Controlling Pavement Distresses Using Modified Moisture Barrier
Publication: Geo-Congress 2022
ABSTRACT
Surficial distresses in roadways of Texas are very common due to presence of high-plastic clayey soil in the subgrade. The high sensitivity of such soils towards seasonal moisture changes results in repeated swelling and shrinkage, and ultimately the development of pavement cracks. Studies have indicated rainwater intrusion into underlying expansive subgrade soil coupled with inadequate drainage as the main cause of pavement damage in semi-arid regions. As such, inclusion of an appropriate moisture control mechanism either during the initial construction of new pavement or during rehabilitation of existing distressed pavement can be an effective tool in enhancing the service life of pavements. This paper presents the evaluation of modified moisture barrier (MMB), a recently introduced moisture control mechanism in pavement structure, through field implementation. MMB was installed throughout the full width of a 91 m (300 ft) long distressed pavement section in a farm to market road with the aim of preventing potential moisture intrusion from the pavement’s surface and controlling the differential movement of the subgrade soil that may propagate to the surface over time. Based on field instrumented sensors and inclinometer readings, the utilized barrier system was effective in maintaining equilibrium moisture content of expansive subgrade soil and minimizing the subgrade’s movement by 89% despite seasonal wet-dry cycles.
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Geo-Congress 2022
Pages: 442 - 452
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Published online: Mar 17, 2022
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