Application of polymer grids for reinforcement of asphalt pavement roads: Case study of corridor X in Macedonia

Abstract

Asphalt paved roads prematurely exhibit a cracking pattern similar to that in the old underlying pavement. The cracking in the new overlay surface is due to the inability of the overlay to withstand shear and tensile stresses created by movements concentrated around preexisting cracks in the underlying pavement. This movement may be due to traffic loading causing differential deflections at cracks in the underlying pavement layers, expansion or contraction of subgrade soils, expansion or contraction of the pavement itself due to changes in temperature, or combinations of these phenomena. Due to heavy deformation of asphalt paved surface, using European funds, the Government of Macedonia initiated rehabilitation of Corridor X close to the Tetovo section. For the reconstruction of this important section of the motorway, an experimental programme was conducted to determine the effects of geogrid reinforcement on mitigating reflection cracking in asphalt overlays. The objective of this study is to assess the inclusion of geogrid in the pavement cross-section and the accumulation of permanent deformation. The geogrid position, type of existing pavement, temperature, and joint/crack opening were analyzed in three site trial tests. Crack propagation under repeated loading was monitored as well. The results indicate a significant reduction in the rate of crack propagation in reinforced samples compared to unreinforced samples of old asphalt pavement. The presented pavement design procedure could be tailored to the specific needs of the project and implemented in various road rehabilitation projects.