higher densities than silts or clays do. Also silts and high-fine
clays are more prone to moisture retention and frost heave making them
generally less optimal for performing well as a pavement subgrade.

Compaction achieves the following:

 increases load bearing capacity
 helps reduce future rutting/settling
 reduces voids which increase susceptibility to moisture
changes/freeze thaw
 help ensure that freeze/thaw movement is uniform.

Subgrade compaction is an act that is sometimes overlooked in private,

non-inspected, construction projects but (depending on the soil type and
condition) can be critical in future performance of pavements.

It’s important to note that for subgrade areas that are found to be man
made fill, overly moist, or otherwise questionable, subgrade compaction
may actually make the situation worse by disturbing, consolidating, or
working moisture up to the surface. Soils with higher than normal
moisture content will ‘pump’ underneath tires and tracks of grading
equipment, compaction equipment, trucks, and paving equipment. In
these cases staying off of the subgrade and leaving it virgin may be the
better option ( if undercutting and replacement with premium material is
not in the budget).
A common test used in conjunction with subgrade compaction is the
Proctor Density Test. This test classifies the existing material and defines
the desired maximum density of a particular soil type and it’s optimum
moisture content. A nuclear density gauge is a piece of testing equipment
typically used on-site to check the density of a sub-base or subgrade. It
will also indicate the moisture content.

Most engineers recommend an optimum proctor density range of 95-100%

for pavement bases and trench backfill under pavement. Testing the
subgrade for passing compaction is less common than for premium
aggregate bases, but it is still sometimes done. The primary reason testing
isn’t done on a subgrade is that the material typically isn’t uniform either in
gradation or composition, so to come up with an accurate proctor sample
is difficult and requires time consuming lab testing from various locations
of the subgrade.

On a small scale subgrade compaction can be done with a simple plate

compactor. On a medium scale, subgrade compaction can be done with a
plate tamp attachment for a backhoe or excavator. On a large scale, drum
rollers are utilized. The different types of rollers include: smooth drum,
vibratory, pneumatic, and sheepsfoot. A static application is a non-
vibratory pass that reduces disruption of adjacent structures and
components vs. vibratory actions.

On a large scale subgrade compaction is typically done with a small 1-2

man crew equipped with a dozer and a roller. For sandy or gravely
subgrades, a basic roller will often do. For silty and clayey soils, a
sheepsfoot roller or a low amplitude vibratory roller is typically more
productive.

https://docs.nzfoa.org.nz/live/nz-forest-road-engineering-manual/6-
pavement-design-subgrade-preparation-pavement-construction/6.5-
compaction-of-subgrade-and-pavement/
Compaction is an essential component of earthworks; it should be an integral
part of both the subgrade preparation, as well as the placement of the
improvement layer. All fill material should be compacted; correct compaction of
subgrade and especially fill material will ensure that natural settlement is
minimised increasing its stability and life. Uncompact fills are likely to be prone
to vertical settlement of the ground surface which may lead to construction or
environmental issues. Weak soils are greatly strengthened with compaction.
Compaction consists of reducing the apparent volume of the soil by expelling air
through mechanical action. Compaction reduces the voids, thus increasing the
soil density, and therefore increasing its bearing strength. This also leads to
less water absorption.
Often there will be more than one soil type on a construction site. Consideration
will need to be given to how best to manage the range of soil types that may be
present. Fill design determines how soils will be mixed (and behave), depending
on the site geology and geography, and the contractor’s construction
methodology. It is important that the suitability of the in-situ soils be assessed
against the fill requirements before earthworks begin. Some material is not
acceptable as structural or load bearing fill. A good reference is Methods of
testing soils for civil engineering purposes – Part 4 Soil compaction tests (NZS
4402.4.1:1986.)

2. Improved subgrade
https://www.maccaferri.com/ph/solutions/sub-grade-improvement/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5HLLQfEX5Q#:~:text=Improved
%20subgrade%20materials%20should%20be,roller%20to%20achieve
%2095%25%20compaction.

https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/design/design-parameters/
subgrade/#:~:text=The%20addition%20of%20an%20appropriate,by%20using
%20additional%20base%20layers.

3. Untreated base
https://armyengineer.tpub.com/en54586/en545860029.htm
Construction of untreated base courses withnatural materials is affected less
by adverse weather than other types and requires less technical
control.Untreated bases are relatively easy and fast to build and are
recommended in preference to bituminousor cement-stabilized types, except
 where suitable materials for such construction are more readilyavailable. If
they are not locally available, the transportation of bituminous material or
cement for basestabilization is a major supply problem in forward areas

https://www.udot.utah.gov/connect/docs/chapter-5-pavements-materials/
#:~:text=Untreated%20Base%20Course%20is%20a,%2C%20processed%2C%20graded
%20and%20compacted.
Untreated Base Course is a base course composed of natural gravel, crushed rock, or
crushed slag placed on a prepared subbase or subgrade. The aggregate is hauled,
placed, processed, graded and compacted.

https://armyengineer.tpub.com/en54586/en545860029.htm
Construction of untreated base courses with
natural materials is affected less by adverse weather than other types and requ
ires less technical control.
Untreated bases are relatively easy and fast to build and are recommended in
preference to bituminous
or cement-stabilized types, except where suitable ma

4. Nonsurfaced aggregate roadway

WHAT IS AN UNPAVED ROAD surface?

Roads are generally classified into two categories, namely paved and
unpaved.
Unpaved road means a surface of natural material or crushed aggregate that
has not been incorporated into a bound layer using asphalt, oil, or other such
binder
Unpaved road surface are also typically made from a mixture of natural or
native materials of gravel and fine gradients, such as silt and clay which are
used to increase the cohesion of the gravel roads.

TYPICAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT STRUCTURE

1. Full depth asphalt pavement
- An asphalt pavement in which asphalt mixtures are employed for all
courses above the subgrade or improved subgrade.
- SUBGRADE
 o The sub-grade course is typically the natural soil as well as
chosen particle size aggregate which is compacted to specific
levels to relative stress from the weight of the above course.
Thus, the indigent soil serves as the foundation that supports the
road. This course has (or, should have) the capability of
absorbing any weight or load stress that is transmitted from the
courses lying above.
- These FDA pavements consist of thick asphalt concrete layers placed
directly on top of the subgrade soil, which typically is stabilized. Full-
depth asphalt concrete pavements are generally designed to resist
fatigue and rutting when subjected to repeated traffic loads.
-
2. Asphalt pavement with untreated base ( and subbase)
- Untreated Base Course is a base course composed of natural gravel,
crushed rock, or crushed slag placed on a prepared subbase or
subgrade.
- Untreated aggregate bases should be properly shaped and proof-
rolled.
- So to prWhen asphalt pavement courses are to be placed on an
untreated aggregate base, loose aggregate particles should be swept
from the surface of the roadway using power brooms. Care should be
taken, however, not to dislodge or otherwise disturb the bond of the
aggregate in the surface of the base. When the loose material has
been properly removed, only the tops of the aggregate in the surface
will be exposed, and the pieces solidly embedded in the base. When
the surface has been cleaned, it is ready to be primed with asphalt. For
priming, an asphalt distributor sprays about 0.2 to 0.5 gal per sq yd
liquid asphalt, usually MC-30 or MC-70, over the surface. The asphalt
then penetrates or soaks into the surface. If it is not absorbed within 24
hours after application, too much prime has been used. To correct this
condition, sand should be spread over the surface to blot the excess
asphalt. Care should be taken to prevent overpriming. The prime
should be fully set and cured before placing the asphalt mixture on the
base. Asphalt 77 Asphalt sometimes is mixed into the top 2 or 3 in. of
base material in lieu of priming when it is difficult to obtain uniform and
thorough penetration. This provides a tough working surface for
equipment, a waterproof protective layer, and a bond to the
superimposed construction.
- Mulch helps slow down the flow of water across the soil surface,
allowing more water to infiltrate into the ground. This reduces the
speed and volume of surface runoff, which can carry away soil
particles.
- So Mulch basically helps in preventing soil erosion.
- FOR ROADWAYS: Road mulch plays a crucial role in preventing
soil erosion. It acts as a protective layer that helps to keep the
underlying soil intact, even during heavy rainfall or strong winds.
This is particularly important in hilly areas or regions prone to
flooding.
PREPARATION OF UNPAVED SURFACES

WHAT IS AN UNPAVED ROAD surface?

Unpaved road surface means a surface of natural material or crushed
aggregate that has not been incorporated into a bound layer using asphalt,
oil, or other such binder
Unpaved road surface are also typically made from a mixture of natural or
native materials of gravel and fine gradients, such as silt and clay which are
used to increase the cohesion of the gravel roads.
Prepared subgrade
- prepared subgrade, A prepared subgrade is one that has been
worked and compacted. This may be the foundation soil or a layer of
stabilized soil, select soil, or otherwise improved subgrade material.
- The riding quality of the pavement surface kay nakadepende na siya
proper construction and preparation of the foundation material.
- So to prepare the prepared subgrade . The roadway should be shaped
and proof-rolled so that the paving equipment has no difficulty in
placing the material at a uniform thickness to a smooth grade. Weather
conditions should also be suitable and the roadway surface should be
firm, dust free, and dry, or just slightly damp, when paving operations
are started.
Untreated Base
- Untreated Base Course is a base course composed of natural gravel,
crushed rock, or crushed slag placed on a prepared subbase or
subgrade.
- Moreover, untreated aggregate bases should be properly shaped and
proof-rolled.
- When asphalt pavement courses are to be placed on an untreated
aggregate base, loose aggregate particles should be swept from the
surface of the roadway using power brooms.
- Care should also be taken, however, not to dislodge or otherwise
disturb the bond of the aggregate in the surface of the base.
- When the loose material has been properly removed, only the tops of
the aggregate in the surface will be exposed, and the pieces solidly
embedded in the base. When the surface has been cleaned, it is ready
to be primed with asphalt.
 - So why do we do this? So just like what I have said earlier The riding
quality of the pavement surface kay nakadepende na siya proper
construction and preparation of the foundation material.

Nonsurfaced Aggregate Roadways

- Nonsurfaced aggregate roadways are similar to untreated aggregate
bases.
- They differ primarily in that they have been used as a roadway by
traffic and, typically, have been in use for a considerable time.
- So, again the riding quality of the surface depends to a great degree of
conditioning and preparing the underlying pavement structure.
- It is advisable, where the aggregate-surfaced roadway is rough and
uneven, to bring the surface to grade by scarifying the top few inches
of material, blending in more aggregate as may be necessary,
compacting, and priming with asphalt.
- If the aggregate roadway has had a previous asphalt treatment and is
rough and uneven, it is advisable to place a leveling course of hot
asphalt plant mix ahead of the first layer of the surface course.
- Placing a leveling course is an operation employed when the road
surface is so irregular that it exceeds the leveling capabilities of the
paver.
- So again just like what I have said earlier. Wew do these to achieve
great riding quality of the pavement surface
So that ends my discussion about the preparation of unpaved surface and
now I’m passing the floor to Leyarn to continue the discussion. Thank you

ASPHALT MULCH TREATMENT

- WHAT IS A MULCH
o A mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil.
- WHAT DOES A LUCH DO OR WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WE CAN
GET FROM MULCH
- So Mulch basically helps in preventing soil erosion.
- Such as by protecting the soil from rain impact
- When raindrops hit bare soil, they can dislodge soil particles and cause
erosion. A layer of mulch acts as a cushion, absorbing the force of
raindrops and reducing their impact on the soil.
- Mulch also Reduce water runoff
- Mulch helps slow down the flow of water across the soil surface, allowing
more water to infiltrate into the ground. This reduces the speed and
volume of surface runoff, which can carry away soil particles.
- Mulch helps in maintaining soil structure
- Organic mulches, such as wood chips, leaves, or compost, can improve
soil structure by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and
earthworms. These organisms help bind soil particles together, making
them less susceptible to erosion.
- Preventing wind erosion
- A layer of mulch can protect the soil from the drying effects of wind,
preventing the soil from becoming too loose and susceptible to wind
erosion.
- Suppressing weed growth
- Weeds can contribute to soil erosion by loosening the soil structure as
they grow and die. Mulching helps suppress weed growth, which can, in
turn, reduce soil erosion.

There are two acceptable methods for using asphalt in the mulching
process namely the:
Asphalt spray mulch
Asphalt mulch tie-down

 Asphalt spray mulch is usually an emulsified asphalt sprayed on

the newly seeded area. The thin film of asphalt has three beneficial
effects. First, it holds the seed in place against erosion. Second, by
virtue of its dark color, it absorbs and conserves solar heat during
the germination period. Finally, it holds moisture in the soil,
promoting speedy plant growth. The asphalt film shrinks and cracks,
permitting plant growth. Eventually, after it has served its purpose,
the asphalt film disintegrates
 An asphalt mulch tie-down on the other hand can be done using
either of two acceptable methods. The first method is to spread
straw or hay on the graded slope. When the mulch is in place, a
mixture of seed, fertilizer, and water is sprayed over the mulch. The
liquid passes through the mulch into the soil. The liquid asphalt is
then sprayed over the mulch to lock it in place. The second method
requires spreading the seed and fertilizer on the prepared soil,
followed by spraying the asphalt and mulching material
simultaneously