Instrumentation and Performance of Geosynthetics Beneath Flexible Pavements in211 Winterport and Frankfort, Maine

摘要

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of geosynthetics in211u001eterms of reinforcement, separation, and drainage for roadways constructed in cold 211u001eregions where the aggregate base course is thickner than investigated in previous 211u001estudies. This project goes beyond previous work by evaluating the effectiveness 211u001eof geosynthetics as a reinforcement, separation, and drainage layers in paved 211u001eroadway sections with subbases ranging from 580 to 640 mm thick (23 to 25 in.). 211u001eThe study was performed on a 3.0 km (1.9 mile) portion of U.S. Route 1A in the 211u001etowns of Frankfort and Winterport, Maine. The project evaluated four different 211u001egeosynthetics: reinforcement geogrid, high strength geotextile; heavy weight 211u001enonwoven geotextile, and drainage geocomposite. The project was instrumented to 211u001emonitor the performance of the geosynthetics. Overall the force in the geogrid 211u001eand high strength geotextile was only a small fraction of the ultimate strengths 211u001eof the materials. Piezometer readings showed that a drainage geocomposite placed 211u001e450 mm (18 in.) below subgrade may have been effective in reducing pore water 211u001epressures. Falling weight deflectometer results were inconclusive in evaluating 211u001ethe effects of the geosynthetics.