Geosynthetic reinforcement was utilized in the construction of eighteen
laboratory flexible pavement test sections. The test sections were designed to
simulate a low- traffic volume secondary road built over a weak subgrade. Three
types of geosynthetics were used: two types of woven geotextiles; and a
geogrid. The test sections were constructed, cyclically loaded, and the resulting
data were collected and analyzed. The performance of reinforced test sections
was compared to that of unreinforced sections to estimate any improvement due
to the reinforcement. The test sections were loaded dynamically at a frequency
of 0.5 Hz using a computer controlled loading system. The loading system
imparted a force of 9,000 Ibs (40 kN) to the pavement surface. The load was
transn1itted to the pavement surface by a 12 in (30.54 cm) diameter rigid steel
plate, which approximated a dual tire load from an 18 kip (80 kN) truck axle.
Both the forces applied to the steel load plate and the deflections of the
pavement surface were monitored using a computer-controlled data acquisition
system. The deflection of the pavement surface was measured using an array of
LVDTs. An analysis and comparison of the cumulative displacement of the
pavement surface due to the number of applied loads was performed for the test
sections. Load induced dynamiC and cumulative vertical earth pressures within
the subgrade were monitored, analyzed, and compared for a series of reinforced
and unreinforced test sections. Composite section stiffness was calculated and
compared among test sections with similar subgrade CBR values.
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