Asphalt Reinforcement (Paved Roads and Paved Areas)
Controlling reflective cracking with Tensar
Reflective cracking in asphalt pavements typically occurs over aged asphalt layers, joints or cracks of underlying concrete slabs or cement bound base layers and in areas with inadequate bearing capacity. The failure mechanisms are different. Cracks can be caused by horizontal stress, e.g. caused by traffic or thermal expansion and contraction of aged asphalt layers or underlying concrete slaps. Further they can be caused by vertical movements, e.g. differential settlement between an old and new construction, or a combination of both, horizontal and vertical stress.
How Tensar asphalt grids and composites can help
Tensar’s asphalt reinforcement grids interact with the bitumen bound layer to add tensile stiffness, limiting asphalt strains and reducing the development of cracking. Furthermore, if and when cracks do eventually develop, they are generally much smaller. Structural asphalt grids can also reduce surface rutting associated with low stiffness mixes, subject to slow heavy wheel loading at high temperatures. Asphalt composites are grids bonded to a textile fabric that absorbs bitumen from the bond coat and can act as a stress relief membrane (also known as a Stress Absorbing Membrane Interlayer or SAMI). The fabric can also act as a barrier to assist inthe prevention of water entering the pavement underlayers.
Whatever your project, we can help
Tensar’s innovative technology has been used in many projects, and a range of case studies and brochures are available. We can also provide technical support including expert advice, specifications and seminars across the globe.
