BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT UNDER WHEEL LOAD

Abstract

Developmental interests all over the world require a high degree of mobility. To this end, good roads which connect all parts of the country and capable of taking fast and heavy vehicles even in areas of poor soil conditions are required. Weak soils require thicker pavements to carry the heavy loads imposed on them. Thicker pavements are costlier, require large quantities of raw materials, create constructional problems and slow down the pace of work. This brings reinforcing materials like geogrids into the picture. Acceptance of new materials for use requires a proper understanding of their behaviour and comparison with conventional materials. This investigation was carried out to compare the behaviour of unreinforced and geogrid reinforced pavements with regard to their stress distribution. Stress cells were fabricated and installed within the two pavement sections. Wheel loads were simulated by a 304.8 mm diameter plate. Cyclic and repetitive plate load tests were carried out. Stresses and settlements were measured. It was found that reinforced pavement settled less as compared to unreinforced pavement. At subgrade level, the stress in reinforced pavement section was only 30% of that in the unreinforced pavement section. Hence reinforced flexible pavements are very effective and have the ability to take more load and thus revolutionise pavement construction