Practices Related to the Use of Geosynthetics and Pavement Foundations

Recent developments in the geosynthetic industry, including but not limited to improved geogrid geometry/shape for soil-grid interaction and geotextiles with water management capabilities (e.g., wicking), have created opportunities for state department of transportation (DOT) practitioners to extend the service life of pavements. However, it is unclear how these relatively new geosynthetics, as well as mature/established products, are being used by DOTs for long-lasting pavement foundations. A synthesis documenting current practices in the use of geosynthetics for pavement foundations can help state DOTs achieve durable pavement foundations and improve asset performance. The objective of this synthesis is to document current state DOT practices for the use of geosynthetics (e.g., geotextiles, geogrids, geocells, and geocomposites) for long-lasting pavement foundations. This synthesis will encompass practices throughout the planning, design, construction, and maintenance/rehabilitation stages. Information to be gathered includes (but is not limited to): Criteria for using geosynthetics or mature/established geosynthetics during the planning stage; Methods (e.g., guidelines and manuals) to select geosynthetics; Geosynthetics involved design tools (e.g., software) used for designing pavement foundations; Experience gained from incorporating geosynthetics during the design stage of pavements; Definition and/or criteria of geosynthetic properties or soil-geosynthetic interaction properties used in the design stage; Procedures to review/update specifications related to geosynthetics; Practices to performs QA/QC of pavement foundations built with geosynthetics; Challenges in quantifying the benefits of geosynthetics in the field; Practices to track performance of pavement foundations stabilized with geosynthetics; and Maintenance activities performed by state DOTs on pavement foundations stabilized with geosynthetics. Information will be gathered through a literature review, a survey of state DOTs, and follow-up interviews with selected DOTs for the development of case examples. Information gaps and suggestions for research to address those gaps will be identified.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5995

Language

• English

Project

• Funding: $65,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  20-05/Topic 57-18

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Li, Zhiye

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20260109
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Geosynthetics; Pavement base course; Pavement maintenance; Paving; Subgrade (Pavements)
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01972839
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: 20-05/Topic 57-18
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Nov 25 2025 4:37PM