Design Procedure Optimization and Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methodology
2.1. Raw Materials
2.1.1. SRX Polymer
2.1.2. Aggregate
2.2. Design Procedure Optimization for SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone
2.2.1. Specimen Preparation
2.2.2. Load-Bearing Capacity Evaluation
2.2.3. Optimization Design of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone
SRX Dosage
Curing Condition
Compaction Degree
2.3. Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone
2.3.1. Water Stability
2.3.2. Water Permeability
2.3.3. Permanent Deformation Resistance
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Design Optimization Based on Load-Bearing Capacity
3.1.1. Optimization of SRX Dosage
3.1.2. Optimization of Curing Condition
3.1.3. Optimization of Compaction Degree
3.2. Pavement Performance Verification
3.2.1. Water Stability
3.2.2. Water Permeability
3.2.3. Permanent Deformation Resistance
3.3. Optimization of Design Parameters and Pavement Performance
4. Conclusions
- The optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of SRX-stabilized graded crushed stone were determined by heavy compaction. Since SRX is a water-based polymer with a density close to that of water, it was incorporated by replacing part of the mixing water with an equal mass of SRX. This method maintained the designed optimum moisture content and promoted uniform SRX distribution, providing a suitable molding approach for SRX-stabilized graded crushed stone.
- SRX dosage and aggregate gradation significantly affected CBR strength and pavement performance. Increasing the SRX dosage enhanced CBR strength, water stability, and resistance to permanent deformation, but excessive dosage reduced permeability and increased material cost. The 26.5 mm gradation provided the best overall performance owing to its balanced coarse aggregate distribution and stable interlocking skeleton. Therefore, 0.50% SRX by dry aggregate mass and a 26.5 mm maximum aggregate size are recommended.
- Compaction degree was an important factor controlling the bearing capacity of SRX-stabilized graded crushed stone. Higher compaction improved particle contact, strengthened the aggregate skeleton, and enhanced CBR strength. Each 2% increase in compaction degree increased the CBR value by at least 60%, indicating that the material is highly sensitive to compaction quality. Considering the difficulty of achieving full compaction in field construction, the compaction degree is recommended to be controlled at 98% or above.
- Curing condition directly affected strength development. Oven curing at 50 °C accelerated moisture evaporation and SRX film formation, leading to faster strength development than natural curing. Since the 6-day CBR value reached more than 80% of the 30-day reference strength and showed a good correlation with long-term strength, 50 °C oven curing for 6 days is recommended for laboratory CBR evaluation.
- The optimized SRX-stabilized graded crushed stone exhibited favorable pavement performance. The CBR reduction after soaking was limited, most permeability coefficients remained above 1000 mL/min, and the material showed high dynamic stability in the wheel-tracking test. Overall, the recommended design parameters are 0.50% SRX dosage, 26.5 mm maximum aggregate size, compaction degree ≥ 98%, and 50 °C oven curing for 6 days before laboratory CBR testing.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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| Properties | Unit | Test Result |
|---|---|---|
| pH value | 1 | 9 |
| Solid content | % | 30.75 |
| Viscosity | cP | 70 |
| Boiling point | °C | 98 |
| Flammability | - | Non-flammable |
| Specific gravity | 1 | 1.02 |
| Water solubility | - | Completely soluble |
| Technical Property | Unit | Specification Requirement | Test Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crushing value | % | ≤26 | 19 |
| Flaky and elongated particle content | % | ≤18 | 10.6 |
| Apparent relative density | g/cm3 | ≥2.6 | 2.669 |
| Water absorption | % | ≤2.0 | 0.93 |
| Soundness | % | <12 | 5 |
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© 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
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Fu, J.; Han, D.; Yin, F.; Zhu, H. Design Procedure Optimization and Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone. Processes 2026, 14, 1967. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121967
Fu J, Han D, Yin F, Zhu H. Design Procedure Optimization and Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone. Processes. 2026; 14(12):1967. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121967
Chicago/Turabian StyleFu, Jianwei, Dongdong Han, Fei Yin, and Hongzhou Zhu. 2026. "Design Procedure Optimization and Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone" Processes 14, no. 12: 1967. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121967
APA StyleFu, J., Han, D., Yin, F., & Zhu, H. (2026). Design Procedure Optimization and Pavement Performance Evaluation of SRX-Stabilized Graded Crushed Stone. Processes, 14(12), 1967. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121967

