JPGiroud Geosynthetics in Roads Jakarta 2006 Handout PDF

Indonesian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society
Road pavements in Indonesia

Seminar held in Jakarta on 6 April 2006
Functions of Geosynthetics
in
Road Applications
by
J.P. Giroud
Consulting Engineer
JP GIROUD, INC.
Chairman Emeritus of GeoSyntec Consultants
Past President of the International Geosynthetics Society
Presentation by Michael Dobie

on the next page,
followed by
biographical note and copies of all slides,
Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
PRESENTATION
By Michael Dobie
The Indonesian Chapter of IGS (INA-IGS) was formed in 1992, and a two day Inaugural
Symposium was held in November 1992, with Keynote Lectures from Kerry Rowe, Bengt Broms
and Masami Fukuoka, together with a wide range of papers submitted by authors from Indonesia and
overseas. Since that time, few activities have been organised, and the 1997 Asian financial crisis
plunged the Indonesian economy, especially construction, into the doldrums. However the situation
has been changing and improving in Indonesia in recent years, so in late 2004, actions were taken to
reactivate the INA-IGS Chapter, starting with the formation of a new committee and secretariat. A
new Chairman was appointed, Prof Chaidir Makarim, and a Secretariat was established at the
Universitas Bina Nusantara (BINUS), organised by the head of the Civil Engineering Department,
Amelia Makmur. The first event to be organised was a one-day seminar held on 14th February 2005
on the subject Applications of Geosynthetics with Reference to Indonesian Soil Conditions.
In April 2006, an opportunity arose to organise another seminar. At this time, Dr J. P. Giroud was
making a tour of the Far East to deliver the 2005/6 Mercer Lecture, and had kindly agreed to
include Indonesia in his itinerary. The INA-IGS Committee considered that this was a very good
opportunity to arrange another one-day seminar, and this time proposed the subject Road
construction in Indonesia with special reference to the role of geosynthetics, being highly relevant
to current infrastructure plans in Indonesia. Dr. Giroud was asked if he would contribute a
presentation outlining the principal applications of geosynthetics in road pavement construction, and
we were delighted when he accepted the challenge to create a special presentation on this subject.
The seminar was duly organised and held on 6th April 2006 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta.
Indonesia has many thousands of kilometers of road, ranging from major highways, to main
distributors and local roads, as well as unsurfaced roads, for example in plantations. National
development plans will result in many more thousands of kilometers being constructed. Loadings on
this road system are heavy, both in terms of actual axle loads, and the number of vehicles using the
roads. These loadings, combined with difficult subgrade conditions and heavy rainfall, can cause
severe damage to the road surfacing. This damage results in poor ride quality so that speeds are
drastically reduced and the only solution is major repair or possibly reconstruction. In the first half
of the seminar, presentations outlined the current and future situation with regards to roads in
Indonesia, including a summary of subgrade soils and the problems they pose for road construction,
information on axle loadings and current design methods used, especially over poor subgrades.
After the scene had been set, Dr. Giroud presented his paper which outlined the various
applications and functions of geosynthetic materials in road pavement construction. These
applications are generally applied to either the sub-base or upper part of the subgrade, and include
separation, filtration, reinforcement, drainage and creation of barriers. These applications were then
illustrated using case studies from Indonesia, presented by a number of speakers. The seminar was
concluded with an open forum, where members of the audience were given the opportunity to ask
questions about the content of the presentations and seek opinions from the assembled speakers.
Dr. Giroud has prepared a comprehensive handout that goes beyond what he presented in Jakarta,
with more than 50 additional slides, all included in this document.
A handout from the 2005/6 Mercer Lecture Contribution of Geosynthetics to the Geotechnical Aspects of Waste
Containment by Dr. J. P. Giroud is also available.
ii
Indonesian Chapter
International Geosynthetics Society

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Dr. J.P. Giroud

Dr. Giroud, a pioneer in the field of geosynthetics since 1970, is recognized throughout the world as a
geosynthetics leading expert. A former professor of geotechnical engineering, he is a consulting
engineer under JP GIROUD, INC., and chairman emeritus and founder of GeoSyntec Consultants.
Dr. Giroud is past president of the International Geosynthetics Society (the IGS), chairman of the
editorial board of Geosynthetics International, and was Chairman of the Editorial Board of
Geotextiles and Geomembranes (1984-1994). Dr. Giroud was chairman of the 2nd International
Conference on Geotextiles (1982) and the International Conference on Geomembranes (1984). He
served two terms as chairman of the Technical Committee on Geosynthetics of the International
Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE).
Dr. Giroud coined the terms geotextile and geomembrane in 1977, thus starting the geoterminology used in geosynthetics engineering. He has authored over 350 publications, including a
monumental Geosynthetics Bibliography (1721 pages, more than 10,000 references); and he recently
wrote the chapter on filter criteria in the prestigious book commemorating the 75th anniversary of Karl
Terzaghis book Erdbaumechanik.
Dr. Giroud has developed many of the design methods used in geosynthetics engineering. For example,
he developed methods for the evaluation of leakage through liners, for the design of drainage layers
(including leachate collection layers and leakage detection layers), for soil cover stability, for the
reinforcement of liners and soil layers overlying voids, for the resistance of geomembranes exposed to
wind uplift, for the design of unpaved roads, and for the design of geotextile and granular filters.
Also, he played a key role in the development of landfill construction quality assurance (1983-1984).
Dr. Giroud has extensive field experience and has originated a number of geosynthetics applications
such as: first nonwoven geotextile filter (1970), first geotextile filter in a dam (1970), first geotextile
cushion for geomembrane (1971), first double liner with two geomembranes (1974), first entirely
geosynthetic double liner system with two geomembranes and a geonet leakage detection system
(1981). He has been instrumental in the development of the technique of exposed geomembrane
landfill covers (1995-1998).
Dr. Giroud has received awards from the French Society of Engineers and Scientists, the Industrial
Fabrics Association International, and the IGS (in 1994 for liner leakage prediction and in 2004 for
filter design). In 1994, the IGS named its highest award The Giroud Lecture, in recognition of the
invaluable contributions of Dr. J.P. Giroud to the technical advancement of the geosynthetics discipline.
In 2002, Dr. Giroud became Honorary Member of the IGS with the citation Dr. Giroud is truly the
father of the International Geosynthetics Society and the geosynthetics industry. In 2005, Dr. Giroud
has been awarded the status of hero of the Geo-Institute of the American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE). It was the first time this new award was granted.
Dr. Giroud has delivered keynote lectures at numerous international conferences. In 2005, he
presented the prestigious Vienna Terzaghi Lecture, and, in 2005-2006, the prestigious Mercer
Lecture series.
Dr. Giroud can be contacted at jpg@jpgiroud.com
iii
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
ABSTRACT
by J.P. Giroud
The main functions of geosynthetics are presented and discussed, and the geosynthetics able to
perform the various functions are identified. Then, a simple relationship between the properties and
functions of geosynthetics is proposed. However, in most applications geosynthetics perform several
functions. Therefore, to understand how geosynthetics perform, applications must be reviewed and the
functions performed by the geosynthetics in each of the reviewed applications should be identified.
Accordingly, applications of geosynthetics in roads are reviewed. The reviewed applications include:
the use of high-strength geosynthetics (geotextiles and geogrids) in road embankments constructed on
soft soils; the use of geosynthetics to bridge soil cavities under road embankments; innovative
solutions such as the use of lightweight geosynthetics (geofoam) and geogrid mattresses in highway
embankments; the design and performance of unpaved roads and unpaved areas with geosynthetics
acting as separators and reinforcement, including a detailed discussion of the mechanisms through
which a geosynthetic improves the performance of unpaved roads (load distribution, lateral restraint,
tensioned membrane effect, and subgrade confinement); the use of innovative solutions such as
geocells in unpaved roads and areas; the use and functions of geosynthetics in paved roads and asphalt
overlays; the use of geocomposites and prefabricated edge drains for highway drainage, with a
discussion of the performance of geotextile filters; the use of geomembranes along highways to protect
aquifers from pollution by various contaminants spilled on road pavements; the use of geomembranes
to prevent intrusion of groundwater in underground roads; the use of geomembranes for moisture
content control in the case of expansive soils, thereby increasing the road service life; and the use of
geomembranes to construct road bases using compacted fine-grained soil (membrane encapsulated
soil layers).
Numerous photographs present actual uses of geosynthetics in the field, and explanations are provided
for the beneficial effects of geosynthetics. At the same time, limitations of the uses of geosynthetics are
presented and recommendations are made for the safe use of geosynthetics in road applications.
References cited in the presentation:

Bonaparte, R., Holtz, R.D., and Giroud, J.P., 1985, Soil Reinforcement Design Using Geotextiles and
Geogrids, ASTM Symposium, Geotextile Testing and the Design Engineer, ASTM STP 952,
Los Angeles, CA, USA, June 1985, pp. 69-116.
Giroud, J.P., Bonaparte, R., Beech, J.F., and Gross, B.A., 1990, Design of Soil Layer-Geosynthetic
Systems Overlying Voids, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, Vol. 9, No. 1, Elsevier, London,
England, pp. 11-50.
Giroud, J.P., and Han, J., 2004, Design Method for Geogrid-Reinforced Unpaved Roads. I Development
of Design Method, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 8,
August 2004, pp. 775-786.
Giroud, J.P., and Han, J., 2004, Design Method for Geogrid-Reinforced Unpaved Roads. II Calibration
and Applications, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 130, No. 8,
August 2004, pp. 787-797.
iv
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Indonesian Chapter
ROAD PAVEMENTS
J.P. GIROUD
IN INDONESIA
Today, geosynthetics are part of

the road construction landscape.
FUNCTIONS OF
GEOSYNTHETICS
IN
ROAD
APPLICATIONS
J.P. GIROUD
J.P.
GIROUD
This is because
geosynthetics are used
in many road applications
where they perform
a variety of functions.
J.P. GIROUD
Lets start with the

four classical functions:
TRANSMISSION
FILTRATION
SEPARATION
REINFORCEMENT
These functions were first identified
for geotextiles.
Indonesian Chapter
TRANSMISSION
The geosynthetic
conveys water
within its plane.
Types of geosynthetics: Needle-punched
nonwoven geotextiles , geonets, geomats
Main relevant properties: Hydraulic
transmissivity (= thickness permeability)

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
THICK NEEDLE-PUNCHED NONWOVEN GEOTEXTILE
Geonets can convey water

within their channels.
GEONETS
GEONET
DRAIN
Example of geonet as
leachate collection layer
in a landfill
GEOTEXTILE
FILTER
SOIL
COVER
FILTRATION
The geosynthetic
allows water to pass
while retaining the sol.
Example of geotextile filter

between gravel drain and soil
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
For filtration,
a needle-punched
nonwoven geotextile
is generally adequate,
FILTRATION
The geosynthetic
a monofilament
woven geotextile
is often adequate,
a slit-film
woven geotextile
is not.
Types of geosynthetics:
geotextiles, but
some geotextiles are adequate, some are not.
FILTRATION
The geosynthetic
Types of geosynthetics: some geotextiles

Main relevant properties:
permeability, retention
GEOCOMPOSITE
TRANSMISSION & FILTRATION

A geotextile filter
is associated with
a transmissive core
to form a geocomposite.
Types of material for the core:

geonet, geomat, cuspated sheet
The drain core of a

geocomposite can also be:
GEOMAT
CUSPATED
SHEET
Geotextile filter
Geonet
drain core
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
ILLUSTRATION OF
FILTRATION AND
TRANSMISSION
Jakarta
2006.04.06
There are also very thick geocomposites

made especially for
road edge drains.
SEPARATION
The geosynthetic separates
two materials that tend to
mix when they are squeezed
together by applied loads.
WITH SEPARATION
SEPARATION
Needle-punched nonwoven
geotextile used as separator

Types of geosynthetics: geotextiles
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
SEPARATION
Jakarta
2006.04.06
To resist concentrated stresses,

the geotextile must have
high strength and elongation.
Types of geosynthetics: geotextiles

permeability, retention,
resistance to concentrated stresses
REINFORCEMENT
The geosynthetic
carries tensile loads
that the soil is
unable to carry.
REINFORCEMENT
The geosynthetic
that the soil is
unable to carry.
high-strength geotextiles, geogrids
HIGH-STRENGTH WOVEN GEOTEXTILE
Indonesian Chapter
Multi-layer reinforced soil wall

during construction

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
GEOGRIDS
Light concrete panels protect

the geotextile from deterioration
caused by exposure to sunlight.
RETAINING WALL
PROTECTION AGAINST ROCKFALL
Light concrete blocks

used as facing
Geogrid reinforcement
Indonesian Chapter
Geogridreinforced
structure

By J.P. GIROUD
LANDSLIDE REPAIR
Geogrid-reinforced
steep slope
Jakarta
2006.04.06
REINFORCEMENT
The geosynthetic
that the soil is
unable to carry.
high-strength geotextiles, geogrids
tensile strength and modulus,
interface shear strength
INTERLOCKING
INTERFACE SHEAR STRENGTH
Interface adhesion
Interface friction
Interlocking
Interlocking exists
only with geogrids,
and only if there is
adequate relationship
between the
geogrid opening size
and the soil
particle size.
Geogrid
Load
EXAMPLE OF GOOD INTERLOCKING
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
EXAMPLE OF GOOD INTERLOCKING
EXAMPLE OF POOR INTERLOCKING
PARAMETERS OF INTERLOCKING
Geogrid aperture size

relative to aggregate size.
Shape and stiffness
of transverse ribs.
Strength of junction
between perpendicular ribs.
SEPARATION & REINFORCEMENT

A geotextile
is
associated
with
a geogrid.
The reinforcement function of a geosynthetic

is more effective
if there is less relative displacement between
the geosynthetic and the soil to be reinforced.
If there is good interlocking
between a geogrid and soil,
it is believed that the relative displacement
required to mobilize interlocking
is less than the relative displacement
required to mobilize interface friction
(which is the other interface mechanism).
SIMPLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
Properties & FUNCTIONS

Thickness
TRANSMISSION
Permeability
FILTRATION
Retention
SEPARATION
Strength
REINFORCEMENT
Interface
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
The functions reviewed so far

do not include
the fluid barrier function
performed by geomembranes.
(This function will be discussed
at the end.)
Jakarta
2006.04.06
After this review of functions,

lets talk about applications
of geosynthetics.
In a given application, a given
geosynthetic will often perform
several functions.
Therefore, applications should be reviewed,
and the functions identified.
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
OF
OF
GEOSYNTHETICS IN ROADS
THREE CATEGORIES:
THREE CATEGORIES:
Applications in road foundation
Applications in road structure
Applications in controlling water
APPLICATIONS OF GEOSYNTHETICS
EMBANKMENT ON SOFT SOIL
IN
The geotextile performs

two functions:
ROAD FOUNDATION
Embankment on soft soil
SEPARATION
Cavity bridging
REINFORCEMENT
Indonesian Chapter

By J.P. GIROUD
Here a geotextile will be used as a separator

between the embankment soil
and a very coarse material, the logs.
RAPP Airstrip Project in Indonesia
2
1
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Earth Fill
Rock GX geogrid 35/35
GEOGRID
GEOTEXTILE
TS70
geotextile
Corduroy logs
> 1m
> 5m
Peat Soil Cu < 8 kPa
Here, the geotextile acts as a separator

between the soil
that could pass through the openings of the geogrid
and the logs.
Road Construction on Peat Soil in Indonesia
SEPARATOR
7m
2
1
Sandy gravel
Earth Fill
1m
Rock
PEC 50 (50 kN/m)
GEOTEXTILE
Peat Soil Cu < 8 kPa
9m
Here, the geotextile may act as a separator

between the earth fill and the peat.
However, it certainly acts as reinforcement.
REINFORCEMENT
Indonesian Chapter
This is one of
the most typical uses of geotextiles.
10

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
CONSTRUCTION ON SOFT SOIL
The reinforcement function

is often needed
as soon as
the beginning of construction.
The geosynthetic
provides support.
This is a first illustration of
the tensioned membrane effect
Here, too,
the geotextile
provides support.
Indonesian Chapter
11

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
In some other cases,

the field situation is better
and
reinforcement is only needed
for the long term.
Indonesian Chapter
12

By J.P. GIROUD
Another way of using geogrids

at the base of an embankment
Jakarta
2006.04.06
GEOGRID MATTRESS
Geogrids
placed vertically
and assembled
GEOGRID MATTRESS
FILLED WITH SOIL
The geogrids are positioned vertically and tensioned.
Steel bodkins are inserted to form joints.
STEEL BODKIN JOINTS
Geogrid cells ready for backfilling
Indonesian Chapter
13

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
BACKFILLING EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED BY BACKFILLED CELLS
DISCUSSION
OF THE
REINFORCEMENT FUNCTION
IN
EMBANKMENTS ON SOFT SOIL
EMBANKMENT FAILURE
Overview of completed track formation wall open to traffic.
THE THREE FAILURE MECHANISMS

LATERAL SLIDING
SLIP SURFACE FAILURE
BEARING CAPACITY FAILURE
Bonaparte, Holtz, and Giroud (1987)
Lateral Sliding
Slip Surface Failure

Reinforcement
T=?
The geosynthetic restrains

the lateral movement of the embankment.
Indonesian Chapter
14

By J.P. GIROUD
Bearing Capacity Failure
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Slip surface failure and bearing capacity failure

can be avoided by using lightweight embankment.
Reinforcement
H=?
V=?
D=?
GEOFOAM
In addition to improving
stability and bearing capacity,
lightweight fill (using geofoam)
significantly decreases settlement.
Indeed, settlement is due to
the embankment weight.
Geosynthetics (other than geofoam)

have no impact on global settlement,
but it is important to recognize that
they may have a significant impact
on differential settlement
when the foundation soil is not uniform.
It is important to recognize that

geotextiles and geogrids
have no impact on global settlement
because they perform
the separation and reinforcement functions
that have no impact on global settlement.
In other words, the geosynthetics

(other than geofoam)
have no impact
on the magnitude of settlement,
but they may have a significant impact
on the distribution of settlement.
Geosynthetics may have a significant impact

on differential settlement
when the foundation soil is not uniform.
EXAMPLE OF DIFFERENTIAL SETTLEMENT
This is the case in particular

when geosynthetics stiffen the base of the embankment,
which makes the distribution of settlement more uniform.
Examples:
geogrid cells or multiple layers of geogrids
at the base of embankments.
Other mechanisms will be discussed later.
Indonesian Chapter
15

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
INDONESIA
IN
ROAD FOUNDATION
Embankment on soft soil

Cavity bridging
TUNISIA
One or several layers

of high-strength geosynthetic
can be used to bridge a cavity.
FRANCE
CAVITY BRIDGING
The geosynthetic performs
THE REINFORCEMENT FUNCTION
Indonesian Chapter
16

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
ARCHING
Bending of the soil,
hence arching
Cavit
Stretching of the
geosynthetic,
hence tension
DESIGN METHOD
ACCOUNTING
FOR BOTH
ARCHING
IN SOIL
AND
TENSIONED
MEMBRANE
IN
GEOSYNTHETIC
TENSIONED
MEMBRANE
Thanks to arching,
only part of the overburden load
is applied to the geosynthetic.
So far, the functions

were easy to identify.
However,
in road structures,
functions are more complex.
(Giroud et al. 1990)
APPLICATIONS
OF
IN ROAD STRUCTURE
THREE CATEGORIES:
Unpaved roads
Paved roads

Indonesian Chapter
Asphalt overlay
17

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
GEOSYNTHETICS
IN
UNPAVED ROADS
UNPAVED ROAD
WITHOUT GEOSYNTHETIC
UNPAVED ROAD
WITH GEOTEXTILE
UNPAVED ROADS
UNPAVED
ROAD
WITH
GEOGRID
The geosynthetic performs

two functions:
SEPARATION
REINFORCEMENT
Indonesian Chapter
18

By J.P. GIROUD
There is obviously
a beneficial effect of separation
when geotextiles are used
in unpaved roads.
Jakarta
2006.04.06
SEPARATION WITH GEOTEXTILE

Photo taken after intensive traffic
Section with geotextile: light color
Section without geotextile: dark color
MECHANISMS OF DETERIORATION
There is obviously
a beneficial effect of separation
when geotextiles are used
in unpaved roads.
Also, there is obviously
a beneficial effect of reinforcement,
with both geotextiles and geogrids.
But, how does it work?
IN
UNPAVED ROADS
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
It is known from the theory of elasticity that,
in a two-layer system,
the load distribution on the lower layer
depends on the modulus of the upper layer.
Load distribution
Tensioned membrane
Subgrade confinement
Indonesian Chapter
19

By J.P. GIROUD
TWO-LAYER
SYSTEM
Jakarta
2006.04.06
DISTRIBUTION
OF NORMAL
STRESS
Stress
E1 > E2
E2
Stress
in uniform soil
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
It is known from the theory of elasticity that,
in a two-layer system,
the distribution of load on the lower layer
depends on the modulus of the upper layer.
It is also known from the theory of elasticity
that there are tensile stresses
at the bottom of the upper layer,
which limits
the load distribution effectiveness.
Tensile stresses at the

bottom of the upper layer
With its high modulus,
the upper layer is acting as a beam,
which explains the tensile stresses.
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
(continued)
Therefore, the load distribution effectiveness
of the upper layer
can be increased
by adding tensile stiffness
at the bottom of the upper layer.
Hence the use of reinforcement
at the bottom of the upper layer,
which provides lateral restraint.
ILLUSTRATION OF LOAD DISTRIBUTION
Indonesian Chapter
20

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
Load distribution
can also be achieved
by
geocells.
Gravel
layer
Soft clay
Thinner gravel layer with reinforcement

results in same stress as
thicker gravel layer without reinforcement .
GEOCELLS
GEOCELLS
BEING
DEPLOYED
GEOCELLS
FILLED
WITH
AGGREGATE
Indonesian Chapter
GEOCELL
MATTRESS
FILLED
WITH
AGGREGATE
AND
SUPPORTING
LOADS
21

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
PLACEMENT OF GEOTEXTILE
UNPAVED ROAD
TO BE CONSTRUCTED
USING GEOCELLS
PLACEMENT OF GEOCELL
PLACEMENT OF BASE MATERIAL
GEOCELL
UNPAVED ROAD COMPLETED
IN
UNPAVED ROADS
Load distribution
Tensioned membrane
Indonesian Chapter
22

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
TENSIONED MEMBRANE EFFECT
TENSIONED MEMBRANE EFFECT
Due to the traffic loads, the geotextile is deformed

and is, therefore, under tension.
The geotextile tension on each side of the

concave shape is shown in green.
Under the wheels, due to rutting,

the geotextile has a concave shape.
The resultants of these tensions are shown in red.

These resultants contribute to wheel support.
The tensioned membrane effect

requires rutting.
RUTTING IN THE FIELD
Ruts in full-scale test
LIMITATIONS
Typically, ruts are periodically backfilled.
OF THE
TENSIONED MEMBRANE
EFFECT
The tensioned membrane effect is
relatively small.
The tensioned membrane effect
works only with channelized traffic.
Indonesian Chapter
23

By J.P. GIROUD
If the traffic continues to be channelized,

continues to contribute to wheel support.
Jakarta
2006.04.06
If the traffic is no longer channelized,

does not contribute to wheel support.
AREA STABILIZATION
Traffic is not channelized
in the case of unpaved areas
(area stabilization, log yards,
etc.).
LOG YARD
IN
UNPAVED ROADS
Load distribution
Tensioned membrane
Indonesian Chapter
24

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Geotextile confining the subgrade soil
Test at WES
SUBGRADE CONFINEMENT
Thanks to the presence of the geosynthetic,
the deformations of the soil are limited.
As a result, the soil can be loaded
near its ultimate bearing capacity,
and not only near its elastic limit.
d
Pressure p
p
( + 2 ) cu
cu
ULTIMATE BEARING CAPACITY

ELASTIC LIMIT
Without subgrade confinement, a load equal to

the ultimate bearing capacity
would cause immediate failure.
In other words, an unpaved road
with no subgrade confinement by geosynthetic
would fail at one axle pass
if the load at the subgrade soil level
is equal to the ultimate bearing capacity.
Therefore, unpaved roads without geosynthetic
must be designed to avoid loads
equal to the ultimate bearing capacity.
As a result, they must be designed
for loads equal to the elastic limit.
Indonesian Chapter
Another approach
to subgrade confinement
is to consider that
subgrade confinement
is similar to
tensioned membrane effect.
This results in a slight increase

in bearing capacity of the subgrade soil,
which allows the unpaved road
to be safely designed
with the ultimate bearing capacity.
25

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Elastic limit:
d
Pressure p
p
WITH SUBGRADE CONFINEMENT
( + 2 ) cu
Ultimate bearing capacity:

(normal stress)
p = cu
p = ( + 2 ) cu
WITHOUT
SUBGRADE
CONFINEMENT
cu
The usual equation for ultimate bearing capacity,
p = ( + 2 ) cu
is applicable to the case of normal stress.

This is approximately the case of
geotextile-reinforced unpaved roads.
In the case of geogrid-reinforced unpaved roads,
the stresses at the base-subgrade interface
are inclined (due to lateral restraint);
as a result, the bearing capacity is slightly increased.
p=
+ 1 cu
2
Elastic limit:
(normal stress)
(inclined stress)
p = 3.14 cu
p = 5.14 cu
+64%
p = 5.71cu
+82%
Indonesian Chapter
Elastic limit:
(normal stress)
(inclined stress)
p = cu
p = ( + 2 ) cu
3
p=
+ 1 cu
2
DEFORMATION ASSOCIATED
WITH THE VARIOUS
REINFORCEMENT MECHANISMS
Much less deformation (i.e. less rutting)
is required to mobilize
lateral restraint and load distribution
than the tensioned membrane effect.
Consequence : lateral restraint
will play an important role in paved roads.
26

By J.P. GIROUD
GENERAL COMMENT
ON ACTION OF REINFORCEMENT
IN ROAD STRUCTURE
The mode of action of reinforcement

in a road structure is complex
because the working condition
for the reinforcement is not ideal
since the load is vertical
while the reinforcement is horizontal.
This leads to a variety of modes of action
such as lateral restraint, load distribution,
tensioned membrane, subgrade confinement, etc.
IMPORTANT BENEFIT
IN THE CASE OF NON-UNIFORM SOILS
One aspect of this important benefit

is the decrease of differential settlement
in the case of non-uniform soils,
as discussed earlier
for embankments on soft soils.
Giroud Han Design Method

Main features of design method
Theoretically based;
uses bearing capacity theory
and stress distribution
Calibrated using field data
and cyclic plate load testing
in the laboratory
Indonesian Chapter
Jakarta
2006.04.06
IMPORTANT BENEFIT
Geosynthetic reinforcement in road applications
(i.e. under embankments or in road structures)
improves structure behavior
by distributing stresses and bridging weak areas
in the case on non-uniform soils.
This benefit is difficult to quantify,
but it is real as it results
from a combination of mechanisms
such as cavity bridging, load distribution,
tensioned membrane, subgrade confinement, etc.
This is an important benefit because
non-uniform soils are frequent and unpredictable.
There is a design method for unpaved roads

that takes into account
the mechanisms described above
(except the tensioned membrane effect).
The Giroud Han

Design Method
1.5
r
0.868 + (0.661 1.006 J 2 ) log N
h

h=
3.48 CBRbc0.3
1
1 + 0.204
CBRsg

1
2
r

s
h
1 0.9e
N c f c CBRsg
fs
r2
h = required thickness (m)

(on both sides of equation)
Input parameters:
P
= wheel load (kN)
r
= radius of tire print (m)
N
= number of axle passes
CBRbc = base course CBR (%)
CBRsg = subgrade CBR (%)
27

By J.P. GIROUD
1.5
r
0.868 + (0.661 1.006 J 2 ) log N
h

h=
3.48 CBRbc0.3
1
1 + 0.204
CBRsg

r2
r
1
2
r

s
h
1 0.9e
N c f c CBRsg
fs
s = maximum rut depth (mm)

fs = rut depth factor (= 75mm)
J = geogrid aperture stability modulus (m-N/degree)
Nc = bearing capacity factor
For unreinforced pavements, Nc = 3.14
For geotextile-reinforced pavements, Nc = 5.14
For geogrid-reinforced pavements, Nc = 5.71
fc = factor relating CBR of subgrade to equivalent cu value
(fc = 30 i.e. cu = 30 x CBR with cu in kPa)
PAVED ROAD
IDEAL CROSS SECTION
Jakarta
2006.04.06
IN ROAD STRUCTURE
Unpaved roads
Paved roads
Asphalt overlay
In many cases, the road structure is buried

and lateral drainage is difficult.
Surfacing layers
Surfacing layers
Granular base
Sub-base
Granular base
Subgrade
Sub-base
Subgrade
Excellent lateral drainage
PAVED ROADS
The geotextile performs
two functions:
From the viewpoint

of the reinforcement function,
a major difference
between paved roads and unpaved roads
SEPARATION
is the magnitude of deformation,

because acceptable rutting is much less
REINFORCEMENT
Indonesian Chapter
in paved roads than in unpaved roads.
28

By J.P. GIROUD
The only mechanism of reinforcement

that is effective in paved roads
Jakarta
2006.04.06
ROAD BASE
is the load distribution improvement

that results from lateral restraint
because this mechanism
works with small deformation.
Also, lateral restraint has
a long-term beneficial effect
by reducing aggregate base deterioration.
Geogrid
Importance of
interlocking
to ensure
lateral restraint
USE OF GEOGRID FOR ROAD WIDENING
IN ROAD STRUCTURE
Unpaved roads
Paved roads
Asphalt overlay
Indonesian Chapter
29

By J.P. GIROUD
Asphalt impregnated geotextile

retards crack propagation.
Jakarta
2006.04.06
GEOTEXTILE FUNCTION
IN ASPHALT OVERLAY
The geotextile impregnated with bitumen
is impermeable and acts as a water barrier,
preventing precipitation water
from percolating
into the road base and subgrade.
This geotextile function

is quite different from the
functions discussed so far.
The geotextile impregnated with bitumen

has a visco-elastic behavior
and acts as a crack barrier,
slowing down crack propagation.
BLOCK CRACKING
In the case of block cracking,

use of strips of geotextile
impregnated with bitumen.
ALLIGATOR CRACKING
Strips of geotextile impregnated with bitumen
ASPHALT OVERLAY
In the case of alligator cracking,

use of full-width geotextile.
Indonesian Chapter
30

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
It is important to use a system

that places the geotextile
without pleats and wrinkles.
This is important because
any extra thickness of the geotextile
(due to a crease or a flattened wrinkle)
may initiate a crack
in the asphalt overlay.
APPLICATIONS
OF
THREE CATEGORIES:
Geotextile placed without wrinkles
IN WATER CONTROL
Drainage
Groundwater control

DRAINAGE IN ROADS
Edge drains
Drainage in
Moisture control
EDGE DRAINS
It is important to understand
the filtration function.
Intimate contact
between the filter and soil
is essential.
pavement structure
Indonesian Chapter
31

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
IMPORTANCE OF INTIMATE CONTACT

BETWEEN GEOTEXTILE FILTER AND SOIL
LESSON LEARNED FROM

THE GOOD CASE AND THE BAD CASE
In the good case, small aggregate is used,
and this aggregate is slightly compacted.
As a result, the geotextile filter is pushed against the soil
and there is intimate contact
between the geotextile filter and the soil.
In the bad case, coarse stones are used,
and as a result the geotextile filter
is not in intimate contact with the soil.
Therefore, when water flows from the soil toward the drain,
particles accumulate in the space
between the soil and the geotextile.
This is one of the main causes of clogging of geotextile filters.
BAD
GOOD
EDGE DRAINS
Intimate contact
between the filter and soil
is essential.
Therefore, a geocomposite
used as edge drain
must be in intimate contact with the soil.
TYPICAL
GEOCOMPOSITE
USED AS EDGE
DRAIN
The relatively rigid
structure
makes it difficult
to achieve
intimate contact
with the soil.
approx.
0.5 m
Typical thickness
30 mm
EDGE DRAINS
Intimate contact
between the geocomposite and soil
is essential.
This leads to
backfilling with sand.
Indonesian Chapter
32

By J.P. GIROUD
BACKFILLING WITH SAND

BETWEEN RIGID GEOCOMPOSITE EDGE DRAIN
AND SOIL
TO ENSURE INTIMATE CONTACT
AC/PCC pavement
Shoulder
Aggregate base
Subbase/Subgrade
Geocomposite
drain
Jakarta
2006.04.06
Intimate contact
between filter and soil
is also important
in the case of
granular drains.
Sand Backfill
25 mm
100 mm
Filling trench
with
small
aggregate
to ensure
intimate
contact.
DRAINAGE IN ROADS
Compacting
aggregate
to ensure
intimate
contact.
(light
compaction)
Maine Department of Transportation

Frankfort to Winterport Highway
Edge drains
Drainage in
pavement structure
Indonesian Chapter
33

By J.P. GIROUD
Drainage Test Sections
Jakarta
2006.04.06
In this application,
the function is
TRANSMISSION,
and the geosynthetic is
a geocomposite.
DEPLOYING THE GEOCOMPOSITE
Average installation time: 4 min. for 4m x 60m panel.
Base course aggregate

placed on top of geocomposite
CONNECTION WITH COLLECTOR PIPE
Indonesian Chapter
34

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
CONNECTION WITH COLLECTOR PIPE

Texas Department of Transportation
Southwest Parkway Street Reconstruction Project
GEOCOMPOSITE UNDERNEATH
HOT-MIX ASPHALT
GEOCOMPOSITE UNDERNEATH HOT-MIX ASPHALT
GROUNDWATER CONTROL
IN WATER CONTROL
Highway under groundwater table

Protection of aquifer
Drainage
Groundwater control
Moisture control
Indonesian Chapter
the function is
WATER BARRIER,
a geomembrane.
35

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
GROUNDWATER CONTROL

Below-ground
highway in Ireland
Geomembrane bathtub
against groundwater
Low-permeability soil
on top of geomembrane
BITUMINOUS GEOMEMBRANE
CROSS SECTION
1 m clay
to form a composite liner
with the geomembrane
weight of 3.3 m of soil (including the clay)
to counteract uplift by ground water pressure
Indonesian Chapter
36

By J.P. GIROUD
GROUNDWATER CONTROL
Jakarta
2006.04.06
A significant amount of groundwater pollution

is caused by spillage of various contaminants,
including gasoline. These contaminants are
collected in swales lined with a geomembrane.
the function is
WATER BARRIER,
a geomembrane.
Placement of bituminous
geomembrane by hand
Placement of bituminous
geomembrane by equipment
1995 Switzerland
IN WATER CONTROL
Drainage
Groundwater control
To protect an important aquifer,
the entire highway excavation
is lined with a geomembrane.
Indonesian Chapter
Moisture control
37

By J.P. GIROUD
MOISTURE CONTROL
Use of geomembranes along highways
to control the moisture content
of expansive soils
Jakarta
2006.04.06
USE OF GEOMEMBRANES ALONG HIGHWAYS

TO CONTROL THE MOISTURE CONTENT
OF EXPANSIVE SOILS
With expansive subgrade soil,
the service life of a road may be 5 years
instead of 20 years.
The purpose of the geomembrane
is to stabilize the moisture content
of the subgrade soil.
MESLs
(membrane encapsulated soil layers)
VERTICAL GEOMEMBRANE
Typically, moisture content fluctuates

down to a depth of 1.5 to 3.0 m.
VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL

GEOMEMBRANE
Geomembrane
Flowable backfill (slurry)
Geomembrane
Trench depth:
Trench width:
1.5 m to 3.0 m
typical: 2.5 m
0.5 m backhoe
0.1 m trencher
Flowable backfill (slurry)
MEMBRANE ENCAPSULATED SOIL LAYER
MOISTURE CONTROL
MESL
GEOMEMBRANE
Use of geomembranes along highways

to control the moisture content
COMPACTED SOIL
of expansive clays
MESLs
SUBGRADE SOIL
(membrane encapsulated soil layers)
Indonesian Chapter
38

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
The geomembrane is delivered.
The bituminous geomembrane is unrolled.
The soil layer is compacted.
The geomembrane is wrapped

around the compacted soil layer.
The completed MESL
CONCLUSION
Indonesian Chapter
39

By J.P. GIROUD
Jakarta
2006.04.06
COMMENTS ON THE PRECEDING SLIDE
Properties & FUNCTIONS
Based on what we have learned,

this appears to be a very simplified relationship
between properties and functions of geosynthetics.
Thickness
TRANSMISSION
Permeability
FILTRATION
Retention
SEPARATION
Strength
REINFORCEMENT
Interface
In reality, more functions are performed

and, for a given function,
several mechanisms can be considered.
This is particularly true for the reinforcement function.
Remember: load distribution, lateral restraint,
tensioned membrane, and subgrade confinement.
However, this slide summarizes the spirit of this presentation.
For each application, the relevant functions are identified,
which leads to the relevant properties, which in turn leads
to the selection of the most appropriate geosynthetic.
Thank you
Indonesian Chapter
40

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Indonesian Chapter of the International Geosynthetics Society

Road pavements in Indonesia

Presentation by Michael Dobie

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Dr. J.P. Giroud

Dr. Giroud can be contacted at jpg@jpgiroud.com

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

References cited in the presentation:

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Today, geosynthetics are part of

Lets start with the

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

THICK NEEDLE-PUNCHED NONWOVEN GEOTEXTILE

Geonets can convey water

Example of geotextile filter

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Types of geosynthetics: some geotextiles

TRANSMISSION & FILTRATION

Types of material for the core:

The drain core of a

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

There are also very thick geocomposites

The geosynthetic separates

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

To resist concentrated stresses,

Types of geosynthetics: geotextiles

HIGH-STRENGTH WOVEN GEOTEXTILE

Multi-layer reinforced soil wall

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Light concrete panels protect

PROTECTION AGAINST ROCKFALL

Light concrete blocks

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

EXAMPLE OF GOOD INTERLOCKING

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

EXAMPLE OF GOOD INTERLOCKING

EXAMPLE OF POOR INTERLOCKING

Geogrid aperture size

SEPARATION & REINFORCEMENT

The reinforcement function of a geosynthetic

SIMPLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN

Properties & FUNCTIONS

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

The functions reviewed so far

After this review of functions,

Applications in road foundation

Applications in road foundation

Applications in road structure

Applications in road structure

Applications in controlling water

Applications in controlling water

EMBANKMENT ON SOFT SOIL

The geotextile performs

Embankment on soft soil

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

Here a geotextile will be used as a separator

RAPP Airstrip Project in Indonesia

Here, the geotextile acts as a separator

Road Construction on Peat Soil in Indonesia

Here, the geotextile may act as a separator

Functions of Geosynthetics in Road Applications

CONSTRUCTION ON SOFT SOIL