After extensive investigations on the properties of geosynthetic, test methods, and use performances, two kinds of typical geosynthetic with different mechanical properties are chosen in this research paper. One is geotextile which has low tensile strength and high enlongation, while the other is glass grid which has high tensile strength and low enlongation. They were used as reinforcing materials in asphalt concrete to produce geosynthetic reinforced asphalt concrete courses (GRACC). The tensile properties of the geotextiles, the flexural properties and the fatigue properties of geosynthetic reinforced asphalt concrete were tested in laboratory. Relations between the deflection at the top of beam,the length of crack and the width at the bottom of beam were concluded through doing fatigue tests.The full-scale test of GRACC was carried out.The curves which includes the deflection at the top of GRACC' surface and the strain at the bottom of the GRACC changing with loading times have been drawn. Test roads using GRACC were constructed and the performance was surveyed. Theoretical analyses were done to evaluate the performances and reinforced effectiveness of different GRACC. Then, some advises were given on the choice of geosynthetic types and technical requirements on the paving period of GRACC. This paper also reviewed the theoretical analysis methods of reflective cracks emerged on the asphalt overlays over the existing cement concrete pavements. It is proposed that the design method of GRACC can be developed regarding the crack propagation rate under traffic load. The economic benefits of GRACC were estimated using the net-current-value method. The analysis results show that the GRACC can save long term mass maintenance costs, though its initial invest is more than that of conventional asphalt concrete course. The design and construction method of the GRACC which is used overlay on the existing cement concrete pavement were preliminarily developed in this paper. Key words: GRACC,Theoretical analysis,Reflective cracking,Geotextile’s choice,Performance evaluation,Design and construction method,Laboratory test,Net-current-value method |