Strength and permeability potentials of cement-modified desert sand for roads construction purpose

The costs associated with the transportation and manufacture of crushed fine aggregate (CFA) as a material for base and subbase layers in roads construction creates a need for a good view of strategies that can take advantage of local materials, such as natural desert sand (NDS). NDS is not normally considered to be of sufficient quality for road construction, mainly because of less cohesion between particles and low bearing capacity under traffic loads. However, when it is mixed with CFA and a small amount of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), project costs can be limited while creating an exceptional quality for road constructions. This experimental research builds on previous studies that evaluated the optimal ratio of NDS by percentages of CFA. In addition, this paper examines the optimal percentage of OPC in the fine aggregate mix. The percentages tested were 0, 3, 5, and 7% of OPC. The tests carried out by California bearing ratio (CBR), compaction, permeability, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and shear strength parameters. Finally, the UCS test was critical in determining that OPC improved the mixture’s mechanical properties. Other important factors that substantially impact mechanical properties, were cement percentage, curing time, dry density, and moisture content.