Improving pavement load-bearing capacity: An experimental study in the Tigzirt region, Algeria

The load-bearing capacity of pavements and the availability of construction materials have become critical challenges in many regions. This study aims to enhance the bearing capacity of pavements in the Tigzirt region,an area prone to geotechnical issues by reinforcing local earthwork materials (EM) with crushed marble (CM) additives. An experimental program comprising compaction and bearing capacity tests was conducted to determine the optimal material composition for pavement layers. Results demonstrate that all tested materials comply with relevant standards. Bearing capacity assessment through modified Proctor and CBR tests revealed that the incorporation of 20% crushed marble significantly improves pavement performance, making this approach a viable solution for local construction applications. Indeed, the modified Proctor tests demonstrated a significant improvement in the maximum dry density, estimated at 2.24%, following the optimized addition of (CM). Additionally, the optimal water content recorded a decrease of -8.53%. Furthermore, the results of the CBR tests revealed a marked enhancement in bearing capacity: the CBR index after immersion rose by 32.8%.