Discussion of "Design Method for Geogrid-Reinforced Unpaved Roads. I: Development of Design Method" by J. P. Giroud and Jie Han

We commend Giroud and Han on their paper, which adds significantly to the body of knowledge for engineering analysis of unpaved roads. The development of the truncated cone stress distribution represents a technical advancement and simplifies the calculations for this application. The proposed design method also incorporates the modulus of the aggregate base course and subgrade soil as a ratio, permitting quantification of geosynthetic improvement on that ratio, known as the stress distribution angle. The manner in which the geogrid improvement on that modulus ratio or stress distribution angle is formulated and presented in the design method is the focus of this discussion.