Paved Roads & Parking Lots: Fiberweb

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 11

©2006 Fiberweb Typar is a registered trademark of Reemay, Inc.

Reemay, Inc., dba Fiberweb, for use in North and South America, Israel, and
GEO-06002 08/06 South Africa for its polypropylene products.

The information contained herein is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and reliable and is provided for the user’s
assessment and verification. However, since the circumstances and conditions under which such information and the
products discussed can be used may vary and are beyond our control, we make no warranty, expressed or implied, of
merchantability, fitness or otherwise, or of the results to be obtained, or against patent infringement and we disclaim all
P A V E D R O A D S & P A R K I N G L O T S
liability from any resulting damage or loss.

Made in the U.S.A.

FIBERWEB
70 Old Hickory Blvd.
Old Hickory, TN 37138 USA
800-284-2780 GEOTEXTILES
www.TyparGeotextiles.com
www.Fiberweb.com T O U G H O V E R T I M E
PAVED ROADS & PARKING LOTS

1.0 Features of PAVED ROADS PG 2 4.0 Installation guide PG 6


AND PARKING LOTS
5.0 Overlap and joining PG 7
2.0 How Typar geotextiles PG 3
work 6.0 Setting specifications Pg 7

3.0 Design considerations and PG 4


selection of geotextiles

GEOTEXTILES

T O U G H O V E R T I M E
TYPAR GEOTEXTILES T O U G H O V E R T I M E

1.0 FEATURES OF PAVED ROADS Geotextiles are now a standard element in the
AND PARKING LOTS construction of both rigid and flexible pavements
Paved roads are built for the comfort and conve- due to their:
nience of the public. The key characteristics of paved • Low cost
roads and parking lots are their high initial cost, • Long-lasting separation of the base and subgrade
reliability, design life/length of useful service and material
cost of maintenance. The design of paved roads takes • Preservation of load-bearing capacity
into consideration volumes and loads, sub-base soil, • Ability to extend the life of paved roads
construction materials, environment, drainage and
expected life-cycle. An effective geotextile is one that provides separa-
tion to preserve the aggregate base and maintain the
Paved roads will fail prematurely if they can’t support designed structure and load-bearing capacity of the
traffic loads over the subgrades on which they are road. It helps prevent failure of the base and therefore
built. Intermixing of the aggregate base and subgrade the pavement by allowing the passage of water and
soil greatly reduces the load a road can support and preventing fine soil from mixing with the base.
consequently its expected life. Signs of premature
failure include rutting, cracking and potholing of the Light-use roads are usually constructed with thinner
pavement. Repairing a rutted and cracked roadway than required pavement thickness; these construction
means large maintenance or capital improvement methods result in damage from the occasional passes
costs, not to mention traffic disruption. of heavy delivery trucks or dumpsters, especially
when the road is wet.

Pavement

Figure 1 (Left): Without Typar, soil contaminates


and weakens aggregate base and pavement,
ate resulting in failure of the road.
reg
agg

Pavement

Typar Geotextile ate


reg
agg

Figure 2 (Right): With Typar, aggregate and


pavement won’t sink into the soil and intermix
with the subsoil.
subg
rade
soil
Complete replacement of faulty asphalt or concrete lots avoid unsightly potholes, cracks and heave
sections using geotextiles to maintain the base and bumps. Low-volume roads and parking lots–such as
provide drainage is the most effective and permanent subdivision roads, side streets and shopping
corrective action. center parking lots–are often spoiled by crumbling
pavements that could easily and economically be
prevented by using a geotextile separator.
1.1 RIGID PAVEMENTS

Rigid pavements make use of reinforced concrete,


1.4 DRIVEWAYS
which is laid in slabs and separated by expansion
joints at relatively short intervals. The slabs are placed Driveways are an integral part of the aesthetic appear-
over a load-bearing aggregate foundation or base ance of homes and businesses. Their surface layers
course. Failure normally takes place when the sub- vary from asphalt and concrete to decorative stone,
grade soil mixes with the aggregate base, destroying cobbles and slabs. Driveways do not normally receive
the load-bearing capacity of the base. With time, as the same thickness of aggregate base foundation and
the concrete slab moves under heavy loads, fines surface course as streets and highways. An appropri-
pump up through the expansion joints and create ate lightweight geotextile is important to prolong the
voids. Cracks form and rainwater seeps through, life of these paved surfaces.
accelerating the process of overall pavement failure.

2.0 HOW TYPAR GEOTEXTILES WORK


1.2 FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS
The progressive downward movement of aggregate
Flexible pavements are built with a surface course into the subgrade and the associated upward squeez-
of hot-rolled, bitumen-coated aggregate. Two ing or pumping of subgrade soil into the aggregate
layers are normally laid: a structural layer and a wear- base produces intermixing (Figure 2). This intermixing
ing course that is impregnated with hard, non-skid reduces road base thickness, therefore reducing the
stone. The structural asphalt layer is placed over an design strength and load-bearing capacity, which
aggregate foundation or base course. Failure normally results in the failure of the road.
takes place through the loss of aggregate base into
the subgrade (Figure 1), which causes depressions or Typar geotextiles stabilize and strengthen paved
cracks. A sign of a well-designed paved road is a roads by providing a permeable separation layer
wearing course that only experiences surface between the load-bearing aggregate base and the
deterioration rather than structural failure. possibly very weak subgrade (Figure 2). The geotex-
tile separator prevents intermixing and maintains
the integrity of the aggregate base, preserving the
1.3 LOW-VOLUME ROADS AND PARKING LOTS
original design (strength and permeability) and life
Low-volume roads and parking lots constructed expectancy of the roadway.
with a geotextile separator experience long life,
reducing costly unplanned maintenance. Designers When Typar geotextiles are included in the design,
that apply geotextiles in these roads and parking between the aggregate base and subgrade soil,

P A V E D R O A D S & P A R K I N G L O T S I PAGE 3
TYPAR GEOTEXTILES T O U G H O V E R T I M E

Typar Geotextile
Pavement

ate
reg Figure 3: Typar stabilizes and
agg strengthens paved roads by providing
a separation layer between the aggre-
subg gate base and subgrade.
rade
soil

sep
arat
ion
stab
iliza
tion
sep
arat 3.0 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND SELECTION
intermixing is ion
perm OF GEOTEXTILES
eliminated and any allowance ittiv
ity

of aggregate base for intermixing can Most paved roads are designed by a qualified
then be reduced. architect or engineer referencing either State design
specifications or the American Association of State
Typar’s durability and tensile strength also confines Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide
the subgrade (Figure 3), which significantly increases for Design of Pavement Structures. Please refer to
the road’s load-bearing capacity. Over time, Typar AASHTO M288 for fabric selection specifications.
eliminates intermixing to help prevent deterioration
of the base, which is critical in preserving the Paved roads should be designed for peak loads, not
road structure. average loads. For instance, according to AASHTO, the
pass of one 18-wheeler truck (20,000 lb. axle load) is
equivalent to 5,000 passes of an automobile.

SOAKED CONDITIONS
Soil Strength
Notes AASHTO M288 Class Typar Style

CBR less than 1 1 – 3631


CBR between 1 and 3 2 Class 1 or 2 3631 or 3501
CBR greater than 3 3 Class 2 or 3 3501 or 3401

Notes:
1. Reinforcement is required.
2. Typar 3501 is recommended unless installation conditions are particularly harsh.
3. Typar 3401 is recommended unless installation conditions are particularly harsh.

Figure 4: Selection of AASHTO M288 Class and Typar style based on soil conditions at the time of installation.
3.1 GEOTEXTILE SELECTION OF PAVED ROADS The AASHTO M288 specification is applicable for the
use of geotextiles to prevent mixing of a subgrade soil
The maximum stress experienced by the geotextile
and an aggregate cover material. The AASHTO geo-
used in paved roads with an asphalt or concrete
textile class and Typar geotextile style is dependent
surface–including light-use roads, heavy-use roads
on the harshness of the subgrade surface, the type of
and interstate highways–is experienced at the time of
equipment used for installation, the strength of the
installation. This stress is influenced by the subgrade
subgrade soil and whether the soil is in a saturated or
and the thickness of the first lift. Once aggregate
unsaturated state during installation.
has been placed, the geotextile is insulated by the
depth of aggregate and can be relied on to remain in
Use Figure 4 as a guide to select the appropriate
position and perform the separation and stabilization
AASHTO class and corresponding Typar style of
function throughout the life of the road.
geotextile, based on soil conditions at the time of

GUIDE TO GROUND (TIRE) PRESSURE


Low ground Medium ground High ground
pressure equipment pressure equipment pressure equipment
Subgrade Conditions (i.e. cars and light trucks) (i.e. typical trucks) (i.e. earth moving equip.)
< 25 kPa > 25 kPa < 50 kPa > 50 kPa
< 4 psi > 4 psi < 8 psi > 8 psi

Subgrade has been cleared of all obstacles


except grass, weeds, leaves and fine wood debris.
Surface is smooth and level so that any shallow Low Moderate High
depressions and humps do not exceed 18 inches N/A Class 3 Class 2
in depth or height. All larger depressions are Typar 3341 Typar 3401 Typar 3501
filled. Alternatively a smooth working table may
be placed.

Subgrade has been cleared of all obstacles larger


than small to moderate size tree limbs and rocks. Moderate High Very High
Tree trunks and stumps should be removed or
Class 3 Class 2 Class 1
covered with a partial working table. Depressions
and humps should not exceed 18 inches in depth Typar 3401 Typar 3501 Typar 3631
or height. Larger depressions should be filled.

Minimal site preparation is intended. Trees may


be felled, delimbed, and left in place. Stumps
should be cut to project not more than 6 inches
above subgrade. Fabric may be draped directly High Very High Not recommended
over the tree trunks, stumps, large depressions Class 2 Class 1 N/A
and humps, holes, stream channels and large Typar 3501 Typar 3631 N/A
boulders. Items should be removed only if
placing the fabric cover material over them will
distort the finished road surface.

Recommendations are for 6-12 inch initial lift thickness. For other lift thicknesses:
12-18 inch – Reduce survivability requirement one level I 18-24 inch – Reduce survivability requirement two levels
> 24 inch – Reduce survivability requirements three levels
For special construction conditions like pre-rutting, increase fabric survivability requirement one class. Placement of
excessive initial thickness may cause bearing failure of the soft subgrade.

Figure 5: Recommended Typar styles depending upon site conditions and construction procedure.

P A V E D R O A D S & P A R K I N G L O T S I PAGE 5
TYPAR GEOTEXTILES T O U G H O V E R T I M E

installation. The engineer should always refer to the 4.0 INSTALLATION GUIDE
AASHTO M288 specification for the final selection of
The successful use of geotextiles in road design
the class of geotextile needed.
requires proper installation. Follow the sequence of
installation in Figure 7.
Site-specific installation conditions and procedures
also have implications on the class of geotextile se-
Prepare the installation site by clearing grubbing,
lected. Once the geotextile has been selected based
and excavating or filling the area to the design grade.
on soil strength, reference Figure 5 to check that the
Soft spots and unsuitable areas identified during site
site conditions and construction equipment being
preparation or subsequent proof-rolling should be
used do not require a higher grade of geotextile.
excavated and back-filled with select material and
then compacted using normal procedures.
3.2 GEOTEXTILE SELECTION of PAVED DRIVE-
WAYS, PARKING LOTS, AND PRIVATE ROADS
The geotextile should be laid smooth on the
Typar geotextiles are recommended in all paved prepared subgrade without wrinkles or folds and
structures. However, certain light applications do not in the direction of construction traffic.
require the grade of Typar geotextiles specified for
public road construction. Figure 6 offers an additional Prior to covering, the geotextile should be inspected
guide for these non-critical applications. If installa- to ensure it has not been damaged (i.e. holes, rips,
tion conditions appear harsh in any way, the designer tears). If damage has occurred, the area should be
should not use this guide, but should instead refer covered with a geotextile patch that extends an
to the AASHTO M288 geotextile selection guide for amount equal to the required overlap beyond the
paved roads. damaged area.

UNSOAKED SOAKED The base aggregate should be placed by back-


CONDITIONS1 CONDITIONS2 dumping onto the geotextile or previously-placed
Typar Style Typar Style aggregate and blading forward onto the geotextile.
Driveways 3301 3341
Construction vehicles should not be allowed directly
Parking Lots 3341 3401 on the geotextile nor should vehicles turn on the
Light Use Private Roads 3341 3401 first lift above the geotextile. Any low points during
construction should be filled with additional base
Notes:
1. Unsaturated conditions relate to installation conditions material and compacted. Do not blade aggregate to a
that are dry with CBR greater than 3, and where sub-grade is low area from an adjacent area, but add new fill.
cleared, smooth and level, and low ground pressure equipment
is used (<25 kPa).
2. Saturated conditions relates to installation conditions that are Once the geotextile is rolled out onto the surface, it
wet with CBR greater than 1, and sub-grade is cleared, smooth
and level, and low ground pressure equipment is used (<25 kPa). needs to be covered with aggregate within 10 days to

Figure 6: Selection of Typar style for non AASHTO applications.


prevent degradation from ultraviolet light exposure.
5.0 OVERLAP AND JOINING

Overlaps provide continuity between adjacent


geotextile rolls. Sufficient overlap is required to
A: Prepare the ground by
prevent fabric separation during base placement
removing stumps, boulders, etc. and compaction. The amount of overlap required is
Fill in low spots.
dependent on the sheer strength (California Bearing
Ratio or CBR) of the subgrade soil (Figure 8).

SOIL CBR MINIMUM OVERLAP

Greater than 3 1 - 1 1/2 feet


B: Unroll the geotextile 1-3 2 - 3 feet
directly over the ground to be
stabilized. If more than one roll 0.5 - 1 3 feet or sewn
is required, overlap rolls.
Inspect geotextiles. Less than 0.5 Sewn

All roll ends 3 feet or sewn


Figure 8: Overlap guide.

Pins or piles of stone may be used to maintain


geotextile overlaps during installation. Geotextile roll
C: Back dump widths should be selected so overlaps between rolls
aggregate onto previously
do not occur along anticipated primary wheel path
placed aggregate. Do not drive
on the geotextile. Maintain locations. Overlaps at the end of rolls should be in
150-300mm cover between
truck tires and geotextile. the direction of the aggregate placement (previous
roll on top).

6.0 SETTING SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications should generally follow the design


considerations in sections 3.0 to 3.2. Primary consid-
D: Spread the aggregate
over the geotextile to the design erations include the minimum geotextile require-
thickness. ments for survivability, soil retention and filtration.

For public roads, the engineer should specify


an AASHTO M288 Stabilization Class of geotextile
as follows:

AASHTO M288 Class 1 or TYPAR 3631,


AASHTO M288 Class 2 or TYPAR 3501, or
E: Compact the aggregate AASHTO M288 Class 3 or TYPAR 3401.
using dozer tracks or smooth
drum vibratory roller.

Figure 7: Installation of Typar geotextiles.

P A V E D R O A D S & P A R K I N G L O T S I PAGE 7
TYPAR GEOTEXTILES T O U G H O V E R T I M E

Forming a curve using cut pieces. Forming a curve using folds.

Additional requirements should reference the


AASHTO M288; i.e. “for certification, sampling, testing
and acceptance, shipment and storage requirements
of AASHTO M288.”

When specifying Typar geotextiles for paved roads,


driveways and parking lots, specify the appropriate
Typar grade with the confidence that all Typar geotex-
tiles are manufactured to the high quality standards
required by the paved road construction industry.
©2006 Fiberweb Typar is a registered trademark of Reemay, Inc., dba Fiberweb, for use in North and South America, Israel, and
GEO-06002 08/06 South Africa for its polypropylene products.

The information contained herein is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and reliable and is provided for the user’s
assessment and verification. However, since the circumstances and conditions under which such information and the
products discussed can be used may vary and are beyond our control, we make no warranty, expressed or implied, of
merchantability, fitness or otherwise, or of the results to be obtained, or against patent infringement and we disclaim all
P A V E D R O A D S & P A R K I N G L O T S
liability from any resulting damage or loss.

Made in the U.S.A.

FIBERWEB
70 Old Hickory Blvd.
Old Hickory, TN 37138 USA
800-284-2780 GEOTEXTILES
www.TyparGeotextiles.com
www.Fiberweb.com T O U G H O V E R T I M E

You might also like