Renovation of a local road

Situation 

Overall, the road surface was relatively level. The existing ruts were shallow in many areas. In other sections, significant deformation was evident at the edges and in the wheel tracks due to increased traffic loads and inadequate surface drainage. Combined with the ‘ageing’ of the binder, the bound asphalt layers are failing here. The generally good condition of the bound asphalt layers was to be preserved and utilised to its full advantage through this construction method. The rehabilitation concept was to prevent or counteract the propagation of cracks. An asphalt insert was to be used which, in accordance with FGSV Working Paper No. 69 ‘Use of non-woven fabrics, grids and composites in asphalt road construction’, has a reinforcing function.

Solution 

In the heavily damaged areas, the surface course was milled, and an asphalt binder layer was installed to level the surface. Above the asphalt insert, which was to be laid over the entire surface, a 6 cm thick binder course was planned, which was subsequently covered with a 4 cm thick asphalt surface course. The installation of the asphalt reinforcement grid absorbs stresses and distributes them over a larger area. This prevents stress peaks and significantly delays the formation of reflective cracks.

Advantages

• Minimisation of costs compared to a complete rebuild
• Extended rehabilitation and maintenance intervals
• Prevents cracks from the existing carriageway from penetrating the superstructure, or delays this in the long term