Design and Constructability of Emulsion-Stabilized Bases for Full-Depth Reclamation

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) of base courses with calcium-based stabilizers has been a common practice in many areas of Texas. Owing to its speed of operation and minimal lane closure period, asphalt emulsion has been recently used in a number of FDR projects in low volume roads as well. A few cases of premature failure of these stabilized bases primarily due to improper (or lack of) mix design or construction techniques led to a thorough evaluation and recommendations for an improved mix design and construction specification. The outcomes of a thorough evaluation of construction-related, material-related and environmental-related parameters that significantly impact the performance of emulsion-treated base materials were used to propose laboratory test procedures for mix design and guidelines for the construction of bases with emulsion. The practical aspects of this study that are incorporated in a trial specification are discussed in this paper.