Linear viscoelastic behaviours of bituminous mixtures and fiberglass geogrids interfaces

• Published in: Geotextiles and geomembranes 2022-10, Vol.50 (5), p.961-969
• Main Authors: Arrais Freire, Reuber, Di Benedetto, Hervé, Sauzéat, Cédric, Pouget, Simon, Lesueur, Didier
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asphalt mixes; Bituminous mixtures; Complex modulus; Configurations; Engineering Sciences; Experimentation; Fiber reinforced composites; Fiberglass; Fiberglass geogrid; Geogrids; Mechanical properties; Physics; Polymers; Reinforcement; Stiffness; Tensile strength; Ultimate tensile strength; Viscoelasticity
• ISSN: 0266-1144; 1879-3584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geotexmem.2022.06.003

One major research topic is to characterize the mechanical behaviour of actual reinforced pavement structures from laboratory experimentation and take it into account for the design. This investigation aims to verify the effect of fiberglass geogrid presence on interface linear viscoelastic (LVE) behaviour separately and as a system along with the bituminous mixture layers. To conduct the research, two different fiberglass geogrids, with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 100 and 50 kN/m, and tack coat made of straight-run bitumen and modified by polymer were combined for the fabrication of three reinforced configurations. In addition, two unreinforced configurations were also fabricated. The first was a single layer slab and the second was a double-layered slab composed of two bituminous mixtures (same type) bonded layers by a tack coat. Complex modulus tests were carried out in specimens cored in two different directions, vertically (V) and horizontally (H) cored. The experimental data were fitted using the 2 Springs, 2 Parabolic Elements and 1 Dashpot (2S2P1D) model. The test results showed that all interfaces’ complex modulus obtained for V specimens were LVE. Moreover, complex viscous properties of the interfaces were obtained from the used binder. The interface containing polymer modification presented the highest stiffness. •Interface and bituminous mixture complex modulus could be obtained separately from a single reinforced specimen.•Interfaces containing geogrid or not presented linear viscoelastic behaviour that could be modelled using 2S2P1D.•Bitumen type and amount play an important role in interfaces LVE behaviour.•The tack coat containing SBS-modified bitumen increased the interface stiffness.•Considerable low level of geogrid mobilization was observed at small strain amplitudes tension-compression tests.