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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 • Page 1 of 248🔒 Protected PDF • Watermarked
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In gravel road the binding material used is
cement
lime
clay
surkhi
clay
In a gravel road, clay acts as the essential binding material because it possesses cohesive properties that hold the aggregate particles together, providing stability to the road surface. Unlike cement or lime, which are rigid hydraulic binders, clay provides the necessary plasticity to bind the granular gravel material under moisture conditions.
In a gravel road, clay acts as the essential binding material because it possesses cohesive properties that hold the aggregate particles together, providing stability to the road surface. Unlike cement or lime, which are rigid hydraulic binders, clay provides the necessary plasticity to bind the granular gravel material under moisture conditions.
τ=c+σtanϕ — The shear strength equation where c represents cohesion (provided by clay)
The binding mechanism depends on the electrochemical forces inherent in clay minerals. When moistened, clay particles form a film around larger gravel particles, creating cohesive bonds that lock the aggregate structure in place upon compaction. This creates a stable surface that can support light traffic loads through internal friction and cohesion, effectively acting as an adhesive filler.
Clay provides cohesion and plasticity to granular materials.
The proportion of clay in gravel roads is typically kept between 10-20% for optimal performance.
Excess clay can lead to excessive swelling/shrinkage and poor drainage characteristics.
Moisture content control is critical in maintaining the structural integrity of clay-bound surfaces.
Economical construction using local materials
Easy to repair and maintain using simple tools
Prone to dust generation in dry weather
Highly susceptible to water damage and erosion during monsoon
Rural and low-volume village roads
Temporary access tracks in construction zones
Cement (Option A) and Lime (Option B) are rigid binders used for soil stabilization or concrete pavements, not standard gravel road construction.
Surkhi (Option D) is a pozzolanic material often mixed with lime; it is not a primary binder for simple gravel roads.
C is correct — clay is the naturally occurring binding agent used to hold gravel together due to its cohesive properties when moist.
Always distinguish between flexible binder (clay) for gravel roads and rigid chemical binders (cement/lime) used in soil stabilization for pavement bases.