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Government report cites geosynthetics for roadway stability and strength
By Ron Bygness
The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) announced today that a report issued Nov. 15 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) includes geosynthetic materials as an innovative material that can improve pavement performance and reduce life cycle costs.
The GAO study was requested by two U.S. House of Representatives Transportation Committee Members, Rep. John J. Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.). Duncan is chair of House’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit and LoBiondo chairs the House’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Their Oct. 13, 2011, request to the GAO specifically referenced geosynthetic materials.
GMA’s announcement said the GAO’s report to Congress cited geosynthetic materials for improved roadway stability and strength for sub-base pavement structure as well as for reducing crack and water penetration in roadway surface layers.
The GAO report said that geosynthetics are among the materials “that could be used during the construction and reconstruction stages of the pavement life cycle to affect pavement performance. These practices include specific approaches to building or rebuilding roads that may enhance their durability.”
“GMA commends Congressmen Duncan and LoBiondo for their hard work and oversight to promote roadway materials and practices, such as the use of geosynthetics, which can provide a stronger and more durable infrastructure while saving taxpayer dollars,” said Boyd Ramsey, GMA executive council chairman. “We look forward to our continued work with their offices to support geosynthetic use in roadways and various civil infrastructure applications.”