Title: Field performance of fabrics and fibers to retard reflective cracking
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to determine whether any of various uses of geotechnical fabrics and fibers will significantly retard reflective crack formation in an asphaltic concrete overlay. Four paving fabrics, one fiberized-asphalt membrane and one fiber-reinforced asphaltic concrete are the treatment alternatives being evaluated. All treatments are being compared with each other and control sections without treatment to determine relative performance, considering construction and maintenance costs, ease of placement or adaptability to normal overlay practices, and the ability to prevent or retard reflective cracking. Construction monitoring indicated that ease of placement varied considerably and contractor application experience was a significant factor affecting both efficiency and adequacy of placement. The fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete was rated least expensive and easiest to adapt to the normal paving operation. Generally, the paving fabrics were somewhat more expensive and more difficult to place. Wrinkling of the fabric and poor tack coat application were the most commonly encountered problems with placing paving fabrics. Fabrics which were heat-bonded had more construction difficulties. Proper identification of pavement base conditions and adequate preliminary treatment are important factors for correlating relative performance. Performance data are presented for surveys conducted eight months, 26 months, and 44 months after construction. All treatments retarded cracks over the evaluation period, although the amount and rates of reduction varied. One paving fabric and the fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete had the highest crack reduction ratios after the 44-month evaluation. However, based on the extent of cracking evident after the 44-month survey and considering current and proposed crack sealing costs, in addition to the documented construction costs, none of the treatments used on this project is now considered cost-effective and they are not recommended for use. Additional follow-up inspections and examination of cores from the respective evaluation sections are required to verify future crack prediction rates and evaluate any remaining sealing qualities of the treatments employed.
Publication Year: 1989
Publication Date: 1989-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 109
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