Lifetime prediction of asphalt interlayer systems, and the correlation between a simplified design method and real cases

The insertion of interlayers in bituminous pavements is quite widespread, although designers tend to use a wide range of synthetic interlayers, nonwoven low-modulus geotextiles, polyester or fiberglass geogrids and geocomposites, steel meshes, not always based on their technical properties and real-life load and stress condition. The aim of this paper is to validate a design method for the reinforced pavement using the “OLCRACK“ software developed by Nottingham University. The model parameters are obtained by real case histories. The used parameters take into account deformations and the fissured state of the reinforced road representing an innovative methodology for the interpretation of the results and the design of reinforced asphalt pavement. A design method with regard to the loss of pavement serviceability resulting from fatigue, cracking development and propagation for reinforced and unreinforced pavement for some real case studies was proposed, comparing the software results with the state of fact of three real reinforced asphalt pavements.