Enhancing lateritic soil for sustainable pavement subbase with polymer-modified cement: A comparative study of styrene butadiene rubber and styrene acrylic latex applications
Thanon Bualuang, Peerapong Jitsangiam, Korakod Nusit, Ubolluk Rattanasak, Prinya Chindaprasirt
Abstract
This study evaluates styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and styrene acrylic latex (SA) as modifiers in cement-treated subbase materials (CTSB) to enhance mechanical properties and reduce cement usage sustainably. Optimal ratios for stabilizing sub-standard lateritic soils were identified, reducing water demand and increasing mechanical strength in polymer-modified cement pastes. A 10 % SA and a 15 % SBR as cement replacement by mass significantly improved bearing strength and strain capacities in CTSB, signifying enhanced flexibility and elasticity. Despite slight changes in compaction characteristics, the study identified 1.6 % SA and 2.4 % SBR as optimal binder (i.e., polymer-cement mixture) contents, compared to 3.3 % cement for conventional CTSB with similar unconfined compressive strength standards. SBR-enriched CTSB exhibited superior resilient modulus, indicating stronger inter-particle bonding. The integration of SA and SBR reduced capillary rise and enhanced moisture stability. This sustainable approach enhances pavement durability and reduces CO 2 emissions by minimizing cement use. The findings emphasize the potential of polymer-modified CTSB for cost-effective and environmentally friendly road construction, offering significant implications for advancing pavement engineering materials and promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry. • Evaluating SBR and SA as cement replacement enhancing mechanical properties for lateritic soil cement subbase. • Replacing 10 % SA and 15 % was used as optimal polymer-modified cement. • Both polymers enhance bearing strength and water resistance, with CTSB-SBR showing a higher resilient modulus than conventional mixes. • Both polymers can reduce cement consumption for this subbase stabilization, showing potential for reducing CO 2 emissions. • Adding SA and SBR can reduce the capillary rise head of the mixtures.