A strategic laboratory approach for the performance investigation of geogrids in flexible pavements

► Grids generate interlayer de-bonding, although modified emulsions increase performance. ► Reinforced specimens provide a considerable increase in repeated loading cycle resistance. ► The research provides the validation of a lab approach for the performance study of reinforced systems. Nowadays, the increasing request in terms of road transport makes maintenance and rehabilitation of road infrastructures key tasks for road engineering. In recent years, numerous products/materials have been introduced on the market and can be used in combination or singly in order to extend pavement life and guarantee high performance. Among them, geosynthetics can play different roles in pavement structures, such as draining, reinforcement, filtering, separation, protection, and proofing. This research focuses on the validation of a strategic laboratory approach for the study of the mechanical performance of reinforced systems used in flexible pavements, combining repeated loading cycles in a four-point bending configuration with interlayer shear tests. This method can be used in further research analysis to compare unreinforced and reinforced double-layered systems. The results obtained in this investigation showed that the fiberglass grid used provides a relevant contribution to the performance of the asphalt concrete system studied.