Assessing Performance of Geosynthetic Reinforced Pavement with a Large-Scale Track Wheel Test and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer

This proposed research aims to achieve three primary objectives: (1) develop a large-scale track wheel test (LSWT) with multiple non-destructive testing sensors to assess the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced pavement, (2) evaluate the benefits of using geosynthetics to reinforce the surface, base layer and/or stabilize weak subgrade soil in a flexible pavement application, and (3) suggest the design parameters for geosynthetic-reinforced pavement based on the testing results. These studies will be used to develop, investigate, and refine the understanding of underlying the mechanical behavior and performance of the geosynthetic-reinforced pavement system. The mechanical performance of a geosynthetic-reinforced pavement system will be evaluated at different layers of the pavement in the controlled condition from the LSTW test installed with various sensors such as fiber optic cables, ultrasonic sensors, LVDTs, pressure cells, etc. Also, the numerical simulation will be conducted for a full-scale roadway pavement reinforced with geosynthetics at the different layers. Based on the testing and numerical modeling results, K constant and resilient and bulk modulus between reinforced and unreinforced pavement will be back-calculated to compare the performance between reinforced and unreinforced pavement. The end results of this research project will suggest a performance chart of geosynthetic-reinforced roadway pavement systems with the selected sets of soil conditions, aggregate types, and the types and locations of geosynthetics. This project is directly related to focus areas of the Mid-America Transportation Center in enhancing the safety of road conditions and reducing the negative effects of crashes. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) fully supports this project. In addition to the participating UNL Civil Engineers, two NDOT engineers will participate as a monitor in this project. Through a supplementary combination with the NDOT research, the team will have a synergistic effect on the current project.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $270001
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747107

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

  1400 R Street
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68588
• Principal Investigators:

  Kim, S

  Zhu, Jinying

  Eun, Jongwan

  Song, Chung

• Start Date: 20200901
• Expected Completion Date: 20220228
• Actual Completion Date: 20220228
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geosynthetics; Nondestructive tests; Pavement performance; Reinforced concrete pavements; Rutting; Sensors
• Identifier Terms: Nebraska Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01766144
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747107
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Feb 26 2021 11:03AM