A Study Review on Geosynthetics use on Flexible Pavement Design

Abstract

This study covers a literature search and review to obtain information on geotextile applications related to pavement construction. Applicable information-from this study, if sufficient, would then be used to prepare guidelines on design application, material specifications, performance criteria, and construction procedures for improving subgrade support with geotextiles in general aviation airport pavements. The study revealed that there are numerous design procedures available for using geotextiles in aggregate surfaced pavements and flexible pavement road construction. However, there is no generally accepted procedure for either type construction. The state-of-the-art has not advanced to the point where design procedures for using geotextiles in paved airport construction are available. Construction/installation procedures are available for using geotextiles in aggregate surfaced pavements and flexible pavements for roads, and these may be used as an aid in recommending procedures for airport construction. Results of comprehensive tests by researchers indicate that geogrids have more potential than geotextiles for reinforcement of flexible pavements. Until design procedures for flexible pavements for airports incorporating geotextiles are developed, current standard airport pavement design procedures should continue to be used, and if geotextiles are included in the structure, no structural support should be attributed, .to geotextiles. Further research on the use of geotextiles to improve subgrade support for general aviation airports should be delayed until the laboratory grid study and field grid tests are completed.