Evaluating the benefits of geogrid reinforced bases in flexible pavement : technical summary report.

Technical summary report.PDFBooklet/PamphletLTRC Report 450LTRC Proj. No. 05-5GTState Proj. No. 736-99-1312GeogridsReinforced concrete pavementsFlexible pavementsBase course (Pavements)LouisianaLouisiana Transportation Research CenterAbu-Farsakh, MuradLouisiana Transportation Research CenterNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Soils and GeologyNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-MaterialsNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Construction and MaintenanceNTL-HIGHWAY/ROAD TRANSPORTATION-Pavement Management and PerformanceUS Transportation CollectionThe inadequacy of many existing roads due to rapid growth in traffic volume provides a motivation for exploring alternatives to existing methods of constructing and rehabilitating roads. The use of geosynthetics to stabilize and reinforce paved and unpaved roadways offers one such alternative. Many studies were conducted to evaluate the improvements associated with geogrid reinforcement of pavements. It is widely believed that geogrid reinforcement of roadways can extend a pavement\u92s service life and/or reduce the pavement\u92s structural thickness. LTRC Technical Summary Report 450 September 2009 Several design methods were proposed for flexible pavements with geogrid reinforced base layers. These methods were either based on empirical or analytical approaches. Empirical design methods are usually based on obtaining a performance level from a laboratory model test, which is then extrapolated to the field conditions for design application. The geogrid reinforced design methods based on analytical solution do not address all the variables that affect the performance of these pavements. This report is part of a research study on evaluating the benefits of geogrid reinforcement of base layer in flexible pavements. It presents the findings from laboratory triaxial tests and finite element analyses. Another report of this study will present the findings from large-scale cyclic plate load tests on ALF sections and sections built inside a test box