Research on the road performance of self-adhesive basalt fiber geotextiles based on the background of long-life pavements

Abstract

Achieving sustained asphalt pavements can minimize the structural damage brought on by minor pavement cracks, which will reduce the high repair and maintenance costs resulting from pavement distress. This study introduces a new composite geomaterial, self-adhesive basalt fiber geotextiles (SBFG) prepared by hot-melt lamination of basalt fiber cloth and modified asphalt, intended for the deterrence and control of reflection cracks in asphalt pavements. In this study, the self-adhesive geotextile was placed between the cement-stabilized macadam base and AC-20 surface layer to prepare composite samples, and the road performance was evaluated by a three-point bending test, Overlay Tester, dynamic shear rheology test, and the crack expansion time under different parameters of SBFG was simulated by ABAQUS finite element to predict the whole life cycle of the pavement structure. The results indicate that the fracture energy of the SBFG sample is the largest among all samples, and the structural design of fiber reinforcement disperses the concentrated stress at the crack tip, increases the stress area, and prolongs the time of crack expansion from the subgrade to the surface layer; Smooth and stable load loss curve of the sample in the reflection crack test, with slow crack expansion. This new geomaterial has an excellent rutting factor and maintains good resistance to permanent deformation at high temperatures; In the finite element prediction of fatigue cracking life of asphalt pavement, the structural life of the pavement with the addition of SBFG was improved by 78.3% compared to the control group. The application of basalt fibers in geosynthetics provides a new idea for achieving prolonged asphalt pavements.