A series of research projects under way since the early 2000s have culminated in a pavement design package that allows for the improved use of geogrid. This work—which will ultimately enable cities, counties, and the state to build more financially effective roadways—was honored with this year’s CTS Research Partnership Award.
Geogrid, a geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and aggregate materials, can be employed to better stabilize the aggregate base layer in flexible pavements, such as asphalt. This group of projects has focused on developing design procedures and modified construction specifications that utilize a geogrid reinforcement. The goal is to ensure that roads perform better longer, more cost-effectively, and in a variety of locations across Minnesota.
More than 50 individuals contributed to these projects over the years; teams included the expertise of seven University of Minnesota researchers and scientists, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB), and Jackson, Lincoln, and Polk counties. Funding was provided by MnDOT and the LRRB.
These projects were also supported by private-sector expertise, testing, and contributions from Braun Intertec and Ingios Geotechnics (field measurements and analyses); Tensar Research (development of geogrid modeling methodology); and Itasca Consulting Group (expertise and the commercial software framework).
