Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Geogrids Reinforced with Cement-Stabilized Macadam

Abstract

Cement-stabilized crushed stone is widely used in the construction of high-grade highways because of its good durability and stability. However, cement-stabilized gravel is also easily affected by temperature and humidity, resulting in a reduction in the overall strength and durability of asphalt pavement. In response to this problem, in this study, we lay a single layer of a basalt fiber geogrids in a cement-stabilized gravel base of a test section of the Yan-Chong Expressway. The bonding and friction forces formed between the basalt fiber geogrids and the base as well as the mechanical bite force, play an anti-cracking role. We conducted a comparative experimental study on the mechanical properties of basalt fiber geogrids reinforced or not reinforced with cement-stabilized gravel specimens of different ages. The results showed that (1) the unconfined compressive strength of cement-stabilized gravel was slightly reduced; (2) the splitting strength was somewhat improved; (3) the compressive elastic modulus was slightly reduced; (4) the flexural and tensile strengths were significantly increased. An improvement in the crack resistance in semi-rigid base materials can improve the service life of high-grade asphalt pavements.