Performance of geosynthetic-reinforced asphalt pavements

This paper describes the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced asphalt pav ement under monotonic, cyclic, and dynamic loading conditions. The study di ffered from current practice where geosynthetics are typically used as sepa rators or to improve the bearing capacity of the subgrade. A geogrid layer was installed at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer, along the asphal t-subgrade interface, to function as tensile reinforcement. The load was ap plied to the surface of the asphalt concrete layer using a rigid rectangula r footing under plane strain conditions. The strains that developed along t he geogrid over time and at different load levels were monitored. Two diffe rent types of geogrid reinforcements were used, and their restraining effec ts on the layered system were compared. The study showed that geosynthetic reinforcement increased the stiffness and bearing capacity of the asphalt c oncrete pavement. Under dynamic loading, the life of the asphalt concrete l ayer was prolonged in the presence of geosynthetic reinforcement. The stiff ness of the geogrid and its interlocking with the asphalt concrete contribu ted to the restraining effect.