Durability is a factor playing a key role in road construction. Any specialist in this field tries to develop road structures capable to pass testing by time and heavy traffic. This article considers ways to increase durability with geosynthetics’ help.
Contents
Geosynthetics and durability
Geosynthetics play a key role in this process. They increase road base bearing capacity. Geomaterials reinforce structures, making them more resilient and capable to withstand high loads.
Road pavement base reinforcement
Road pavement bases are exposed to numerous loads including heavy traffic and soil moisture variation. This may cause deformation, potholes and cracks resulting in road pavement deterioration and lower safety of traffic. Woven geotextiles are used for reinforcement of soil under the road pavement base leading to increase in road durability.
Materials for base reinforcement are represented by Geospan GT PP and Geospan PET in Geospan range.
Erosion reduction
Erosion is an enemy of durability. Road slopes are exposed to soil wash-out risk caused by weather and water impacts. Geosynthetics may serve as a valid barrier to road slope erosion, ensuring the road stability and durability.
The usage of Geospan GC (GCP) is an effective solution to reinforce a slope.
Draining capacity increase
Drainage systems are an intrinsic part of securing road pavement durability. Geosynthetic draining materials improve the systems by preventing moisture accumulation under the road pavement. This helps to avoid flooding and maintains a structure durability.
Geospan BB represents Geospan range as a material designed for road pavement draining capacity improvement.
Rutting reduction
The rutting problem is a common phenomenon, harmful to road pavement durability. Geosynthetics facilitate prevention of rutting by providing a more uniform distribution of loads on a road. This also prevents deep cracking thus enhancing the road pavement durability.
Application of Geospan AS polyester geomat is an effective solution to prevent rutting.
Conclusions
Application of geosynthetics is a key to increasing road durability. They are a tool for soil reinforcement, erosion protection, better drainage and rutting prevention. With geosynthetics used, one can build roads and bridges that will serve much longer thus cutting the cost of maintenance and repair.
