Study and Comparison of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Highway Base Layer Materials from Different Sources

Abstract

The construction of durable and safe highway infrastructure relies heavily on the mechanical properties of base course materials, such as strength and gradation. This study investigates base course materials from five different sources, aiming to evaluate their physical and mechanical properties. Laboratory tests, including sieve analysis, liquid and plastic limits, Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Los Angeles abrasion tests, were conducted following ASTM standards. Results revealed significant differences among the samples: four samples met ASTM specification limits, with Los Angeles abrasion values ranging from 17.2% to 49.3% and CBR values between 75.6% and 182.8%. One sample failed to meet the grading and CBR criteria. These findings underscore the importance of thorough material testing to ensure road stability and longevity.