Análisis comparativo de métodos de diseño de pavimentos flexibles considerando la estabilización con cal en bases granulares

Abstract

This research develops a comparative analysis between the flexible pavement design methods proposed by AASHTO and INVIAS, incorporating lime stabilization in granular base materials. The main objective was to evaluate how the addition of lime influences the structural behavior of the granular bases by analyzing the variation of the CBR and its impact on the structural coefficient. To achieve this, laboratory tests were carried out, and both design methods were applied to optimize the pavement structure. The materials used came from the Áridos y Agregados del Sur and Rookaazul quarries. Granulometry, Atterberg limits, modified Proctor, abrasion, and CBR tests were performed on the materials in their natural state and stabilized with 2.5%, 3.5%, and 5% lime. The materials were classified as Class 1, Type A and B, respectively. The results showed significant improvements in the strength of the stabilized bases, with CBR increases of up to 116% and 118% depending on the quarry and the percentage of lime applied. This demonstrates the enhancement of the materials with the addition of lime. The comparative analysis between AASHTO and INVIAS showed differences in layer thicknesses, with the AASHTO method requiring thinner base layers. For a traffic volume of 1,000,000 equivalent single axle loads, the INVIAS methodology provides for thinner base thicknesses under more demanding structural conditions, also contributing to a higher structural efficiency of the flexible pavement.