A study of the Hot-Mix Asphalt layer thickness reduction when applied over lateritic soils cement base in airfield

Abstract

In tropical region, in upper layers, soils having red or yellow coloration are generally found and are denominated lateritic soils. They are rich in aluminum hydroxides and ferric hydrates that give an elevated mechanic resistance. When the lateritic soils are used as a construction material in the structural pavement, the exceptional mechanical characteristic reduced the cost over 50% when associated with the sub-base and base layers, or over 25% when the lateritic soil is treated with cement. In São Paulo State, it was made more than ten thousands kilometers of roads where the base or sub-base was made using lateritic soils or lateritic soils treated with cement. In this study, it is showed, through Finite Element Method, a critical analysis of the sub-base and base of airfield pavement using lateritic soils cement base course and Hot-Mix Asphalt thickness surface less than recommended for critical area in according to Federal Aviation Administration (1996). Considering the results, it is possible to propose a reduction of thickness Hot-Mix Asphalt layer, resulting in a reduction of the final cost of implantation of hundreds of airfields in South America.