Reinforcement of asphalt layers with geogrids
REINFORCEMENT OF ASPHALT LAYERS WITH GEOGRIDS
The ASTM defines geogrids as a geosynthetic formed by a regular network of integrally connected elements with openings greater than 1⁄4 in (6.35 mm) to allow interlocking with surrounding soil, rock, earth or other materials to provide reinforcement. Asphalt overlay geogrids are a particular group of geogrids whose function is to provide reinforcement for asphalt concrete.
Our geogrids for asphalt layers FORTGRID ASPHALT are made with the exclusive G5 high tenacity polyester PET multifilament, which forms an orthogonal arrangement of straps or ribs that are coated with a bituminous material, which are characterized by:
- They exhibit high resistance to cyclic loading in both tension and shear.
- They have high tensile strength.
- They are resistant to high temperatures (softening point higher than 240 ºC).
- They have affinity with asphalt providing high shear strength efficiency at the interface.
- They have low susceptibility to installation damage. Their purlins and intersections withstand aggregate pressure without deterioration and are strong and stable enough to allow penetration of particles through their openings.
- They do not alter the recyclability of asphalt concrete.
Among the main benefits of its use are the following:
- Improve fatigue resistance: they help to distribute the stresses and horizontal tensile deformations that occur in the lower plane of the asphalt layers under the action of vehicle overloads, which reduces the formation of cracks and fatigue cracks.
- Increase resistance to reflective cracking: When an asphalt overlay is placed over a cracked pavement, cracks can propagate from the layer below to the layer above. Placing the geogrid at this interface provides tensile strength by controlling the reflection cracking, prolonging the life of the new overlay.
- Control permanent deformations: Geogrid reduces rutting due to high traffic volume and heavy loads.
- Reduce the thickness of asphalt layers: In some cases, the inclusion of geogrids reduces the thickness of asphalt layers needed to meet design requirements, which saves costs, materials and construction time.
- Increased bearing capacity: The geogrid improves the structural capacity of the pavement, since the direct contact between the layers involved through their openings guarantees the condition of bound layers with a consequent increase in structural capacity, which broadens the design options.
- Extend the intervals between periodic maintenance.
The geogrids FORTGRID ASPHALT are a very efficient solution in rehabilitation works of existing asphalt layers, pavements on stabilized granular bases and reinforcement of new asphalt layers in cases of joints due to roadway widening and excavations for utility networks, among others.
