
Base Stabilization

What is Base Stabilization?
Cohesion Friction and Density
The “Best” Material
Important Considerations
Before undertaking a base stabilization or road reclamation project, several issues must be carefully considered. Among the most important are 1) the existing roadway’s overall make-up and configuration, 2) the most desirable final result, and 3) the materials (mechanical equipment, virgin aggregate, and soil stabilizer) to be used. By properly determining the cause of a roadway’s pavement failure, and knowing precisely how the project should turn out, the designer can choose the best materials for the job. Likewise, accurate prediction of future road usage ensures the project’s success. After all, base stabilization creates an entirely new road, from bottom to top.
The Ideal Result
Basically, the ideal result is a road that supports the axle loads and traffic volume it is likely to carry. That is, the road must have adequate bearing capacity; it must be capable of resisting the loads placed upon it. A roadway’s ability to do this is directly related to the density of the material it is comprised of. (Density is the simple ratio of a material’s bulk to its weight.) When discussing a material’s density, however, other factors must be taken into account.
Compaction and Optimum Moisture
The Benefits of using Liquidow 38% Liquid Calcium Chloride
- Greater density
- Less comparative effort
- Optimum moisture control
- Minimizes required binders
- Frost protection
- Surface uniformity
- Effective stage construction
- Improves bond
- Dust-free surface
- Base stabilization via full depth reclamation
Optimum Moisture Control
Calcium chloride’s hygroscopic qualities, together with its ability to lower the vapor pressure of water, work to inhibit evaporation. This is important, because if moisture is not held within optimum limits, adequate densities will not be achieved, resulting in an unstable road base.
Minimizes Required Binders
Frost Protection
Surface Uniformity
Dust-Free Surface

Base Stabilization via Full Depth Reclamation
- It is performed entirely at the job site. This means that the costs of removing, loading, hauling, crushing and sizing of the old pavement are eliminated.
- Because the old pavement is recycled, the need for disposal is eliminated.
- Fewer workers and less equipment are required, resulting in lower costs, a less cluttered roadway and better traffic flow.
- Faulty roadway cross sections can be adjusted. For example, grades can be lowered to restore curbs that have been lost due to numerous overlays; or sections that drain poorly can be improved. Of course, desirable road features can also be maintained.
- Natural resources are conserved, since all of the existing aggregate and asphalt concrete are reused.
- Reflective cracking, a problem with overlays, is non-existent.
- The structural integrity of the base is increased, resulting in a denser, more compact base that increases road life and improves riding quality.
- Total pavement thickness can be reduced, which makes for lower material costs.
- These benefits provide enormous savings in terms of material and labor. Material costs are reduced because the addition of pulverized asphalts upgrades the previously poor base, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for additional virgin aggregate. Labor costs are minimized because less overall labor is needed.

DUST-FREE SURFACE
Base Stabilization via Full Depth Reclamation
- It is performed entirely at the job site. This means that the costs of removing, loading, hauling, crushing and sizing of the old pavement are eliminated.
- Because the old pavement is recycled, the need for disposal is eliminated.
- Fewer workers and less equipment are required, resulting in lower costs, a less cluttered roadway and better traffic flow.
- Faulty roadway cross sections can be adjusted. For example, grades can be lowered to restore curbs that have been lost due to numerous overlays; or sections that drain poorly can be improved. Of course, desirable road features can also be maintained.
- Natural resources are conserved, since all of the existing aggregate and asphalt concrete are reused.
- Reflective cracking, a problem with overlays, is non-existent.
- The structural integrity of the base is increased, resulting in a denser, more compact base that increases road life and improves riding quality.
- Total pavement thickness can be reduced, which makes for lower material costs.
- These benefits provide enormous savings in terms of material and labor. Material costs are reduced because the addition of pulverized asphalts upgrades the previously poor base, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for additional virgin aggregate. Labor costs are minimized because less overall labor is needed.
Effective Stage Construction
Improves Bond
Typical Reclamation Projects
- Base failures
- Insufficient bearing capacity
- Cracked asphalt surfaces
- Narrow two-lane roads
- Parabolic road configurations
- Gravel roads
Base Failures
Insufficient Bearing Capacity
Cracked Asphalt Surfaces
Narrow, Tow-Lane Roads
Parabolic Road Configurations
Gravel Roads
Important Factors to Consider
Some Final Hints for Effective Reclamation and Base Stabilization
- The importance of drainage cannot be overstated. A road should have the appropriate crown, as well as other drainage features like shoulders and ditching.
- Vibratory rollers can improve road hardness – they offer greater compaction, particularly when calcium chloride has been used, since the lubricating properties of calcium chloride aid in compaction.
- One gallon of LIQUIDOW™ 38% Liquid Calcium Chloride should be used per square yard for full depth reclamation. Also, multiple passes by the distribution truck might be required to prevent run off.
- Curing times are unpredictable – they are often a product of environmental conditions and the weather. However, bases containing calcium chloride should be given several weeks to cure before applying the final wearing surface.
- Anticipated traffic load should determine the choice of wearing surface, be it cold mix, hot asphalt mix, or a single or double seal coat.
In Conclusion
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