Introduction

Large quantities of imported natural aggregates are consumed for use as foundation
materials on construction projects. In many cases the addition of cement to the materials
already in the ground or available nearby would render them suitable for use and avoid
the need to bring in other material. This treatment process is known as soil stabilisation.
Soil stabilisation is a process that combines soil, cement and water to produce a hard,
durable paving material that can be used for the foundation or base of road and airport
pavements, parking and storage areas. Cement can be used to treat most soils. In addition,
deteriorating or failed pavements and roads can also be reconstructed by stabilising (or
recycling) the existing pavement using cement.
Materials treated by cement are described variously as soil cement, cement-treated
materials, or cement-stabilised materials. Where aggregate is being treated, the resultant
mixture may, depending on strength or national terminology, be referred to as cementbound granular material, roller-compacted concrete (RCC), dry lean concrete, cementbound granular base (CBGB) and cement-treated base (CTB). Whatever the terminology,
they are all part of that family of paving materials known generically as cement-bound
materials (CBM).
CBM are part of a larger family of paving materials known as hydraulically bound
mixtures (Hydraulically Bound Mixtures). Hydraulically Bound Mixtures describe soil or
aggregate mixtures that use binders made from the following:

cement
lime
gypsum
granulated blast-furnace slag
air-cooled steel slag
coal fly ash (in the UK, fly ash is also known pulverised fuel ash or pfa).

Such binders are known as hydraulic binders since they set and harden in the presence of
water. Hydraulically Bound Mixtures generally have a water content compatible with
compaction by rolling. After compaction, the water is free to hydrate the binder or
hydraulic combination and commence the setting and hardening process.
Why use hydraulically-bound mixtures?
Lower cost
Hydraulically Bound Mixtures made from in-situ material, or borrow-material taken from
elsewhere on the site or nearby, is usually cheaper than the conventional approach of
importing granular or other treated material. These savings arise from the use of existing
resources and the resultant reduction in the cost of materials and transport. In addition,
there is no need to remove and dispose of material off site this may also avoid landfill
tax liability.

Fast construction
Modern construction methods make Hydraulically Bound Mixtures quick and easy
thereby reducing contract duration.
Sustainable construction
Since Hydraulically Bound Mixtures can be made from site arisings, recycled material or
artificial materials, primary aggregate extraction is avoided. Traffic between aggregate
sources and site can therefore be eliminated. There may also be a reduction in lorry
traffic needed to dispose of the site material.
Improved performance
Depending on the aggregate being treated, the properties of Hydraulically Bound
Mixtures can be superior to those of unbound granular materials and often equivalent to
those of bitumen-bound materials. Research has shown that Hydraulically Bound
Mixtures sub-bases could be laid up to 60% thinner than unbound granular sub-base,
while producing an equivalent or better performance (TRL 248). Alternatively and
technically better however, it is often more advisable to keep the sub-base thickness the
same and use the enhanced performance to reduce the thickness of the more expensive,
overlying, pavement layers.
Proven long-term performance
Hydraulically Bound Mixtures in its various forms have been used in road, airfield, port
and other pavement construction for over 50 years.
Among other stakeholders, Hydraulically Bound Mixtures is permitted and used by the
Highways Agency, BAA and Associated British Ports.

http://www.hydraulicallyboundmixtures.info/pavements.php/

HBM construction is well known and versatile in terms of availability of

plant and materials.
HBM can be produced by mix-in-plant or mix-in-place equipment.