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1.

Asurement of the Thermal Conductivity of Lateritic Gravel Suitable for Road Construction According to the CBR index Kocouvi Agapi HOUANOU, Constant Euloge ADJAGBONI, Kpomagbé Serge DOSSOU, Antoine VIANOU American Journal of Materials Science and Engineering. 2026 14 (1). doi: 10.12691/ajmse-14-1-2 Keywords: Thermal conductivity, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) index, lateritic gravel, mechanical performance, temperatures Context: This study explores the relationship between thermal conductivity and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) index of lateritic gravel, an essential road construction material in tropical regions. The main objective is to assess how the thermal properties of this material, sourced from the Cana Atchia quarry in Benin, influence its mechanical performance with a view to optimizing the durability of road infrastructure. The methodology adopted consisted of conducting thermal conductivity and CBR tests on samples of lateritic gravel compacted at different rates: 90%, 95%, 97%, and 100% of the OPM dry density. For each compaction rate, the CBR was measured on test specimens that had undergone a thermal test and on unheated control specimens. This study showed that increasing the compaction rate leads to an increase in thermal conductivity. For each of the target compaction rates, the CBR values of the specimens subjected to thermal testing were consistently lower than those of the unheated specimens, demonstrating that heat has a negative impact on the bearing capacity of a lateritic gravel pavement layer. The test also showed that above 95% compactness, the CBR begins to fall as thermal conductivity increases. This phenomenon sheds light on the degradation of the mechanical properties of lateritic gravels under high temperatures. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

2.

Geotechnical Characterization of Local Materials Used in Road Construction in the Brazzaville Aera, Congo David Bilembi, Hilaire Elenga, Timothée Nsongo, Bernard Mabiala, Adolphe Kimpena, Balla Diop Ngom, Aboubaker Chedikh Beye American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2017 5 (1). doi: 10.12691/ajcea-5-1-5 Keywords: materials, physical properties, mechanical properties, proctor tests, CBR tests Context: ...so close physical properties that they cannot be clearly distinguished through statistical analysis. The overall analysis of the CBR index values varies depending on the materials used. As a consequence these variations cause the deterioration of the pavement structure.... Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

3.

Determination of the Mechanical Characteristics of Silty Sand Improved to Granite Crushed for Use in Road Construction in Southern Benin Kocouvi Agapi HOUANOU, Koutchika Roger DANVI, Kpomagbé Serge DOSSOU, Emmanuel OLODO American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2026 14 (2). doi: 10.12691/ajcea-14-2-3 Keywords: silty sand, crushed granite, geotechnical tests, foundation layers, stabilization Context: ...terized by standardized geotechnical tests: particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, methylene blue value, modified Proctor and CBR index after immersion. The results demonstrate a gradual improvement in mechanical properties. The mixture with 20% crushed material alre... Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)

4.

Geotechnical Behavior of Bar Soil Stabilized with Crushed Granite for Road Foundation Applications in Tropical Conditions Coovi rocambols Thède AGBELELE, Valéry k. DOKO, Edem CHABI, Boris GANMAVO, Mohamed GIBIGAYE American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2025 13 (4). doi: 10.12691/ajcea-13-4-1 Keywords: Bar soil, Lithostabilization, CBR index , Granite aggregate, Plasticity Context: In Benin, the expansion of road infrastructure projects has led to a growing demand for quality construction materials, while conventional resources are becoming increasingly scarce. In this context, the valorization of local materials such as bar soil—which is abundant but mechanically weak—has become essential. This study investigates the geotechnical enhancement of Tori-Dokanmey bar soil through lithostabilization using crushed granite aggregates sourced from Dan. Bar soil and granite aggregate samples were collected and characterized in accordance with applicable geotechnical standards. Five mixtures were formulated with granite contents of 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%. The results indicate that the addition of granite aggregates improves particle size distribution, lowers the liquid limit and plasticity index, increases maximum dry density, and reduces optimum moisture content. The California Bearing Ratio (CBR) shows a significant increase with higher granite contents, reaching values that meet the requirements for sub-base layers in all mixtures, and for base layers in mixtures with 60% or more granite. These findings confirm that lithostabilization of bar soil with crushed granite is an effective, economical, and sustainable solution for road construction in Benin. Abstract Full Text (PDF) [Epub] Full Text (HTML)