Title:
Cracking in Soil Cement: Cause, Effect, Control
Author(s):
Robert H. Kuhlman
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
16
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
56-59
Keywords:
cracking; curing; density; drying; flexible pavements; moisture; pavements; soils; soil cement; Materials Research
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1994
Abstract:
Soil cement is very economical and excels in most of the properties sought for bases for flexible pavements. Nevertheless, its use by specifiers is sometimes avoided because of reflective cracking. The shrinkage cracking of soil cement is a natural property related to drying and to the cement hydration which makes it a strong, structural material. Some of the shrinkage cracks in the soil cement may significantly affect pavement performance. Proper attention to moisture control, density, curing, and sequence and timing of construction operations will minimize reflective cracking and provide excellent pavement performance.