The pavement design adopted in this project exemplifies value engineering by integrating alternative materials and innovative stabilization techniques to optimize performance, cost, and sustainability. Instead of conventional granular layers and dry lean concrete, the design utilizes steel slag as both coarse and fine aggregates, combined with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and NovoCrete stabilizer to form high-strength stabilized base and subbase layers. This approach not only promotes the use of industrial by-products, reducing environmental impact, but also enhances structural capacity and longevity of the pavement.
The Job Mix Formula (JMF) was developed through detailed laboratory trials to ensure compliance with strength, durability, and gradation standards as per MoRTH and IRC guidelines. Full Depth Reclamation (FDR), CTB, and CTSB layers were designed using 7% OPC and 2% NovoCrete (by weight of cement), achieving UCS values exceeding 4.75 MPa. In-situ mixing and compaction were employed to reduce construction time and costs. A 150 mm Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) layer was laid over a polythene sheet to prevent bonding and allow independent movement, further enhancing durability. The result is a cost-effective, high-performance pavement structure that demonstrates efficient use of local and recycled materials, reduced carbon footprint, and improved lifecycle value—aligning with modern value engineering principles in highway construction.