Investigation of the effect of using geogrids on the performance of the road in pavements constructed with reduced layer thicknesses

Abstract

In this study, the structural performance of road pavements with reduced layer thicknesses at different rates using geogrids was examined, and the benefits of geogrids in preventing rutting were investigated. Within the scope of the study, a total of 16 test sections of 50 meters in length, 12 with geogrids and four without geogrids, were constructed on the Adana - Kozan road determined by the General Directorate of Highways of Turkey (KGM). The constructed sections were divided into two, and besides the reference sections, two types of geogrids with different geometric structures were used in successive sections. Some layer thicknesses used in the study were determined following the specification, and the other part was determined through a pavement design program. In addition, to compare the effect of using geogrids in different locations on the pavement performance in the application sections, the geogrid was used in two positions, on the subbase layer and between the base layer. Data from the load, displacement and temperature sensors placed between the layers during the construction phase and on-site Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD) data at certain time intervals were used to observe the structural performances of the constructed pavement sections. In addition, GPS and IRI measurements are made regularly. The traffic values of the trial section are also monitored. Examining the obtained data aims to compare the economic gain achieved by reducing the layer thicknesses, the cost to be spent for the geogrid, and to make cost-benefit analyses.