Evaluation of geogrids for stabilising weak pavement subgrade

Abstract

This study attempts to identify mechanical and physical properties of geogrids that are critical to their effectiveness in the stabilisation of pavement subgrade. Geogrid properties, including aperture size, wide-width tensile strength and junction strength, for four geogrid products are correlated with bench-scale interface test results, including direct shear and pull-out, and accelerated pavement testing (APT) results. APT is conducted through the use of a one-third scale APT device, the model mobile load simulator (MMLS3) on geogrid-reinforced pavement sections. The pavement sections are constructed on a subgrade soil with a low California bearing ratio. The performance of each pavement section is evaluated by measuring surface rutting at various trafficking stages. The analysis reveals a strong relationship between performance and junction and tensile strength of geogrids at small strains, whereas aperture size has a positive correlation with pull-out test results.

Keywords:

• geogrid
• subgrade stabilisation
• pavement
• bench-scale testing
• accelerated testing, MMLS3

Notes

^1. [email protected]

^2. [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xiaochao Tang

1. 1. [email protected]

Angelica Palomino

2. 2. [email protected]