The impact of changes in the geological conditions of road bedrock layers while the road was in use

Abstract

This article examines the effective road reconstruction technologies applied during construction processes to ensure the required final quality of construction work. The construction quality and especially the overall levelness of roads are influenced by several factors. These factors include high-quality implementation of road structural layers, including active zones, which can be adversely affected by the undisciplined application of technology, insufficient engineering and poor geological surveys. Suitable and effective reconstruction technology provides the required quality of construction work yet does not significantly extend construction time. The authors propose stabilisation using cement or lime during reconstruction. This stabilisation method is used if the structure of the bedrock layers is finely granular. The stabilisation process consists of excavating the unacceptable bedrock layer and mixing it with additives and water. A principally different bedrock stabilisation method consists of completely replacing it with a gravel layer, which is used when individual base layers are diverse and stabilisation using additives would not guarantee the required results, i.e. improved strength characteristics. In some cases, the existing base layers are not suitable for use as road base layers because of their characteristics, such as volumetric instability. For this reason, they must be replaced with more suitable materials. This topic is documented by a practical example.