Performance Evaluation of Full-Scale Geosynthetic-Reinforced Flexible Pavements Using Field Cyclic Plate Load Tests

This study presents a new field test to characterize the deformation behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced flexible pavements during dynamic surface loading. Cyclic plate load (CPL) tests were performed using a Vibroseis (shaker) truck on a low-volume, asphalt pavement frontage road in Eastern Arkansas (the Marked Tree Site). This site is among the most unique geosynthetic-reinforced pavement research sites in the country, consisting of sixteen 15-m long sections including different geosynthetic types, two base course thicknesses, and control sections. The goal of the CPL tests in this study was to understand the relative surface deformations in several of the test sections due to dynamic loading. Specifically, the Vibroseis was used to apply 100,000 loading cycles to the pavement at a peak dynamic force of 62 kN (a static hold-down force of 40 kN with a superimposed +/- 22 kN dynamic force). These loads were applied to a dual wheel-sized footprint resting on the pavement surface at a rate of 50 Hz. The permanent and dynamic surface deflections due to the applied loading were recorded every 500 cycles using nine LVDT’s located at incremental distances from the loading footprint. The results from the different sections clearly show improved pavement performance with increasing base course thickness. However, the influence of the reinforcement (unreinforced, geogrid, geotextile, geogrid over geotextile) was not clearly identified. It is possible that more surface deflection is needed before the contribution of the geosynthetic is mobilized.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: DVD
  • Features: Figures; References;
  • Pagination: 11p
  • Monograph Title: TRB 89th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01155580
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: 10-1764
  • Files: BTRIS, TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Apr 28 2010 7:32AM