A Study of Grid Reinforced Asphalt to Combat Reflection Cracking
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A STUDY OF GRID REINFORCED ASPHALT TO COMBAT REFLECTION CRACKING S F Brown, N H Thom, and P J Sanders
ABSTRACT
Earlier research has demonstrated that grid refinement, when properly applied, can enhance the cracking and rutting resistance of asphalt concrete layers in pavements. This study focussed on developing an improved understanding of reflection cracking due to both traffic and thermal loading by conducting appropriate experiments and developing a simplified theoretical model in the case of the transient loading situation. Three basic grid types were tested, polypropylene, glass fibre and steel. Their differing stiffness, geometric and other characteristics assisted in understanding the key properties influencing effective grid reinforcement. Additional parameters of significance are the shear strength and stiffness of the interface where the grid is located.