Using geosynthetics in flexible airport pavements
June 1st, 2019
By Benjamin Mahaffay, Jeremy Robinson, Jeffrey Gagnon and Gregory Norwood FIGURE 1 Post-test excavated cross section In recent years, there has been an increasing interest to improve pavement structures through mechanical stabilization by incorporating geosynthetic products within the structure. The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) has identified eight categories of commercially available geosynthetics: geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, […]
Impact of geogrids on concrete highway pavement performance
April 1st, 2019
The benefits of using geogrids for constructing flexible pavements is well documented. Additionally, the study prepared by White and Vennapusa (2017) discusses the method for field performance verification of the geogrid mechanically stabilized layer. However, this article looks beyond using geogrid mechanically stabilized layers for asphalt pavement design and examines using multiaxial geogrids within concrete […]
Geocomposite waterproofing for Washington weather
April 1st, 2019
The wet weather in Washington state is a bane to the region’s travel infrastructure, plaguing the pavement with perpetual problems. The westbound 3-mile (5-km) stretch across the US 2/I-5 interchange from Bickford Avenue in Everett, Wash., was in particular need of repair. A valuable pipeline for business and commuting, the bridged area transported an average […]
Panorama
April 1st, 2019
GMA honors U.S. senator as ‘leader of the year’ The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) honored Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D–R.I., with the GMA Leader of the Year Award during the fall Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14, 2018. “I’m honored to be recognized in this way by the Geosynthetic Materials Association,” Sen. Whitehouse said, […]
MnDOT tests structural synthetic fibers for use in thin concrete overlays
January 30th, 2019
Concrete pavements usually measure 8 to 15 inches thick. For many of these pavements, designers recommend placing dowel bars at the joints during the pour to assist the transfer of wheel load from heavy commercial and agricultural vehicles across concrete slab joints. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has found that dowel bars are not […]
Modeling demonstrates benefit of geogrid-reinforced aggregate base
December 21st, 2018
Improved modeling of geogrid for use with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s pavement design software, MnPAVE Flexible, will allow pavement designers to simulate field tests of stiffness and resiliency in pavements over bases with and without geogrid. The department, known as MnDOT, is using modeling results from a recent study to develop a design input that quantifies the […]
FAA to award $616.9 million in infrastructure grants to airports
August 29th, 2018
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced on Aug. 24 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $616.9 million in airport infrastructure grants, as part of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States. “The department has been investing heavily in our nation’s airport […]
Airport research project ideas sought
August 28th, 2018
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) seeks potential synthesis study topics as part of the upcoming activities of the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP). Topics may be submitted at any time; however, the deadline for the upcoming submission cycle is Sept. 21. This year, submit topics through ACRP’s IdeaHub. Sign into IdeaHub using previously created MyACRP information, […]
Propex launches PETROMAT Plus-White
August 23rd, 2018
Propex GeoSolutions introduced PETROMAT® Plus-White in August, a white paving fabric. This technology combines the same performance as PETROMAT Original while minimizing tracking and bleed through and remaining up to 50⁰ F cooler than dark paving fabric. PETROMAT Plus-White paving fabrics minimize tracking and bleed through when using the speci¬fied amount of tack coat required […]
Talking geosynthetics with Congressman Bruce Westerman
August 1st, 2018
One of the few professional engineers in Congress, Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas pulls no punches when discussing the potential use of geosynthetics in federal infrastructure projects. “I think geosynthetics should be part of the toolkit,” Westerman said during a phone interview with Geosynthetics magazine on May 19. First elected to Congress in 2014 […]