Maccaferri has released a new white paper on the use of geosynthetics in roadworks. The document was released at the 79th Annual Session of Indian Road Congress and includes real-life applications of geosynthetics, a discussion of advantages, and how geosynthetics outperform conventional aggregates.
The company is one of the largest producers of geosynthetics and affiliated geotechnical materials in the world. It also has a strong design side of its business, which has produced award-winning geotechnical designs in many international markets.
With geosynthetics, the wide range of applications and the ability of materials to be engineered to specific site challenges and functions has resulted in projects with a low carbon footprint, design flexibility, and cost controls. Materials such as geotextiles and geogrids provide durable reinforcement within a construction. They can overcome issues associated with conventional aggregates, while offering improved performance, reduced costs, and a lower environmental impact.
4 WAYS GEOSYNTHETICS OUTPERFORM AGGREGATES IN ROADS
1. Filtration
A wide variety of geotextiles are used in permanent filter applications. These materials offer significant cost benefits related to purchase, transportation, and installation. Compared to aggregates, geotextiles can be manufactured to strict specifications, offering more consistency when it comes to installation. Their durability also makes them less susceptible to separation during handling and placement, which is a common issue with granular materials.
2. Pavement stabilization
The emissions generated through the extraction, transportation, and production of aggregates is having a significant impact on the environment. When it comes to pavement stabilization, construction companies are now opting for a more sustainable choice by using geotextiles, geogrids, and geocomposites. Their high tensile strength means they are more durable, especially at lower thicknesses, and they have a higher ultraviolet resistance. Also, they are easier to transport, install, and service.
3. Drainage
Conventional drainage solutions, such as stones and boulders, are expensive to install and can get clogged over time, decreasing their effectiveness. With geocomposites, construction companies have a more cost-effective solution for both horizontal and trench drains. Geocomposites allow for a much thinner drainage layer, without sacrificing drainage performance, and a significantly reduced installation time. They can also perform both the drainage and filtration functions in roadworks projects.
4. Asphalt layers
As aggregate sources are depleted over time, geosynthetics are becoming a more sustainable, low-cost and environmentally friendly option for asphalt reinforcement. The addition of geogrids to a road’s wearing course can help to reduce the thickness of the load-bearing layer, while providing extra reinforcement, leading to a longer road life.
Download Maccaferri’s new white paper here
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