DELAWARE TRANSPORTATION INSTITUTE



RESEARCH  REPORT  ABSTRACT
 

 

Performance of Geogrid-Reinforced Asphalt Pavement
under Static and Dynamic Loading Conditions
(DTI Report 114)

by

Hoe I. Ling
Zheng Liu
July 1999



          This study describes the restraining effects of geosynthetic reinforcement in the asphalt pavement.  A geogrid layer was installed at the bottom of the asphalt layer, along with asphalt-subgrade interface, to function as tensile reinforcement.  The study differed from current practice where geogrids are used in the subgrade to improve the bearing capacity.  Static monotonic and cyclic loadings, as well as dynamic loadings, were applied to the surface of the asphalt layer using a rigid footing under plane strain conditions.  The performances of unreinforced and reinforced asphalt layers were investigated.  The strains developed along the geogrid over time and at different load levels were monitored.  Two different types of geogrid reinforcements were used and their restraining effects on the layered system were compared. The study showed that geosynthetic reinforcement increased the stiffness and bearing capacity of the asphalt pavement.  Under dynamic loading, the life of asphalt was prolonged in the presence of geosynthetic reinforcements.  The interlocking between the geogrid and asphalt materials contributed to the restraining effect.  This study provides experimental results for the future verification of finite element method in simulating the geogrid reinforcement effects.
 
 



 
 

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