| Popis: |
Placing a structural asphalt overlay atop existing pavements is one of the conventional methods used in pavement rehabilitation. However, reflective cracking in the new overlay continues to be a challenge associated with pavement rehabilitation. Traffic loading and environmental effects are the primary external causes of reflective cracking. A properly designed geocomposite or geogrid may help delay or reduce reflective cracking by providing reinforcement and strain relief. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using such a geocomposite interlayer to improve pavement performance, specifically in terms of resistance to reflective cracking. Asphalt concrete was placed on the top of concrete slabs. The underlying concrete slab was placed in two different thicknesses, with a space between slabs to simulate the joint. The thinner slab was placed on a rubber mat to deliver uniform thickness and flat surface for placement of asphalt. Two slabs were made, one as the control system without a geocomposite interlayer, and the other as the experimental system with a geocomposite interlayer. Accelerated loading of the asphalt overlay was conducted using a 3rd Scale Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) system. The bottom-up reflective cracking could not be developed during this test in neither the control nor the experimental slabs. However, it was clearly observed that, the geocomposite significantly improved the top-down cracking resistance of the asphalt overlay. |
