Assessing Performance of Geosynthetic Reinforced Pavement with a Large-Scale Track Wheel Test and Nondestructive Testing Tools

University

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Principal Investigator

Jongwan Eun (jeun2@unl.edu)

Total Project Cost

$270,000

Funding Type

2016 USDOT

Start Date

09/01/2020

End Date

02/28/2022

Agency ID or Contract Number

69A3551747107

Abstract

This study will evaluate the mechanical performance of a geosynthetic-reinforced pavement system at different layers of the pavement by using a large-scale wheel track (LSTW) test installed with various innovative sensors such as fiber optic cables, ultrasonic sensors, LVDTs, pressure cells. Also, the numerical simulation will be conducted for a full-scale roadway pavement reinforced with geosynthetics at the different layers.

Description

This proposed research aims to achieve three primary objectives: (1) develop a large-scale track wheel (LSTW) test with multiple non-destructive testing sensors to assess the performance of geosynthetic-reinforced pavement, (2) evaluate the benefits of using geosynthetics to reinforce the surface, base layer and/or stabilize weak subgrade soil in a flexible pavement application, and (3) suggest the design parameters for geosynthetic-reinforced pavement based on the testing results.

Impacts/Benefits

These studies will be used to develop, investigate, and refine the understanding of underlying the mechanical behavior and performance of the geosynthetic-reinforced pavement system. The end results of this research project will suggest a performance chart of geosynthetic-reinforced roadway pavement systems with the selected sets of soil conditions, aggregate types, and the types and locations of geosynthetics.

Deliverables

Download the Final Report