IRC SP 89 Part 22018AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated
Guidelines for the Design of Stabilized PavePart IIPart-II)
IRC SP 89 Part 2 (2018) provides comprehensive guidelines for designing stabilized pavements using cementitious and chemical stabilizers (CCS/CS) in India. It covers material characterization, design methodology including fatigue and durability considerations, construction practices, and performance evaluation. This standard is essential for engineers and designers involved in pavement design to ensure safe, durable, and cost-effective road structures under varied traffic and environmental conditions.
12Sections
152Clauses Indexed
✓AI Search Ready
2018Edition
Roads and Bridges IRC- Indian road congress Category
Alternative search terms: IRC SP 89 Part 2 PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2 pdf free download, IRC SP 89 Part 2 free download pdf, IRCSP89Part2 PDF, IRC-SP-89-Part-2 PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2 2018 PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2:2018 PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2-2018 PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2 (2018) PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2 2018 edition PDF, IRC SP 89 Part 2 edition 2018 PDF
Overview
What This Standard Covers
IRC SP 89 Part 2 (2018) provides comprehensive guidelines for designing stabilized pavements using cementitious and chemical stabilizers (CCS/CS) in India. It covers material characterization, design methodology including fatigue and durability considerations, construction practices, and performance evaluation. This standard is essential for engineers and designers involved in pavement design to ensure safe, durable, and cost-effective road structures under varied traffic and environmental conditions.
Audience
Who Uses This Standard
Pavement Design Engineers
Highway Construction Engineers
Materials Testing Laboratories
Road Infrastructure Planners
Government Road Authorities
Research and Development Professionals in Road Engineering
Quality Control Inspectors
Contents
Key Topics Covered
✓Design methodology for stabilized pavements
✓Material characterization and toxicity testing
✓Durability testing of stabilized materials
✓Elastic modulus determination and fatigue analysis
✓Construction practices for stabilized bases and sub-bases
✓Performance evaluation and monitoring
✓Mix design examples for stabilized layers
✓Safety checks for cementitious bases under overloading
✓Use of commercial cementitious stabilizers (CCS)
✓Recommended machinery for in-situ spreading and mixing
✓Poisson’s ratio and strain criteria for pavement layers
✓Acceptance mechanisms for new stabilizers
✓Environmental considerations including leaching tests
✓Typical pavement section designs
✓Fatigue life and cumulative damage analysis
Structure
Table of Contents
1Introduction▼
IRC SP 89 Part 2 - Introduction: Key Points
This part of IRC SP 89 focuses on cementitious chemical stabilizers (CCS) for pavement design.
Key Specifications:
Single wheel load: 20,000 N
Tyre pressure: 0.56 MPa
Typical Sections & Design:
Stabilized pavements use CCS for improved strength and durability.
Design methodology includes material characterization, mix design, and performance behavior.
Construction practices and acceptance mechanisms are detailed.
Important Tables & Data (Extract):
Parameter
Value
Single wheel load (N)
20,000
Tyre pressure (MPa)
0.56
Depth (Z) mm
Stress Components (SigmaZ, SigmaT, SigmaR)
Displacement (DispZ)
Strains (epz, epT, epR)
100
-0.3263E+00 (SigmaZ)
0.3198E+00
epz: -0.1044E-03
340
0.2045E+00 (SigmaT)
0.2976E+00
epT: 0.9982E-04
590
0.1135E-01 (SigmaT)
0.2585E+00
epR: 0.7111E-04
Design Formula Highlights:
Pavement stresses and strains are calculated at various depths (Z).
Use elastic modulus "E" from Annexure-II B for design.
Mix design example provided in Annexure-III B.
Summary Flow of Stabilized Pavement Design:
flowchart TD
A[Material Characterization] --> B[Mix Design]
B --> C[Construction Practices]
C --> D[Performance Evaluation]
D --> E[Acceptance Mechanism]
For detailed formulas and mix design, refer to Annexure-II B and Annexure-III B of IRC SP 89 Part 2.
2Mechanism of Acceptance for CCS▼
Mechanism of Acceptance for CCS (IRC SP 89 Part 2)
Key Acceptance Criteria:
Base Document of Product
Must include:
Broad chemical composition
Manufacturing location
Successful field applications
Comparative test results with conventional stabilizers (cement/lime)
Toxicity and heavy metal leaching test certificates (Annexure-I)
Certificate of Usage
Usage certificate from country of origin with project reports
Indian usage certificate (last 2 years) if applicable
Success rate and quantum of work in government projects
Field evaluation reports under varied climatic conditions (sub-zero, snow-bound, high rainfall)
For Proven Products
Test reports from Indian roads under different weathering conditions
Fatigue equations developed by reputed institutes (IIT, NIT, CRRI) may be used
Important Test Requirements (Clause 3.3)
Toxicity & Leaching Tests: Mandatory as per Annexure-I to avoid environmental contamination.
Durability Tests:
Sub-base: Method 1, Clause 4.7.2, IRC:SP:89-2010
Base: Method 2, Clause 4.7.2, IRC:SP:89-2010 (ASTM D-559 & D-560 for wetting/drying and freezing/thawing cycles)
Material Properties: Per IRC:37, IRC:SP:89-2010, and MoRTH 2013 specifications.
Summary Table for Acceptance Documents
Document Type
Key Details Required
Base Document
Chemical composition, manufacturing, field trials, toxicity test
Certificate of Usage
Origin country usage, Indian usage, success rate, evaluation reports
Proven Product Reports
Indian field test reports, fatigue equations if available
Reference: Toxicity Leaching Test (Annexure-I)
Tests heavy metals and toxic elements leachability
Conducted at CSIR Lucknow or accredited labs
flowchart TD
A[Start: CCS Product Submission] --> B{Check Base Document}
B -->|Complete & Verified| C{Check Certificate of Usage}
B -->|Incomplete| D[Reject or Request
3Material Characterization▼
Material Characterization per IRC SP 89 Part 2
Soil Classification by Grain Size (Clause 2.36)
Fine-Grained: ≥ 90% passing 2.36 mm IS sieve
Medium-Grained: ≥ 90% passing 20 mm IS sieve
Coarse-Grained: ≥ 90% passing 40 mm IS sieve
Standard Moulds for UCS Test (Table A)
Soil Type
Mould Type
Dimensions
Fine-Grained
Cylindrical
100 mm height × 50 mm diameter
Medium-Grained
Cylindrical
200 mm height × 100 mm diameter
Coarse-Grained
Cube
150 mm ± 0.2 mm cube
Correction Factors for UCS Results (Table B)
Specimen Type
Correction Factor (to 150 mm cube)
Cube - 150 mm
1.00
Cube - 100 mm
0.96
Cylinder - 200 mm × 100 mm
1.25
Cylinder - 142 mm × 71 mm
1.25
Cylinder - 115.5 mm × 105 mm
1.04
Cylinder - 127 mm × 152 mm
0.96
Notes on Stabilizer Evaluation
Check chemical composition, manufacturing origin, field application history, and toxicity.
Review certificates of usage both internationally and in India (last 2 years).
Proven products require field evaluation reports and may use specialized fatigue equations from reputed institutes.
flowchart TD
A[Soil Sample] --> B[Grain Size Analysis]
B --> C{Soil Type}
C -->|Fine-Grained| D[UCS Test: 100x50 mm Cylinder]
C -->|Medium-Grained| E[UCS Test: 200x100 mm Cylinder]
C -->|Coarse-Grained| F[UCS Test: 150 mm Cube]
D --> G[Apply Correction Factor]
E --> G
F --> G
G --> H[Standardized UCS Value]
``
4Design Methodology for Stabilized Pavements Using CCS/CS▼
Design Methodology for CCS/CS Stabilized Pavements (IRC SP 89 Part 2)
Reference Standard: Follow IRC:37 design methodology for stabilized pavements using Cold Central Slurry (CCS) or Cold Stabilization (CS).
Pavement Types Considered:
Stabilized Base + Stabilized Sub-base
Stabilized Base + Granular Sub-base
Granular Base + Stabilized Sub-base
Crack Relief Layer (Clause 3.4):
For traffic ≥ 2 MSA, provide a crack relief layer on CCS/CS stabilized base layer:
Aggregate Interlayer
Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (SAMI)
Emulsion stabilized or foam bitumen layer (per IRC:37)
Elastic Modulus (E): Refer Annexure-II B for determination of elastic modulus of stabilized layers, essential for structural design.
Typical Sections & Mix Design:
See Annexure-III A (typical pavement sections) and Annexure-III B (mix design example) for practical guidance.
Summary Table: Pavement Layer Combinations
Base Layer
Sub-base Layer
Remarks
Stabilized (CCS/CS)
Stabilized (CCS/CS)
High strength, durable
Stabilized (CCS/CS)
Granular
Cost-effective alternative
Granular
Stabilized (CCS/CS)
Improved sub-base strength
Crack Relief Layer Options (Traffic ≥ 2 MSA)
graph LR
A[CCS/CS Stabilized Base] --> B{Crack Relief Layer}
B --> C[Aggregate Interlayer]
B --> D[Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer (SAMI)]
B --> E[Emulsion Stabilized / Foam Bitumen Layer]
Note: For detailed thickness design, traffic loading, and material properties, consult IRC:37 and relevant annexures in IRC SP 89 Part 2.
5Construction Practices▼
IRC SP 89 Part 2 (2018) – Construction Practices: Key Points
Reference Section: Clause 5 (Page 8)
Scope: Guidelines for construction of stabilized pavements using Cement Concrete Slurry (CCS) or Cement Stabilized Soil (CS).
Key Construction Practices
Material Preparation: Proper mixing of soil with stabilizers (cement, lime, etc.) ensuring uniformity.
Moisture Control: Maintain optimum moisture content for effective compaction.
Layer Thickness: Follow design thickness as per IRC:37 and Annexure-III typical sections.
Compaction: Use suitable rollers (vibratory, pneumatic) to achieve specified density.
Curing: Maintain moisture for at least 7 days to ensure strength gain.
Quality Control: Frequent field density tests and mix uniformity checks.
Important Tables & Annexures
Annexure
Description
Page No.
III A
Typical Sections of Stabilized Pavements
23
IV
Recommended Spreading & Mixing Machinery
31
Design Reference
Follow IRC:37 design methodology including cumulative damage analysis.
Use Annexure-III for typical pavement layer combinations.
flowchart TD
A[Material Selection] --> B[Mixing with Stabilizer]
B --> C[Moisture Control]
C --> D[Layer Spreading]
D --> E[Compaction]
E --> F[Curing]
F --> G[Quality Control]
This flow ensures durable, well-performing stabilized pavements per IRC SP 89 Part 2.
Vertical subgrade strain critical at subgrade level.
6. Load & Coordinate System
Load: Single wheel load = 20,000 N; tyre pressure = 0.56 MPa.
Global coordinate system:
X-axis: transverse to traffic
Y-axis: direction of travel
Z-axis: vertical downward (Z=0 at surface)
flowchart TD
A[Load Application] --> B[Stress & Strain Distribution]
B --> C{Critical Locations}
C --> D[Bituminous Layer]
C --> E[Crack Relief Interlayer]
C --> F[Stabilized Base/Sub-base]
C --> G[Subgrade]
B
Annexure-IToxicity Leaching Testing on Stabilizers Mixed with Soil▼
Toxicity Leaching Testing on Stabilizers Mixed with Soil (IRC:SP:89 Part 2)
Annexure-IVRecommended Specialized In-Situ Spreading and Mixing Machinery for Stabilization▼
IRC SP 89 Part 2: Specialized In-Situ Spreading & Mixing Machinery for Stabilization
Key Specifications (Clause 5.2 & Annexure-IV)
Mix-in-Place Stabilization: Use specialized machinery capable of:
In-situ rock/boulder crushing, pulverizing, and homogenizing.
Maintaining constant depth and uniform operation.
Manual mixing allowed only for low volume roads with mixing depth ≤ 100-120 mm.
Plant-mix Stabilization: Calibrate plant mixers (Concrete batch mix/WMM) with CCS for homogeneity.
Mixing Importance: Effective mixing is critical as admixture dosage can be <3%. Quality equipment ensures intimate mixing.
Recommended Machinery Types (Annexure-IV)
Tractor Mounted Spreaders
Truck Mounted Spreaders
Tractor Power Driven Mixers
Self Power Driven Mixers
Summary Table (Mixing Equipment Features)
Equipment Type
Functionality
Application
Tractor Mounted Spreaders
Spreading additives uniformly on surface
Loose soil stabilization
Truck Mounted Spreaders
Higher capacity spreading
Larger projects
Tractor Power Driven Mixers
Crushing, pulverizing, mixing in situ
Mix-in-place stabilization
Self Power Driven Mixers
Independent operation, high efficiency
Mix-in-place & plant-mix
Important Notes:
Manual/agriculture-based mixing is not permitted except for shallow depth low volume roads.
Calibration of plant mixers is essential for homogeneity.
Machinery must ensure uniform depth and thorough mixing for successful stabilization.
flowchart LR
A[Additive Spreading] --> B[Mixing Machinery]
B --> C[Crushing & Pulverizing]
B --> D[Homogenizing Soil]
C --> E[Uniform Depth]
D --> E
E --> F[Improved Soil Stabilization]
This ensures consistent soil stabilization quality per IRC SP 89 Part 2 guidelines.
Frequently Asked
Popular Questions About IRC SP 89 Part 2
?What are the key material properties required for stabilized pavement design under IRC SP 89 Part 2?▼
Key Material Properties for Stabilized Pavement Design (IRC SP 89 Part 2):
Elastic Modulus (E-value):
Derived preferably from 4-point beam test or estimated from UCS test (more common).
Factor of Safety: 1.5 applied to dynamic modulus from beam test.
Example: Average E = 2600 MPa → Design E = 2600 / 1.5 = 1733 MPa (~1700 MPa).
Poisson's Ratio (ν):
Layer
Poisson's Ratio (ν)
Bituminous Layers
0.35
Stabilized Aggregate Base
0.25
Stabilized Sub-base
0.25
Granular Sub-base
0.35
Subgrade
0.35
Compressive Strength (UCS):
Required for cementitious stabilized layers; relates to elastic modulus.
CCS materials should develop fatigue equations verified by institutes like IIT.
Material Gradation & Plasticity Index (PI):
Sub-base: PI < 20
Base: PI < 10
Materials include aggregates, reclaimed asphalt/concrete, industrial waste, etc., conforming to MoRTH gradation tables (e.g., Table 400-4, Clause 403.2.2).
Fatigue Parameters:
Bituminous layer E ~ 3000 MPa at 35°C (VG40 bitumen).
Summary Table for Design Inputs
Property
Typical Value / Range
Notes
Elastic Modulus
1700 MPa (design value)
From beam/UCS test with FOS 1.5
Poisson's Ratio
0.25 - 0.35
Varies by layer
Plasticity Index
<10 (base), <20 (sub-base)
For soil/granular materials
Compressive Strength
As per UCS test
For cementitious stabilized layers
Loading diagram...
?How is the elastic modulus of stabilized base materials determined and applied in design?▼
Elastic Modulus (E) Determination & Application in Design (IRC SP 89 Part 2)
From Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS):
For Rapid Hardening Cement Stabilized (CS):
[
E = 1000 \times UCS
]
For Slow Hardening Cementitious Cement Stabilized (CCS/CS):
[
E = 750 \times UCS
]
UCS is in MPa, taken at 7 days for rapid hardening and 28 days for slow hardening stabilizers.
Design Value:
Use 20% of E calculated above for design.
If E is from 4-point beam test with dynamic loading, take E directly but apply a minimum factor of safety of 1.5.
Limit E to a maximum of 1700 MPa from beam tests.
For Cementitious Granular Sub-base:
If 7-day UCS = 1.5 to 3 MPa,
[
E = 1000 \times UCS \quad (\text{28-day UCS})
]
But for design use 600 MPa due to cracking risk.
For UCS 0.75 to 1.5 MPa, use E = 400 MPa.
Poisson’s Ratio:
Generally taken as 0.25 for stabilized layers.
Flexural Strength:
Taken as 20% of UCS.
Summary Table
Material Type
UCS (MPa)
Elastic Modulus, E (MPa)
Design E (MPa)
Poisson's Ratio
Rapid Hardening CS
7-day
(1000 \times UCS)
20% of E
0.25
Slow Hardening CCS/CS
28-day
(750 \times UCS)
20% of E
0.25
Cementitious Granular Sub-base
1.5 to 3 (7-day)
(
?What durability tests are recommended for cementitious stabilized materials?▼
Durability Tests for Cementitious Stabilized Materials (IRC SP 89 Part 2)
Leaching Test for Heavy Metals
Mix stabilizer with dried soil in recommended ratio.
Add water with spiking solution (Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb) as per IS 4332 Part 3.
Extract stabilized samples in closed vessels at pH 2.88 ± 0.05 (TCLP protocol, USEPA 1311) for 18 ± 2 hours at 23 ± 2°C.
Analyze leachate by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for metal content.
Compare results with USEPA TCLP limits to ensure environmental safety.
Durability Against Weathering
Follow IS 4332 Part IV for wetting-drying and freezing-thawing cycles on compacted stabilized samples.
For CCS/CS stabilized sub-base: Use Method 1, Clause 4.7.2, IRC:SP:89-2010.
For CCS/CS stabilized base: Use Method 2, Clause 4.7.2, IRC:SP:89-2010 (ASTM D-559 for wetting/drying, ASTM D-560 for freezing/thawing).
Freezing-thawing test mandatory for snow-bound or sub-zero areas.
Additional Notes
Tests should be conducted at CSIR-affiliated labs (e.g., Indian Institute of Toxicology Research).
Automated Brushing Apparatus may be used for durability testing.
Summary Table:
Test Type
Standard/Method
Purpose
Leaching Test
IS 4332 Part 3, USEPA TCLP 1311
Heavy metal leaching
Wetting & Drying
IS 4332 Part IV, IRC:SP:89-2010, ASTM D-559
Resistance to weathering
Freezing & Thawing
IS 4332 Part IV, IRC:SP:89-2010, ASTM D-560
Durability in cold climates
Loading diagram...
?How does the standard address environmental safety regarding toxicity and leaching of stabilizers?▼
Environmental Safety in IRC SP 89 Part 2: Toxicity & Leaching of Stabilizers
The code mandates Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) as per USEPA 1311 (July 1992) to assess hazardous metal leaching (Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb) from stabilizer-soil mixtures.
Stabilizers mixed with dried, sieved soil at recommended ratios are tested by adding spiked heavy metals, then extracted at pH 2.88 ± 0.05, 30 ± 2 rpm, for 18 ± 2 hours at 23 ± 2°C.
Leachates are analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrometry following APHA (2005) protocols.
Testing must be done in triplicate; mean values compared against USEPA TCLP limits to classify disposal options (municipal landfill if below limits, secured landfill or treatment if above).
Durability tests (wetting/drying, freezing/thawing per IS 4332 Part IV) ensure long-term environmental safety by assessing stabilizer resistance to weathering.
Testing institutions include CSIR labs like IITR Lucknow and NEERI Nagpur.
This ensures stabilizers do not pose toxicity risks through leaching, promoting safe environmental disposal and sustainable road construction.
?What construction practices and machinery are recommended for effective stabilization?▼
Recommended Construction Practices & Machinery for Effective Stabilization (IRC SP 89 Part 2)
Mix-in-place Stabilization:
Use specialized machinery capable of:
In-situ rock/boulder crushing
Pulverizing
Homogenizing
Maintaining constant depth and uniform operation
Manual mixing allowed only for low volume roads with mixing depth ≤ 100-120 mm
Refer to Annexure-IV for types of recommended machinery (e.g., rotary mixers, reclaimer-stabilizers)
Plant-mix Stabilization:
Calibrate plants (Concrete batch mix/WMM) with CCS to ensure proper homogeneity
Use high-quality equipment to ensure intimate mixing, especially when admixture dosage < 3%
Key Notes:
Effective mixing is critical for stabilization success.
Machinery must ensure uniform blending of soil and stabilizers.
Avoid manual/agriculture-based mixing except for shallow, low-volume applications.
Loading diagram...
This ensures uniform strength and durability of stabilized pavement layers per IRC SP 89 Part 2.
✦
Need Detailed Clause Answers?
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IRC SP 89 Part 2. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.