Structural analysis of reinforced asphalt pavement by impregnated surface geotextile

Abstract

The present research contemplated the mechanistic-empirical analysis of unreinforced and reinforced asphalt pavements by impregnated surface geotextile. The mechanical properties determined in the laboratory derive from the tensile strength by diametral compression (TS), resilient modulus (RM) and fatigue life (Nf) tests. Insertion of the reinforcement into the asphalt mixture provided TS and RM increments, as well as reducing the risk of fatigue cracking. In the structural analyzes, horizontal tensile stresses and vertical compression stresses at the lower edge of the binder course were verified. The analysis based on the statically determined mechanical strength parameter (TS) showed a structural superiority of the unreinforced system compared to the geotextile reinforced system, in contrast to the analysis based on the dynamically determined structural response parameter (Nf). It is assumed that, because it does not translate the mobilized strength by asphalt concrete under dynamic loading condition, the structural safety analysis based on static properties masks the improvements generated by the geosynthetic reinforcement.

Keywords

• Composite hot asphalt mixtures. Geosynthetic reinforcement. Geotextile. Surface impregnation. Structural analysis.