Field Evaluation of Geogrid-Reinforced Pavement Systems on Soft Subgrades

The inclusion of geogrid reinforcement and geotextile filtration/separation within pavement systems bearing on soft subgrades can provide significant reductions in the thicknesses of the base course and subbase, thereby substantially reducing the cost of the pavement system and improving its long-term performance. However, our current knowledge is insufficient to know with certainty that our current design procedures and guidelines produce the most efficient and cost-effective design. The primary objectives of this research project are to compare the performance of pavement systems on soft subgrades: (a) designed without and with geogrid to determine if they are comparable, (b) with the geogrid located at different depths within the Base Course to determine the location that will provide the maximum reinforcing benefit, and (c) without and with a geotextile filter/separator at the bottom of the granular base to determine the effectiveness of the geotextile. These objectives will be accomplished by building and instrumenting several test sections within pavement systems bearing on soft subgrades during construction of a new roadway in Utah. The results of this research will be used to modify the design of geosynthetic-reinforced pavement systems within Utah and other states, resulting in more economical pavement systems with enhanced long-term performance.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Active
  • Funding: $217333
  • Contract Numbers:

    69A3551747108

  • 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:

    Mountain-Plains Consortium

    North Dakota State University
    Fargo, ND  United States  58108
  • Project Managers:

    Tolliver, Denver

  • Performing Organizations:

    University of Utah

    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    110 Central Campus Drive Suite 2000
    Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84112
  • Principal Investigators:

    Lawton, Evert

  • Start Date: 20201030
  • Expected Completion Date: 20230731
  • Actual Completion Date: 0
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
  • Source Data: MPC-635

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01757149
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Mountain-Plains Consortium
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3551747108
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Nov 4 2020 9:55AM