Performance evaluation of geosynthetic reinforced flexible pavement: a review of full-scale field studies

Abstract

Many experimental studies have shown that geosynthetic reinforcement of flexible pavement can be beneficial in terms of extending their service life and decreasing the required structural number of the pavement. Although numerous researches have performed experimental and numerical studies to evaluate the benefits of these reinforcements, comprehensive comparisons are lacking among the different investigations. This paper reviews typical field experimental studies on geosynthetic reinforcement of flexible pavement performed by various investigators. Researchers have found that the main appreciable improvement of geosynthetics reinforcement depends on various factors such as subgrade stiffness, base aggregate thickness and quality, hot mix asphalt thickness and quality, geogrid stiffness/location and so on. The granular equivalent (G.E.) factor was determined based on the results of the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and the results of the unreinforced and reinforced section were compared to obtain the G.E. factors based on mentioned factors of reinforcements. Then, a unique formula is presented in this study, according to the performed comparison of the results. Although more investigations are needed to develop the presented method and general corrections, the results of this study can be used by the designers to evaluate the geosynthetic reinforcement of flexible pavements in their designs as well.