The role of geogrid in pavement construction has always been amazing. And the reason is the plethora of benefits they provide for ensuring long-term reinforcement to concrete pavements. Whether it’s load distribution, minimizing the stress concentration over the soil, or some other functions, geogrids create a long-lasting impact.
In this blog post, we’ll explore a few good things about Geogrid in flexible pavements, its importance, and how to install it. Let’s dive in.
Why is Geogrid necessary in pavement reinforcement?
Designed with structural junctions, rigid ribs, and thick walls, geogrids enhance the bearing capacity of pavements. They do it by decreasing the erodibility of the soil. Consequently, it helps in the development of stronger and long-lasting pavements. Basically, geogrid interlocks the aggregate base and confines it, minimizing deformation during the pavement’s life.
These confinements play an essential role in reducing particle movements by limiting foundation deformation and soil contamination. But how to install geogrid? Are you thinking about it? Well, let’s check out a few easy steps of geogrid installation.
5 Easy Steps To Install Geogrid In Pavement Construction
There is a specific procedure to install geogrids during pavement construction. Here is how.
1- Subgrade Preparation
You can easily install pavement geogrids directly on the top of the grass. However, make sure that you are decluttering all the large woody plants or bushes on the site. Additionally, you have to ensure that the surface is smooth. It’s possible with the removal of any large rocks, wheel ruts, or similar obstacles.
Is the ground soft? In this case, cutting the vegetation flush with the ground to leave the root zone and soil crust undisturbed is a good idea.
2- Geogrid Installation
In order to install the geogrid, all you need to do is allow it to follow the ground’s natural contours.
Begin the laying and vertical spacing process of multiple layers according to your specific project’s design documents. Enlisted below are a few points you need to keep in mind while installing geogrid pavement:
- Either place the geogrids parallel to a road centerline or at the right angles.
- Generally, you need one layer of geogrid in most cases. However, if you need multiple layers, make sure that you don’t compromise with even spacing.
- Always ensure that you are preparing all the mechanical joints.
- Place small piles of fill material on the top of the grid for holding it in position before initiating the main fill placement.
- Avoid any construction traffic from traveling directly on the geogrid before fill placement.
3- Placement, Continuity, and Size Analyzation
While installing geotextile, you need to keep a note of the type of ground. For instance, install the geogrid facing downwards in case of soft ground. Later, overlap the adjacent layers to ensure product continuity.
Point to Remember:
- There should be a minimum overlap of 300mm between the edges and ends of each roll. But, if the soil is soft and uneven, then you can increase the overlap up to 900mm.
- Gradually increase the overlap as the ground strength reduces below CBR 4 and shingle it in the fill placement’s direction.
- Pay special attention to keeping the fill settings in place with the help of cable ties or steel pins at 1 mm spacing.
4- Cover Fill Placement
In the next step, keep a check on the cover fill placement. Place it in the starting edge of the geogrid before spreading it to the required depth through a tracked machine. As per the recommendations, the minimum thickness of the fill layer should be 150mm.
Furthermore, ensure that the bulldozer blade angles towards lifting the fill rather than pushing it during the spreading process.
5-Appropriate Compaction
Lastly, you need to ensure that there is appropriate compaction according to the specifications of the project. You can use a selection of fill types with pavement geogrids. Using a graded aggregate is a great recommendation.
Final Thoughts,
In this rapidly growing world of construction, geogrid in pavement construction is already creating a positive impact. But it’s only possible if you install these geogrids properly with the appropriate type of fill. Without a doubt, all these things are helpful in controlling settlement, increasing load distribution, and providing lateral restraint.
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