Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

OVERLAY STRESS ABSORPTION

 

AND 

REINFORCEMENT 

 

Introduction to the Problem  

Road surfaces must be maintained regularly. 

Commonly, a paved road becomes a candidate 

for maintenance when its surface shows 

significant cracks and potholes.  The 

rehabilitation of cracked roads by simple 

overlaying is rarely a durable solution.  The 

cracks under the overlay rapidly propagate 

through to the new surface.  This phenomenon 

is called reflective cracking. 

 

Cracks in the pavement surface cause numerous 

problems, including: 

• 

Riding discomfort for the users 

• 

Reduction of safety 

• 

Infiltration of water and subsequent 

reduction of the bearing capacity of the 

subgrade 

• 

Pumping of soil particles through the crack 

• 

Progressive degradation of the road structure 

in the vicinity of the cracks due to stress 

concentrations 

 

Typical Cracked Pavement