Pavement engineers are constantly seeking out proven innovative concepts with the potential to improve pavement performance while reducing costs. An example of such a concept is the use of a nonwoven geotextile as an alternative to hot-mix asphalt (HMA) between cementitious layers. Proven by German engineers to be effective, this concept is not common or widespreadin the US. However, as part of a recent effort to demonstrate the use ofnonwoven geotextile interlayers as concrete pavement interlayers, initialrecommendations for materials specifications and better construction practices were developed. Implementation of a nonwoven geotextile interlayer was successful in two recent field trials in Missouri and Oklahoma. The material proved to be cost effective, required minimal training and equipment during construction, and could be placed rapidly. As a result, nonwoven geotextiles have the potential to be a viable alternative to more conventional materials as an interlayer in the US pavements.
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