TEXTILES.ORG
Contributed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
MnDOT uses geosynthetic materials to stabilize or reinforce road pavements. Various types of geosynthetics help maintain separation between pavement layers, improve drainage and prevent erosion.
The most commonly used materials for pavement applications are geotextiles and geogrids. In addition to facilitating moisture reduction, geotextile barriers help confine and stabilize subgrade and base materials. Geogrids reinforce the soil base under the pavement and provide improved load bearing capacity.
The benefits of geotextiles and geogrids can be optimized when soil type and pavement structure, traffic loads and other factors are considered. Understanding the evolution of best practices for using geosynthetic materials in road construction will support improved performance and extended design life of Minnesota’s pavements.
“The research will help MnDOT modernize how we use geotextile and geogrid materials to enhance our pavement design and construction approaches,” said Terry Beaudry, grading and base engineer, MnDOT Office of Materials and Road Research. “Updated guidance and decision tools for using geosynthetics will make the most of the benefits they provide for our pavements.”
Objectives
In a new project, researchers will analyze and quantify the pavement benefits of geosynthetic materials based on their functions. A best practices design guide will support road designers in choosing the appropriate geotextiles and geogrids for different road and traffic conditions to better predict pavement outcomes and extend pavement life.
The objectives are:
Evaluate current MnDOT practice related to the use of geosynthetics in pavement design and construction
Review research and current state of the practice on geosynthetics pavement applications, products, design methods and specifications
Quantify benefits and conduct economic analyses of geotextile and geogrid use
Develop technical guide and decision support tools for using geotextiles and geogrids to improve the performance of unbound pavement layers
Project Details
Estimated Start Date: 07/01/2024
Estimated Completion Date: 06/30/2026
Funding: MnDOT
Principal Investigator: Erol Tutumluer
Co-Principal Investigators: Issam Qamhia, Halil Ceylan, Sunghwan Kim
Technical Liaison: Terry Beaudry
Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change. To receive email updates about this project, visit MnDOT’s Office of Research & Innovation to subscribe.