Strain distribution along geogrid-reinforced asphalt overlays under traffic loading

While there is significant field evidence of the benefits of geosynthetic-reinforced asphalt overlays, their use has focused on minimizing the development of reflective cracks. Yet, geogrids in asphalt overlays are also expected to develop reinforcement mechanisms that contribute to the pavement structural capacity. Specifically, the use of geosynthetics in asphalt overlays may also improve the mechanical behavior of paved roads by controlling permanent displacements and reducing strains in the pavement layers. While relevant advances have been made towards identifying the mechanisms in geosynthetic stabilization of base courses, such mechanisms may differ from those that develop in geosynthetic-reinforced asphalt overlays. This paper investigates the development and distribution of tensile strains along geogrids used to reinforce asphaltic layers. Experimental data was collected from large-scale paved road models subjected to the repeated loading imparted by wheel traffic. Specifically, the study examines both the elastic and permanent components of displacements induced in geogrids by using mechanical extensometers attached to the geogrids. The testing program includes a number of geosynthetic-reinforced paved road models, as well as a control (unreinforced) section that was also instrumented for comparison purposes. Asphalt strain gauges were used to measure strains within the asphalt concrete layer, providing an additional source of information that proved to be highly consistent with the results obtained from the extensometers. The experimental results showed a progressive mobilization of permanent geogrid strains that reached a final profile beyond which additional traffic loading did not result in additional straining. In comparison, higher strains developed in the unreinforced model, which showed a continuously increasing trend. Elastic tensile strains in the asphalt mixture and rutting under the wheel load were comparatively smaller when using geogrids. Overall, the results generated in this study indicate that the presence of geogrids in asphalt overlays results in a lateral restraining mechanism that influences on the mechanical behavior of flexible pavements.