Importance

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Abstract

A geocomposite system for increasing the service life of roads, bridges, or the like, includes a geocomposite layer having a geomembrane disposed between two geotextile backings, a structural layer for supporting the geocomposite layer, and a base layer formed on top of the geocomposite layer. The geomembrane is impermeable and the geotextile backings are sufficiently porous to provide a wicking action of moisture or liquid laterally along the geomembrane and out of the geocomposite system to prevent moisture or liquid damage. The geomembrane prevents the intrusion of liquids including deicing salts into the structural layers of roads, bridges, or the like abating deterioration in the structural layers such as corrosion of reinforcing steel. The geocomposite layer is bonded to and conforms to the structural layer, thus reducing reflective, shrinkage and fatigue cracking and increasing the structural capacity of the road or bridge. Preferably, the geomembrane is an extruded polyvinylchloride web and the geotextile backings are fabricated of a mat of non-woven polyester fibers. The geotextile backings are heat coupled to the geomembrane, preferably using a calendaring process. The geocomposite layer is also bonded to the base layer. In the related method, the geocomposite system is constructed by fabricating the geocomposite layer, applying a tack coat to the structural layer, placing the geocomposite layer with the geotextile backing down on the prepared structural layer, rolling the geocomposite to provide conformity with the structural layer, applying a tack coat to the other geotextile backing and forming and bonding the base layer on the geocomposite layer.

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First Claim