Usability of Kayseri volcanic slags as filling material on flexible paved roads

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential use of volcanic slags, which are found naturally in Kayseri, as a construction material in large volume filling projects and in the base, subbase and various fillings of flexible paved roads, either directly or after being improved with cement. Theory and Methods: In this research, it was aimed to investigate the potential use of volcanic slags, as a construction material in large volume filling projects such as airports and in flexible paved highways, either directly or after improvement with cement. Results: Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that VC is convenient for use in sub-surface and sub-base layers, but it is not suitable and cannot be used in the base layer without improving the soil properties due to its low CBR value. In order to investigate the use of VC in the base layer of roads, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and CBR tests were performed by stabilizing with 3% and 5% cement. These values meet the minimum strenght requirement specified in the standards for the base layer of roads. Conclusion: Using VC in road construction, it will significantly reduce the need for crushed stone, reduce costs, and remove the negative environmental effects caused by crushed stone production. With this study, it will be possible to replace the scarce standard road construction materials (Crushed Stone) partially or fully with non-standard materials (Volcanic Slag). As a result, it has been revealed that the geotechnical properties of volcanic slags, which are readily available in nature, can be improved after stabilizing with 5% cement and can be used as construction material in in base, subbase and various fillings in flexible pavement.