Forensic Evaluation of Geogrid-Reinforced Flexible Pavement Sections on SR-10 near Emery, Utah

The purpose of this research project was to investigate and determine the reasons for the premature deterioration of the geogrid-reinforced pavement system on the section of SR-10 between Muddy Creek and Emery, Utah. Statistical analyses and evaluations indicate that the structural design of the primary pavement system was adequate, as the stiffness measurements of the primary layers did not correlate with measured pavement distress. Even though the asphalt-concrete layer was subjected to significant deformations in the longitudinal and transverse directions, it displayed negligible cracking. Therefore, the geogrid likely provided the necessary tensile reinforcement to prevent tension cracking in the asphalt-concrete layer despite large movements within the embankment and subgrade. The characteristics of the fill and subgrade likely dominated the performance of the pavement. The structural design of the pavement system did not take into account the vulnerability of the subgrade and embankment to loading-induced and wetting-induced volume changes. Subgrade soil from cut sections was sampled and tested for collapse and swell potential. It was found to swell under low overburden pressures and collapse under medium to high overburden pressures. This soil, or similar native soil, was likely used as native embankment fill in some pavement sections. Sections with embankment fills under the negative direction of travel were vulnerable to loading-induced and wetting-induced volume changes. Additional commentary and recommendations are provided in this report for suitable embankment fill material and pavement support materials, along with effective placement of geogrid and geotextile in a pavement section for future Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) projects.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=1137
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/72485
• Summary URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/72487
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Utah, Salt Lake City

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States 

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Utah Department of Transportation

  Salt Lake City, UT  United States 
• Authors:
  • Burns, Henrik
  • Lawton, Evert
  • Romero, Pedro
• Publication Date: 2023-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 305p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fills; Geogrids; Pavement distress; Reinforced concrete pavements; Structural analysis; Subgrade (Pavements); Swelling
• Geographic Terms: Utah
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01895969
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC 23-498, MPC-587
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 13 2023 8:40AM