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Document reference: WRAP, 2009, Quality manual for hydraulically bound mixtures: Notes for guidance. (WRAP Project
MRF106). Report prepared by J Edwards, J Kennedy and P Edwards. Banbury, WRAP
Written by: J Edwards (Scott Wilson Ltd), J Kennedy (JK Pavement Consulting Ltd) and
P Edwards (Lafarge A&C UK)
Front cover photography: Mobile mixing plant producing HBM on construction site (courtesy of The Independent Stabilising Company Ltd).
WRAP and Scott Wilson Ltd believe the content of this report to be correct as at the date of writing. However, factors such as prices, levels of recycled content and
regulatory requirements are subject to change and users of the report should check with their suppliers to confirm the current situation. In addition, care should be taken
in using any of the cost information provided as it is based upon numerous project-specific assumptions (such as scale, location, tender context, etc.).
The report does not claim to be exhaustive, nor does it claim to cover all relevant products and specifications available on the market. While steps have been taken to
ensure accuracy, WRAP cannot accept responsibility or be held liable to any person for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with this information being
inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. It is the responsibility of the potential user of a material or product to consult with the supplier or manufacturer and ascertain
whether a particular product will satisfy their specific requirements. The listing or featuring of a particular product or company does not constitute an endorsement by
WRAP and WRAP cannot guarantee the performance of individual products or materials. This material is copyrighted. It may be reproduced free of charge subject to the
material being accurate and not used in a misleading context. The source of the material must be identified and the copyright status acknowledged. This material must
not be used to endorse or used to suggest WRAPs endorsement of a commercial product or service. For more detail, please refer to WRAPs Terms & Conditions on its
web site: www.wrap.org.uk
Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Figures
Figure 1: Overview of the process for producing an HBM ...............................................................................4
Figure 2: HBM production ...........................................................................................................................8
Figure 3: Soil and aggregate process options depending on source.................................................................9
Tables
Table 1: Suggested HBM production choices .................................................................................................8
Glossary
ABS
ASS
BS
British standard
CBGM
CBM
CBR
Compacity
A theoretical density requirement used to maximise density & limit air voids
DMRB
EN
ENV
A European pre-standard
FA
Fly ash, also known in the UK as pulverised-fuel ash (PFA). There are 2 types: siliceous
fly ash which results from the burning of low sulfate coals and is a pozzolan; and
calcareous fly ash which results from the combustion of high sulfate coals and is both
pozzolanic and hydraulic.
FABM
GBS
Granulated blastfurnace slag, a slow setting and hardening (or latent hydraulic) binder
which can be ground to enhance its hydraulic potential. Depending on the degree of
grinding, GBS can be designated as partially ground (PGBS) or ground (GGBS).
Gypsum
HBM
HRB
Hydraulic road binder, a factory produced hydraulic binder blended specifically for HBM
use
HRBBM
Hydraulic binder
A material that sets and hardens with water. Examples of hydraulic binders include;
cement, calcareous FA and HRB
IBI
Lime
Quick lime [CaO] or hydrated lime [Ca(OH)2] (also known as the UK as slaked lime); this
does not refer to agricultural lime (ground CaCO3) which is inert.
MCHW
Pozzolan
A material that, when combined with lime, sets and hardens with water
Rc
Rit
Resistance in indirect tension, also known as indirect tensile strength or Brazilian split
cylinder test
Rt
SBM
SC
SFA
SHRB
SHW
Specification for highway works, Volume 1 of the MCHW also known as MCHW1
SL
SROH
SS
Table of Standards
Standard number
Standard title
BS EN 13242
Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil engineering
work and road construction.
BS EN 13285
BS EN 13286-1
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 1: Test methods for laboratory
reference density and water content Introduction, general requirements and sampling.
BS EN 13286-2
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 2: Test methods for the determination
of the laboratory reference density and water content Proctor compaction.
BS EN 13286-3
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 3: Test methods for laboratory
reference density and water content Vibrocompression with controlled parameters.
BS EN 13286-4
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 4: Test methods for laboratory
reference density and water content Vibrating hammer.
BS EN 13286-5
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 5: Test methods for laboratory
reference density and water content Vibrating table.
BS EN 13286-40
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 40: Test method for the determination
of the direct tensile strength of hydraulically bound mixtures.
BS EN 13286-41
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 41: Test method for the determination
of the compressive strength of hydraulically bound mixtures.
BS EN 13286-42
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 42: Test method for the determination
of the indirect tensile strength of hydraulically bound mixtures.
BS EN 13286-43
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 43: Test method for the determination
of the modulus of elasticity of hydraulically bound mixtures.
BS EN 13286-47
BS EN 13286-50
BS EN 13286-51
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 47: Test method for the determination
of the California bearing ratio: immediate bearing index and linear swelling.
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 50: Method for the manufacture of
test specimens of hydraulically bound mixtures using Proctor equipment or vibrating
table compaction.
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 51: Method for the manufacture of
test specimens of hydraulically bound mixtures by vibrating hammer compaction.
BS EN 13286-52
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 52: Method for the manufacture of
test specimens of hydraulically bound mixtures using vibrocompression.
BS EN 13286-53
Unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures Part 53: Method for the manufacture of
test specimens of hydraulically bound mixtures by axial compression.
BS EN 14227-1
BS EN 14227-2
BS EN 14227-3
BS EN 14227-4
Hydraulically bound mixtures. Specifications. Fly ash for hydraulically bound mixtures.
BS EN 14227-5
BS EN 14227-10
BS EN 14227-11
BS EN 14227-12
BS EN 14227-13
BS EN 14227-14
BS EN 197-1
BS EN 933-1
ENV 13282
PD 6682-6
Aggregates. Aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials for use in civil
engineering works and road construction. Guidance on the use of BS EN 13242.
This manual outlines the process for the selection, design and quality production of hydraulically bound mixtures
(HBMs). It is written to provide guidance to HBM producers and those involved in specifying and auditing HBM
production. The focus of the manual is on mix-in-plant HBM production, also known as ex situ, plant-mixed, hub
recycled and ready-mix HBM production. Where appropriate, guidance in this manual includes integration of the
waste recovery process for recycled aggregate into HBM production.
HBMs are versatile products which offer benefits in the efficient use of materials; including the potential to
increase the value of the material being recycled (up-cycling), and the ability to consume a range of feedstocks including soils and aggregates. HBMs can be designed for almost all projects and applications, and to utilise
locally available, cost effective constituents. The importance of HBM design highlights that HBM production is only
one stage within the overall production process of an HBM (Figure 1). The Sections of this manual outline the
stages of the overall production process, with detailed guidance contained in Appendices.
Quality assurance of HBMs is achieved by initial development of a robust mixture design, which ensures that the
HBM is fit for purpose, and the subsequent application of production control, suitable storage and accompanying
guidance/training for the application. It is the responsibility of the producer to demonstrate that the HBM has
been produced in a consistent manner using necessary process controls. A template quality management
scheme1, based upon the factory production control requirements of BS EN 14227 and incorporating the
principles of the WRAP Quality Protocol for the production of aggregate from inert waste2 is also available from
the WRAP website.
Figure 1: Overview of the process for producing an HBM
Stage 1: HBM Selection
HBM selection will depend on the specification for use, the vicinity and availability of constituents to be exploited,
and other market factors.
WRAP, 2009, Template quality management scheme for the production of a hydraulically bound mixture (WRAP project MRF
106). Report prepared by J Edwards. Banbury, WRAP. Available on line via www.wrap.org.uk
WRAP. 2005. The Quality Protocol for the production of aggregates from inert waste. Available on line via
www.aggregain.org.uk/quality/quality_protocols/
1.0
The selection of the type of HBM (and the selection of the appropriate BS EN) is based on whether a particular
market or specification is to be satisfied or whether the production process is being established to exploit a
source(s) of possible constituents for HBM. The latter will dictate the type of HBM that can be produced and thus
the market of specification that can be targeted. The specific HBM type will be a function of the particle size
distribution of the mixture and the selected hydraulic binder. The hydraulic constituents covered by the BS ENs
are; cement, slag, fly ash, lime and hydraulic road binder (the latter being a proprietary product). It should be
noted that;
Hydraulically bound mixtures can be made from aggregate complying with a recognised standard such as
BS EN 13242 (aggregate for unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures) or BS EN 14227-4 (specification for
fly ash). Such an HBM will then comply with mixtures included in BS EN 14227 parts 1, 2, 3 and 5 (see the
Table of standards).
HBMs can also result from the treatment of soil or material that does not comply with the aggregate standard
but still comply with BS EN 14227, specifically parts 10 to 14 (see the Table of standards).
All recycled aggregates must be recovered in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol2.
Suitability of HBM for a specific application is generally based on mechanical performance (typically compressive
strength but also tensile strength and elastic modulus) and durability requirements. These requirements are
defined in specifications such as:
The tables contained in Appendix A have been developed to help with the selection of mixture type. They should
enable the HBM selection to be made taking into account what has been specified or what is being targeted and
relating this to the local availability of binders, binder constituents, aggregates and soils.
Stage 1: HBM Selection
Select the HBM to suit application / specification / market.
For more detail see Appendix A.
Highways Agency, 2009, Manual of contract documents for highway works. Volume 1, Specification for highway works. The
Stationery Office. Available on line via www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/mchw/vol1/index.htm
Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee, 2002, Specification for the reinstatement of openings in highways, Second
edition. Available on line via www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/network/local/streetworks/cop/roo
2.0
This stage determines the properties of the aggregate which the producer wishes to exploit, or it covers the
selection of the aggregate or soil to meet the requirements of the HBM type selected in Stage 1.
Provided it complies with the selected property classes from BS EN 13242, the aggregate can be natural,
manufactured (also known as secondary) or recycled material, or a combination of these types. To achieve the
desired properties, the aggregate may have to be processed and, in the case of aggregate recycled from inert
waste, recovered in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol2.
Since grading is usually specified for the different HBM types, the main aggregate properties for consideration
include particle shape and hardness. These, together with the overall HBM grading, are the relevant properties to
control long term performance. They are also relevant in the case of short term performance, such as the ability
to withstand immediate traffic. However, to understand this short term performance aspect it is usually better to
examine the character of the total mixture using the immediate bearing index test, standardised in
BS EN 13286-47 and discussed in Stage 3.
Particle hardness has a significant bearing on the strength that can be achieved by the HBM and may affect the
potential market or specification to be satisfied. For example, irrespective of binder content, the strength of HBM
made with soft chalk aggregate is a function of the strength of the chalk particles and will be limited to a
maximum compressive strength class of C3/4. Thus, it would be prudent to examine issues related to aggregate
strength when considering the HBM type in Stage 1, where using a particular type of aggregate is more important
to the HBM producer than the targeted market or exact HBM type.
Aggregate particle shape and hardness classes are found in the aggregate standard, BS EN 13242. The relevant
classes should be selected / determined for the intended HBM application.
In addition, fines quality, chemical properties and physical impurities will need examination in relation to
volumetric stability and durability although, as with immediate traffickability, these are better considered by
examining the mixture (as discussed in Stage 3) and are further discussed in Appendix B. The available methods
for the determination of laboratory mechanical performance (such as compressive and tensile strength) which
have a significant bearing on long term performance are also discussed in Appendix B.
Stage 2: Constituent selection
Use BS EN 13242 (if applicable) and state the no-requirement class where appropriate, declare aggregate
properties including: particle shape; hardness; fines content / nature; impurities and sulfates.
Recover recycled aggregates in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol.
3.0
This stage covers the design process to achieve mixture properties such as:
strength;
durability;
range of suitable water content for installation;
volumetric stability; and
immediate use / traffickability.
If complying with a specification / design, the strength will be specified as a strength class (described in
Appendix B). For example:
HD26/065 requires, depending on pavement layer thickness, HBM with strength classes of at least C8/10,
C9/12, or T3.
the SROH4 requires minimum strength classes C1.5/2 or C3/4 and a maximum strength class C8/10.
If not working to a specification, the producer has to choose the strength class that they wish to offer. This will
depend on the constituents available and/or markets they wish to exploit. In this case, the producer may require
expert assistance to match binder content & strength with design issues, volume stability (ability to resist internal
disruption/expansion) and durability (water and frost resistance) requirements. Where immediate use / overlaying
/ trafficking are required, the capabilities of the fresh mixture will also need examination. Where storage either at
the production facility or elsewhere is anticipated, the properties relevant to time of actual use will need
determination. All these aspects are also discussed in Appendix B.
The effective completion of this Stage requires laboratory mixture design testing (on which guidance can be
found in the MCHW3 and in other industry guidance6,7). This testing will determine the necessary constituent
proportions, which, in accordance with BS EN 14227, will need to be declared.
Stage 3: HBM design
Design HBM to comply with appropriate standards and specifications.
Declare constituents and mixture proportions.
Conduct laboratory testing on mixture and declare properties (probably strength class, volumetric stability,
resistance to frost, optimum water content/moisture condition value and immediate traffickability).
For more detail see Appendix B.
Highways Agency, Design manual for roads and bridges, pavement foundation design. Volume 7 Section 2 Part 3 (HD 26/06),
The Stationery Office.
Kennedy J, 2006, Hydraulically bound mixtures for pavements. Performance, behaviour, materials, mixture design,
construction, control testing. CCIP-009, BCA and Concrete Centre.
Fly ash in highways construction, Datasheet 6.0 6.4, UK Quality Ash Association. Available on line at www.ukqaa.org.uk
4.0
HBM production is outlined in Figure 2 and can be carried out using the mix-in-plant method in accordance with
either Clause 814 (batching by mass) or Clause 815 (batching by volume) of the MCHW3. Guidance on the
appropriateness of Clauses 814 or 815 is provided in Table 1.
Figure 2: HBM production
Source Binder
To suit the selected
HBM (Stage 1) and
comply with
BS EN 14227.
Source Aggregate
To suit the selected HBM (Stage 1).
Aggregate to comply with BS EN 13242 and recycled aggregate recovered in
accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol.
Fly ash to comply with BS EN 14227-4.
Mix constituents
In accordance with MCHW Clause 814 or 815 and following a production
control procedure to demonstrate quality and consistency.
Add water
In accordance with
BS EN 14227.
Clause 814
Clause 814 with aggregate batched in not less than 2 fractions
Clause 814 or 815 depending on application*
Whether batching by mass or volume, factory production control should be exercised to demonstrate the
production of a quality and consistent product. Recommendations for a production control system are given in the
annex of BS EN 14227. The annex states that the producer should establish and maintain their policy and
procedures for production control in a quality manual that includes:
A template quality management scheme for HBM production is also available from WRAP.
4.1
Aggregates from natural sources may need to be crushed, screened, washed and/or blended as appropriate. This
will normally be carried out at the aggregate source but can be carried out at the HBM production facility by the
HBM producer.
Aggregates derived from inert waste must be recovered in accordance with the WRAP Quality Protocol2, and
manufactured or other industrial waste in accordance with the relevant Protocol8 or recovery procedure. Recycled
aggregates, including recycled trench arisings, can produce HBMs which comply with either BS EN 14227-1 to 3
and 5 (for aggregate mixtures) or BS EN 14227-10 to 14 (for treated soils).
In the case of BS EN 14227-10 to 14 (for treated soils), the soil may be used as found with no intention (or the
need in most instances) to classify in accordance with BS EN 13242 (aggregates for HBMs). Alternatively, the soil
may undergo processing to meet the requirements of BS EN 13242.
Figure 3: Soil and aggregate process options depending on source
Soil
Aggregate
Natural
Wash,
screen,
blend as
appropriate.
Use as found
to BS EN
14227 Parts
10 to 14
Inert waste
Recover in
accordance with the
WRAP Quality
Protocol for inert
waste2.
Manufactured or
industrial waste
Recover in accordance
with the appropriate
Protocol8 or procedure.
Waste Protocols Project, Environment Agency. Last Accessed February 2009 at http://www.environmentagency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32154.aspx
5.0
Any HBM should be used before setting begins and the producer should give advice on setting times of their
products.
Where a HBM is to be stored, it is imperative that the producer has laboratory evidence of the performance
properties relevant to the time of use and that these are quoted for design purposes. In addition, samples for
compliance specimens and testing should be taken at the time of use.
Whether it is the producer or the purchaser that finds storage is necessary, the HBM should be stored under
cover and protected from wind and rain to prevent loss or gain of moisture, and protected from extreme
temperature changes to prevent deterioration.
Care should be taken to prevent segregation which can occur when a HBM is loaded on top of a conical stockpile
or in one large dump from a truck; under these circumstances the larger aggregate sizes tend to roll to the
outside and bottom. Further mixing may be required prior to placement to compensate for segregation during
storage and/or transportation.
10
6.0
It is normally the responsibility of the contractor using the material to install the HBM in accordance with the
manufacturers recommendations and to ensure that trained personnel are undertaking the activity in accordance
with their own quality management system.
It is good practice for the producer to provide recommendations on the installation of their HBM in different
applications to enable contractors to achieve optimum performance from the product. Recommendations may
include:
setting times;
strength development;
shelf life and storage methods;
affect of storage on properties such as strength and long term performance;
methods of laying, compaction and protection;
weather implications during installation, and in the short term;
design advice for particular applications;
site control methods and tests; and
immediate traffickability.
11
Cement bound
granular
mixtures
Slag bound
mixtures
BS EN 14227Part 5
Hydraulic road
binder bound
mixtures
12
to BS EN 14227-Parts 1 to 3 and 5
Lime
Gypsum
Siliceous
fly ash
Calcareous Hydraulic
fly ash
road binder
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
HRB 22.5E or
HRB 32.5E to
ENV 13282
BS EN
14227-11
N/R
N/A
N/A
N/A
BS EN
14227-11
BS EN
14227-3
BS EN
14227-4
BS EN
14227-4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
GBS = Granulated blastfurnace slag;
GGBS = Ground granulated blastfurnace slag.
HRB = Hydraulic road binder
ENV 13282
13
With respect to the long term properties of volumetric stability and durability, it is possible (using aggregate
property categories from in BS EN 13242) to specify the aggregate requirements to avoid problems in this area.
However, since it is the final mixture rather than the aggregate that ultimately determines volumetric stability and
durability, it can be argued that tests on the hardened mixture are more appropriate than restrictions on the
aggregate. These mixture tests are not included in the European standards so it is recommended that the
specifier / user / producer includes relevant testing either at set up or in the project specification.
Evaluation of volumetric stability of the HBM, is normally carried out by comparing the strength of specimens
after immersion in water to the strength of non immersed specimens. Experience has found that the volumetric
stability of the HBM will be satisfactory if the loss of strength does not exceed 80%. Clause 880 in the MCHW3
describes how testing and evaluation should be carried out. This immersion comparison also checks the durability
of the hardened HBM to water.
In terms of durability to frost and, in particular, resistance to frost heave, usually HBMs can be assumed to resist
frost heave if the compressive strength of specimens with a slenderness ratio of 1 exceeds 2 or 2.5 MPa. In the
case of an HBM that will never meet this level of compressive strength (for example, some treated clays), an
indirect tensile strength in excess of 0.2 or 0.25 MPa has been found satisfactory.
14
It should be noted that strength (and associated volumetric stability and durability) is particularly dependant on
the aggregate that is to be processed - such that the poorer the properties of the aggregate the lower the likely
achievable strength class. Thus for highway bases (HD26/065), good quality aggregate is required to meet the
requirement for relatively high strength classes. For trench reinstatements (SROH4) and pavement foundations
(given in the Highways Agencys IAN739), where lower strengths are specified, lower quality aggregate and soils
can be used.
The various methods of specimen manufacture are covered by BS EN 13286 Parts 50 to 53, to accommodate the
different shapes and density of specimens. Each method of manufacture will yield a different strength; hence, it
is important that the specifier / user / producer specifies what is required. Common UK practice is:
for Rc classification, either cylindrical or cubic specimens compacted to refusal by a vibrating hammer;
for RtE classification, cylindrical specimens compacted to refusal by vibrating hammer;
CBR classification is rarely used.
Short term concerns of immediate use or traffickability are normally addressed by ensuring that the HBM is well
graded, that the aggregate is hard, and it consists of at least 50% crushed particles. Alternatively, or for other
HBM where these aggregate factors do not apply, the Immediate Bearing Index (IBI) of the mixture may be
declared. A range of IBI values for immediate trafficking of a variety of treated soils and mixtures is given in
industry guidance10,11.
The capability to withstand trafficking without detriment to long term performance can be checked by using a
pneumatic tyred roller (PTR) for finishing rolling. Provided there is a load of at least 3 tonnes on each pneumatic
tyre and the deformation without stress cracks under the tyre is less than approximately 10 mm after at least 10
passes of the roller, the HBM layer can usually be considered to be able to support immediate traffic.
Mixture design advice can be found in the MCHW3 and other industry guidance6,7.
Highways Agencys Interim advice note 73/09 Design guidance for road pavement foundations (Draft HD25), The Stationery
Office. Available on line at www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/ians/index.htm.
10
Britpave. Stabilised soils as subbase or base for roads and other pavements. Technical data sheet. Available on line at
www.soilstabilisation.org.uk/assets/pdf/stabilised_soils.pdf.
11
Britpave. Immediate trafficking of cement bound materials. Technical report. Available on line at
www.soilstabilisation.org.uk/assets/pdf/5413%20CBM%20Traffic.pdf.
15
www.wrap.org.uk/construction