Reinforcement of pavements with geosynthetics

In this project, pavement reinforcement with geosynthetics in Dalandia Kachipay (Cali) guaranteed pavement performance even in unfavorable subgrade conditions.

This case clearly shows the benefits of pavement reinforcement with geosynthetics in complex road projects.

Soil problems

During the design stage, it was identified that the project was being developed in a terrain made up of fine soils of high plasticity, in which uncontrolled fills of excavated material from the site had been placed.

These materials presented:

• low bearing capacity

• high susceptibility to permanent deformation

• risk of settlement and premature cracking

A conventional solution would have involved excessive settlement, rutting, increased thickness of granular material, higher costs and a high risk of early failure.

Improvement of subgrade and granular layers

To mitigate the problem, the surface material was replaced by a layer of granular material, increasing the initial bearing capacity of the soil.

However, due to the soft condition of the natural soil, the necessary thicknesses were too great. Therefore, it was necessary to complement with a system that would guarantee stability, confinement and structural performance without excessively increasing the volumes of material.

Here, a high modulus woven geotextile type FORTEXwho played key roles:

• separation between subgrade and granular material

• material reinforcement and confinement

• reduction of fines pollution

• improvement of the structural capacity of the soil-pavement system

Thanks to this pavement reinforcement with geosyntheticsIn this way, a uniform platform was achieved, with greater resistance to deformation and volumetric change conditions.

Subsequently, the subbase and granular base layers were constructed respecting the thicknesses and specifications of the design.

Reinforcement of the asphalt layer with geogrids

A biaxial geogrid was included in the asphalt wearing course. FORTGRID ASPHALT with the objective of preventing cracking and extending pavement life.

Among its main benefits:

• efficient distribution of efforts

• fatigue and reflection crack retardation

• reduction of future maintenance

• improved structural performance under repeated loading

Contribution of geosynthetics to the project

The combined use of:

• woven geotextile FORTEX in the subgrade

• FORTGRID ASPHALT geogrid in asphalt layer

was decisive for the success of the project.

This solution made it possible to transform an unfavorable geotechnical condition into an efficient, sustainable and economically viable technical alternative, confirming the advantages of the pavement reinforcement with geosynthetics.

Implementation:

• improved structural performance

• optimized resources

• reduced construction risks

• increased pavement life

The Dalandia Kachipay paving project demonstrates that geosynthetics are a fundamental tool in modern road engineering, especially in problematic soils.

Conclusion

The correct selection and application of geosynthetics allows:

• build more durable pavements

• reduce maintenance costs

• increase the reliability of the infrastructure

This case reaffirms the importance of integrating innovative solutions and proven technologies in the design and construction of complex road projects.

If you want to know more about geosynthetic solutions for pavements, contact us.