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State-of-the Art Summary of Geosynthetic Interlayer Systems for Retarding the Reflective Cracking

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Abstract

Reflective cracking is the phenomenon of propagation of cracks from an existing cracked pavement surface into and through the newly laid overlay due to the load or temperature induced stresses or both. The reflective cracking mechanism is a complex phenomenon due to the large number of parameters that influence the propagation of cracks. For this reason, a simple design procedure could not be developed to arrest the reflection cracking till date. The distress due to reflective cracking can be retarded by the installation of different interlayer systems. The geosynthetic interlayer system is gaining popularity due to its ease in installation and adaptability to varying climatic conditions. Choosing an effective geosynthetic interlayer needs proper understanding about the mechanism of reflection cracking and the improvement it can cause in the performance of pavement. The service life of the overlay can be enhanced with the installation of geosynthetic interlayer system thereby decreasing the long term costs. The minimum specifications for the paving fabric have been recommended by different standards organisations like AASHTO, ASTM and IRC. This paper presents an overview on reflective cracking, investigations on the performance of geosynthetic products in retarding the reflective cracking, mechanism of geosynthetic interlayer systems and specifications for selecting the appropriate geosynthetic material for the desired performance.

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Abbreviations

AC:

Asphalt concrete

PCC:

Portland cement concrete

JCP:

Jointed (plain and reinforced) Portland cement concrete surfaced cement Pavements

ISAC:

Interlayer stress absorbing composite

RS:

Reinforced section

CS:

Control section

HMA:

Hot mix asphalt

PBR:

Pavement benefit ratio

OGA:

Open graded asphalt

SAMI:

Stress absorbing membrane interlayer

THB:

Through hole bonding

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geotechnical Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India

    S. Nithin & K. Rajagopal

  2. Transportation Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, 600 036, India

    A. Veeraragavan

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  1. S. Nithin
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  2. K. Rajagopal
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  3. A. Veeraragavan
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Correspondence to K. Rajagopal.

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Nithin, S., Rajagopal, K. & Veeraragavan, A. State-of-the Art Summary of Geosynthetic Interlayer Systems for Retarding the Reflective Cracking. Indian Geotech J 45, 472–487 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-015-0161-7

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