Validating Mechanisms in Geosynthetic Reinforced Pavements; Technical rept. (Sept. 2004 - Aug. 2007)

摘要

Base reinforcement results from the addition of a geosynthetic at the bottom of or within a base course to increase the structural or load-carrying capacity of a pavement system. While there is clear evidence that geosynthetic reinforcements can lead to improved pavement performance, the identification and quantification of the parameters that contribute to such improvement has remained, at best, unclear. In addition, pavement structures deteriorate under the combined effects of traffic loading and environmental conditions such as moisture changes. The effect of moisture changes can be particularly detrimental in many locations of Texas, which are characterized by the presence of expansive clays. Consequently, this research focused on the assessment of the effect of geosynthetics on the pavement structural section and on its resistance to environmental changes. It is well documented that the use of geosynthetics for unbound base courses can lead to improved performance and reduced costs in pavement systems.