A Design Model for Geosynthetic-reinforced Pavements

Abstract

The first paper to this companion series of articles [Perkins, S.W and Edens, M.Q. (2003) “Finite elements and distress models for geosynthetic-reinforced pavements”, International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 3(4), 239–250] described a finite element response model and empirical damage models that were combined to form a mechanistic–empirical (M–E) for geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavement systems. The model provides predictions of an extension of service life or a reduction in unbound aggregate thickness for equivalent service life when the geosynthetic is placed at the bottom of the aggregate layer. In this paper, the model is used in a parametric study involving the analysis of over 465 cases to provide predictions of reinforcement benefit for a range of design parameters. The parameters varied are those that are believed to be most influential on reinforcement benefit and include thickness of the structural section, strength and/or stiffness of the subgrade, tensile modulus in both principal directions of the geosynthetic and several other properties related to the type and structure of the geosynthetic. Regression equations are used to relate reinforcement benefit results from the parametric study to these pavement design parameters and form the basis of the design model presented in this paper. This model is calibrated against the results of large-scale reinforced pavement test sections. The design model allows for the design of geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavements using generic input parameters for the pavement system.

Keywords:

• Pavement
• Geosynthetic
• Reinforcement
• Model
• Design

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully recognize the financial support and technical review provided by the Montana, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming Departments of Transportation and the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University. The Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Company and Tensar Earth Technologies, Incorporated graciously donated geosynthetic materials for preceding projects leading up to this work and also provided geosynthetic product information used in the development of the design model.