Experimental Investigation of the Stabilization Performance of Geogrids for Unpaved Roads with Low Bearing Capacity Subgrade

Abstract

In this study, laboratory experiments were carried out on real sized samples to investigate the reinforcement performance of geogrids in highway pavements constructed on low bearing capacity subgrade (California Bearing Ratio, CBR = 3%). In all prepared samples, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) layer was not applied. A moving wheel load was applied with Accelerated Pavement Tester (APT) device on representative pavement samples with and without geogrids. Two types of geogrids were used to construct the pavement sample configurations. Resistance to plastic (permanent) deformation was recorded as a performance indicator to compare structural performance trends of the pavement samples. For this objective, surface deformations were measured after certain wheel load repetitions. Rut depths have been calculated from surface profiles measured with a laser profiler and were plotted versus number of load repetitions. As a result of this study, the use of geogrid over soft subgrade with lowCBR values has been shown to extend the life of the pavement by reducing the rut depth.