Improvement of compacted soil-cement using natural rubber latex for pavement applications

This thesis studies the possibility of using natural rubber latex (NRL) to improve the engineering properties of compacted soil-cement in pavement applications. NRL replacement was found to significantly enhance the mechanical strengths of cement-NRL stabilized soil. The optimum NRL replacement ratios providing the highest mechanical strengths, durability, and fatigue life were found at 20%, 15%, and 10% for 3%, 5%, and 7% cement contents, respectively. Even though the NRL films within the soil-cement matrix improved the cohesion of the soil matrix, it was found to retard cementation bonding. As such, the excessive NRL replacement not only reduced the compatibility but also retarded the cement hydration and, hence, the strength reduction. The outcome of this research will result in the promotion of NRL utilization as an eco-friendly and sustainable additive in cement stabilized pavement base/subbase courses.