Roads connect people and make the world turn. New roads and renovation of existing roads take place on a daily basis throughout the world. The construction and renovation should be done in an optimal way to minimize the impact on the economy and environment. The use of geotextiles in road construction can significantly improve the service life, thus decreasing renovation needs, and lowers the overall cost and environmental impact of road construction works.
A typical application of geotextiles in road construction is for separation and filtration. Nonwoven and woven geotextiles can be used to separate different layers of soil or aggregate, helping to prevent the mixing of materials and ensuring that each layer performs its intended function for a long period of time. Different types with varying characteristics are available to accommodate different site conditions.
Specific geotextile products are available for installation on a bituminous tack coat to act as a stress absorbing membrane interlayer. This layer absorbs stresses and reduces the amount of cracking due to deformations. It also reduced the amount of reflective cracking, thereby significantly extending the service life.
Geotextiles and products such as geogrids or composite products can be used in road construction for reinforcement. Geotextiles can be used to reinforce soil in order to improve its strength and stability. For example, geotextiles can be implemented to reinforce embankments and slopes, to stabilize subgrades, or to provide a base for roads, bridges, and other structures. Geotextiles can also be used asphalt and concrete works, helping to improve the durability and lifespan of these materials.
When the road construction asks for efficient drainage of rainwater, various geotextile and composite solutions are available to create efficient water management solutions. These can be used to create a drainage layer that allows water to pass through and evacuate from the structure while still providing structural support. This is particularly useful in areas with high levels of precipitation, as it helps to prevent the build-up of water and minimizes the risk of damage to the road. This is often used in combination with a drainage system next to the road, such as a drainage trench or Findrain, to manage the water.
