Formulation of a composite road material based on lateritic gravel from Avlamè (Benin) reinforced with jute fibers

The modernization of transportation infrastructure is a key factor in economic and social development, particularly in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The increasing scarcity of high-quality lateritic gravel and rising traffic volumes necessitate the improvement of available local materials. This study aims to formulate a composite material using lateritic gravel from Avlamè, reinforced with jute fibers, in order to meet the technical specifications required for pavement base courses. The methodological approach adopted consists of conducting Proctor and CBR tests on specimens of unprocessed lateritic gravel and on the material incorporating fibers of lengths 0, 1, 2, and 3 cm. For the optimal fiber length thus identified, fiber contents of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% were tested. The results show that 1-cm-long jute fibers, incorporated at an optimal dosage of 0.75% by mass, enable a CBR of 69.5% to be achieved, representing a 104.4% increase compared to the untreated gravel. The study highlights the technical and environmental benefits of plant fibers as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional stabilizers for road infrastructure in tropical regions.