Geosynthetics for Road Infrastructure

Geofabrics geosynthetics are used in roads to ensure the best construction performance to both minimise construction costs and prevent costly maintenance disruptions. Geofabrics provide solutions that encompass all road types, from temporary access tracks to high volume roads.

  • New road construction on soft ground and general unpaved roads
  • Utilisation of site-won fill or reduction in quarried material required
  • Improved structural performance of roads
  • Improved road surface performance of high traffic areas
  • Embankments in coastal areas
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APPLICATIONS

Asphalt Sealing & Reinforcement

Increased traffic imposes higher strains within asphalt pavements which fatigues the asphaltic layers, resulting in asphalt cracking and water penetration into the pavement, leading to further deterioration. Asphalt reinforcement provides fatigue resistance, mitigating subgrade rutting and reducing cracking through improved shear resistance.

Geofabrics offers Tensar AR-G geocomposite a proven pavement reinforcement technology for retarding cracking and controlling deformation as well as the specialist range of GlasGrid asphalt reinforcement geogrids that can be used in asphalt overlays as thin as 40mm.

Sealmac Green is a geotextile paving fabric that is impregnated with bitumen to act as a stress absorbing membrane under chip seals and asphalt pavements, as well as Bitac® bandage strips which are often used under asphalt to control crack reflection and seal construction joints.

Ground & Pavement Stabilisation

Tensar TriAx triaxial geogrids are used to provide effective confinement of granular fill in subgrades. This results in a stiff mechanically stabilised layer, capable of controlling differential settlement, reducing aggregate depths by up to 30%, capping weak deposits and increasing bearing capacity.

When faced with ever increasing earthworks costs, Solmax Mirafi RSi multifunctional woven geotextiles are the ultimate solution for base course reinforcement and subgrade stabilisation. Mirafi RSi integrates four performance functions in one superior geotextile: reinforcement, separation, filtration and aggregate confinement. It offers engineers and contractors significant cost savings in earthworks using site-won material and outstanding improvement in road base performance. Its performance has been rigorously tested by independent research institutes, funded by State Highway authorities in the USA.

Subsoil Drainage

Subsurface drainage and water removal is critical in maintaining structural integrity and reducing deterioration.

Megaflo Green panel drain provides the dimensional stability and field-proven structural strength for quick, effective subsurface drainage.

Performance is the distinguishing feature of the panel drain due to its ability to rapidly collect and remove water. Compared to 100 mm diameter round pipe, Megaflo Green drains water up to 4.9 times faster. Its slim 40 mm wide profile permits faster and more cost-effective installation in a narrower trench.

Embankments

Basal reinforcement encompasses embankments over soft soils, on piles and over cavities. Reinforced embankments are essentially constructed to hold back water, carry a roadway, and generally create an elevated area of land. Geosynthetics reinforce the shear stresses of the fill material leading to an increase of the foundation bearing capacity.

Geofabrics offers Solmax Mirafi PET high strength woven geotextiles as a cost effective solution to achieve a greater and quicker stability of embankments constructed on soft foundations. With Solmax Mirafi PET, steeper side slopes and embankment heights can be optimised over a minimum area. The resistance to outward movement of the embankment will not only allow platforms to achieve greater stability but also surface settlement control.

Flood Protection

Floods cannot be prevented but can be managed with Maccaferri FlexMac, a lightweight and flexible unit made of hexagonal double-twisted wire mesh, that is reinforced with steel rods and internally lined with a non-woven geotextile. The units are filled with available materials such as sand and gravel, to create a longitudinally safety barrier around critical infrastructure.

For flood mitigation and control, FlexMac is 40 times faster to construct than traditional sandbags; enabling quick response times and rapid deployment in emergency situations. It can provide a temporary barrier to protect critical infrastructure such as roads or can be installed as a permanent protective structure to prevent water ingress in flood prone areas.

Erosion & Sediment Control

Erosion control mats are categorised as either biodegradable, made from 100% natural fibres that are often applied as a temporary cover; or are non-biodegradable, made from synthetic fibres to provide permanent coverage. They primarily differ in the material used as well as the thickness of the mat and its relevant applications. 

The overall aim in using geosynthetics in erosion control is to maintain soil cover either as a temporary measure offering protection from soil loss while vegetation is established or as a permanent control measure, typically on steeper slopes along the road shoulder. 

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