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2025 Vol.15, Issue 1 Preview Page

Scientific Paper

Evaluation of the physical properties of lean concrete mixtures for unpaved road improvement

비포장도로 개선을 위한 린 콘크리트 혼합물의 물리적 특성 평가

Ilhwan Kang1
,
YongJoo Kim2*
,
Kanghun Lee3
강 일환1
,
김 용주2*
,
이 강훈3
1Research Specialist, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Department of Highway & Transportation Research
2Research Fellow, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Department of Highway & Transportation Research
3Senior Researcher, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Department of Highway & Transportation Research
1한국건설기술연구원 도로교통연구본부 박사후연구원
2한국건설기술연구원 도로교통연구본부 연구위원
3한국건설기술연구원 도로교통연구본부 수석연구원
*Corresponding Author
4 July 2025. pp. 157-170
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Abstract

In Lao PDR, the majority of the road network comprises unpaved roads constructed on lateritic soils. During the dry season, these roads generate excessive dust, while in the rainy season, their bearing capacity diminishes, resulting in erosion, rutting, and poor surface evenness—ultimately compromising road functionality. Considering the relatively easy availability of cement in the region and the function of unpaved roads as connectors between rural villages and major arterial roads, lean concrete (LC) emerges as a promising alternative for unpaved road improvement. However, no prior research or field applications of LC in this context have been reported, underscoring the need for a systematic investigation of its fundamental material properties. This study employed locally sourced construction materials in Laos to produce lean concrete in accordance with the Korean standard KCS 44 50 15. Cylindrical specimens (ø150 × 300 mm) were prepared, and tests were conducted to evaluate compressive strength, elastic modulus, splitting tensile fatigue performance, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at curing ages of 3, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. The results confirmed that the LC mix met the KCS-specified target compressive strength of 5.0 MPa and showed continuous strength development up to 90 days. Owing to its low cement content, the LC exhibited comparatively lower elastic modulus, tensile strength, and thermal expansion than conventional concrete. The findings from this study provide foundational data for structural analysis of LC pavement under Lao environmental conditions and serve as a basis for evaluating traffic-induced fatigue and long-term performance.

Keywords
Lean Concrete
Compressive Strength
fatigue model
CTE
Unpaved Road Improvement
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Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN ASPHALT INSTITUTE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국아스팔트학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Asphalt Institute
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국아스팔트학회지
  • Volume : 15
  • No :1
  • Pages :157-170
  • Received Date : 2025-06-16
  • Revised Date : 2025-06-25
  • Accepted Date : 2025-06-28
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22702/jkai.2025.15.1.15
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