4 advantages of geosynthetics in road construction

Geosynthetics can be described as key components of structures and systems that are deployed to facilitate various engineering purposes and aspects. Usually, they are made from polymeric materials. In this case, the word geo signifies Earth or the soil and the word synthetics represents the synthetic or polymeric materials. They are capable of serving a wide range of purposes starting from erosion control to improvements in subsurface drainage and embankment reinforcement. One of the commonest reasons why they are used is for road construction. This is especially true for temporary roads such as construction roads, forest routes, and access roads. Following are the main advantages of using them for road construction.

1. Bearing capacity

It is crucial for architecting roads as well as parking lots to create a subgrade that is stable enough with the necessary bearing capacity. When you use geogrids between the base course and the subsoil you increase the bearing capacity. Geosynthetics interlock with the cover soil and this offers a horizontal force transfer that serves to improve the bearing capacity. In a lot of situations this also allows for the lessening of the thickness of the base course.

2. Rutting

One of the biggest concerns while building unpaved roads on soft subsoil is rutting. Yet another major issue in this context is when the cover material blends into the subsoil. Geosynthetics improve the load distribution and make sure that both soil inter-blending and rutting are prevented. The specifications of the geogrid that you need for a particular project would depend requirements of the same.

3. Force extension

Geosynthetics have low extension features and these are necessary for a reinforcement application to be successful. In a lot of undertakings, the force absorption at elongation needs a product whose quantity is between 2% and 5%. If the project is more demanding you may need products with a maximum of 8% extension at break.

4. Installation robustness

Finally, it is important that you consider the geosynthetic products’ resistance to installation loads. If the stresses are highly dynamic it could take a toll on reinforcement when you condense and install base course elements and cover soils. The right way to deal with the stress would be to use geosynthetics that have thick and monolithic reinforcement bars.