Abstract Manager

This case study investigates a full-depth reclamation (FDR) project without chemical stabilizers on a low-traffic road in Prévost, north of Montréal. The rehabilitation process involved milling and mixing the asphalt layer with part of the underlying foundation (FDR process), followed by compaction. A second phase of milling and compaction, referred to as FDR with mechanical stabilization (FDR-MS), where virgin aggregates have been added before milling, was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of FDR without chemical additives such as cement or emulsion.

Prior to initiating FDR, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) tests were conducted through drilled asphalt in order to assess the stiffness of underlying layers. Subsequent to the primary milling and compaction phase, a series of tests were executed on the field, including Light Falling Weight Deflectometer (LFWD), DCP and nuclear density gauge, to characterize the mechanical properties. Six samples were also collected for laboratory evaluation of water content, gradation, and recycled aggregate content.

Subsequent to this initial characterization, Virgin aggregates has been added and the reclaimed layer was subjected to a second milling and compaction cycle. The same series of tests (LFWD, DCP, and nuclear density gauge) was repeated at identical locations, and six additional samples were taken to analyze the water content, the gradation and the recycled aggregate content. The results from this second phase were then compared with those from the first phase in order to determine whether a second milling pass could further enhance and homogenize the roadway’s structural capacity. This work contributes to the body of knowledge on in-place pavement recycling, demonstrating that the FDR-MS approach without chemical additives affects the structural behaviour of the pavement.