Reinforcing functi
Reinforcing function
The term reinforcing in road paving means the ability to distribute a
concentrated load over larger area of the subgrade , thus avoiding local over-
loading of the bearing capacity . A closer analysis of reinforcing function of
geotextiles in road construction reveals the presence of two types of
reinforcement, the membrane reinforcement and horizontal reinforcement.
In practice, both functions acts simultaneously to improve the load-
bearing capacity of the structure.
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Membrane reinforcement
Membrane reinforcement is mobilized when the subgrade is deformed by
rutting. As subgrade deforms under loading , the geotextile stretches like a
hammock, as shown in figure (I-11) .The loading is thus distributed over a
wider area , as a result of the vertical component of the tension developed in
the geotextile. Rutting and resulting spread of the load by geotextile
continues until an equilibrium is reached.
Thus , with geotextile’s membrane reinforcement , a road can be
constructed on a subgrade with low load – bearing capacity. In areas , where
the sub- soil has a strongly varying load- bearing capacity, the use of
geotextiles can relieve stresses at weaker points and thus promote a more
uniform deformation of the subgrade.
