Geotextiles (engineering fabrics) were installed at four locations in texas to evaluate their potential as cost-effective measures to reduce or delay reflection cracking in asphalt concrete overlays. Test pavements were 0.25 Mi long with the fabric installed edge to edge. Nine different types of commercially available geotextiles madeof nonwoven polypropylene or polyester were tested. One woven experimental product composed of polypropylene and polyester was also tested. Resistance to reflective cracking has been evaluated for up to 9 years. Results, based solely on these test pavements, indicate that geotextiles are not cost-effective methods in addressing reflective cracking. However, limited evidence indicates that geotextiles will reduce pumping after cracking occurs. Additional data are presented showing that a fabric can be effective in reducing reflective cracking. Recommendations are made to maximize the probability of success when geotextiles are installed to reduce or delay reflective cracking. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1248, Geosynthetics, geomembranes, and silt curtains in transportation facilities.
Samenvatting