Reinforcement geocomposites

The use of geogrids or geocomposites effectively results in the reduction of the thickness of the asphalt overlay. For the determination of the resulting reduction in thickness, special calculations are needed to be carried out. However, the thickness of the asphalt layer above the reinforcement should never be less than 50 mm or the minimum value required by the supplier. This minimises the horizontal tensile forces that may cause slippage of the geocomposite or the overlay. 

Backfills for geosynthetic reinforced walls should be free draining,because unexpected failure of these structures can be caused by lack of control of groundwater or seepage. An appropriate geocomposite can therefore be incorporated horizontally and/or vertically to provide adequate drainage. 

Nevertheless a puUout test can be used for GTX-W or for geocomposites like reinforced GTX-N but not for GTX-N. GTX-Ns will change their width too much owing to lateral contraction during the puUing of the specimen (Fig. 7.23). 

Figure 13.21 Illustration of the application of a basal reinforcement—drainage geocomposite.

Moreover, the development of geocomposites made of a non woven geotextile and a woven geogrid will allow increasing multifunctional use of geotextiles, affording reinforcement, drainage, and filtration capacity. 

There are a few cases of synthetic erosion blankets (soft armor) that have a light nonwoven incorporated into the erosion mat to create a geocomposite. The synthetic mat allows the rhizome layer of the vegetation to be reinforced and the nonwoven provides a filter layer to prevent the movement of fines. 

---