Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber–Reinforced Self-Consolidating Controlled Low-Strength Material for Pavement Base Layers

Abstract

A material selected for pavement base layers must possess the structural capacity to withstand stresses and strains caused by vehicle loading and environmental factors. Self-consolidating base material (SCBM) is a variant of controlled low-strength material (CLSM), and it typically uses fine aggregate, pozzolanic material, portland cement, and water. This paper presents findings from research that evaluated mechanical properties and constructability of SCBM and how the addition of steel fiber reinforcement can influence them. The experimental plan included mixes containing no steel fiber (control mix), three steel fiber contents, and two fine aggregate types. The material properties and constructability were assessed based on flowability, compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, and shrinkage. The results show that the addition of steel fiber enhances compressive and indirect tensile strength and reduces shrinkage while maintaining good constructability. Based on findings from the laboratory test program, SCBM was used to construct industry-scale outdoor test sections, and experience gained from the construction process is also discussed in this paper.