Challenges for the Use of Local Materials in Unbound Road Subbase in Qatar
Abstract
Current practice in Qatar is to blend local limestone with dune sand for use in unbound
pavement applications. Dune sand is used to improve the properties of fine aggregate
and compliance with the QCS 2014 requirements of plasticity and sand equivalent. The
material has been successfully used for many years but currently facing the challenge of
limited dune sand supply and recent government restrictions on its use in construction.
The paper presents data on the properties of limestone obtained from different sources,
tested in accordance with the QCS 2014 requirements. Variation of limestone source and
the presence of clay particles greatly affected its suitability for use in unbound pavement
applications. Improvement could be achieved by adjusting the grading of the material.
Recommendations are made to revise the QCS 2014 specifications within the context of
international specifications, when the unbound material is placed in a dry environment
and away from the water level to enhance the wider utilization of local materials and
sustainable construction in Qatar.
Collections
- Theme 2: Materials and Transportation Engineering [43 items ]