The ability of asphalt to withstand Tensile Stress is limited. When existing asphalt or concrete pavements are over-laid with new asphalt, cracks and joints will penetrate through the new asphalt layer within a very short period of time. This usually results in fast deterioration of the pavement, especially in areas where water can penetrate the pavement structure. By applying reinforcement the tensile stresses are reduced and distributed over a large area, and reflective cracking can be delayed or even prevented. Also surface cracking, caused by for example frost heave, can be treated well by asphalt reinforcement.
Extensive research and field experience have resulted in a number of requirements for effective reinforcement products:
High tensile strength
High stiffness EA (which is elastic modulus times cross sectional area) of the reinforcing material, even under creep conditions
No damage to the product while installing and overlaying with asphalt
Good bond between the new overlay, the reinforcement and the old pavement
The reinforcement should remain flat during the whole Construction process
Low coefficient of thermal contraction/Expension
Other important requirements are fast and easy application of the reinforcement, and easy and environmental friendly removal at the end of pavements life time.
Transverse & longitudinal cracks at PCC slab joints, which are Thermal and Load associated
GlasGrid® is an exceptionally strong reinforcing material, developed specially for pavements. It consists of glass fibre strands, arranged in a grid structure, covered with a polymer coating and a pressure sensitive adhesive. There is no loss of strength at paving temperatures and no damage during handling and paving operations.
High Tensile Strength: High modulus, E, fibre glass exhibits a tremendous strength to weight ratio and is up to 20:1 over asphalt concrete (20°C or 68°F), GlasGrid® clearly provides the stiffness required to redirect crack energy.
Low Elongation: The stress-strain diagram for glass is virtually a straight line of nearly vertical slope. This indicates that the materials is very stiff and resists deformation. GlasGrid® exhibits less than 5% elongation at break.
No Long- Term Creep: Many reinforcement materials that appear to be initially stable, exhibit creep deformation due to constant loading over long periods of time. Fibre glass exhibits no creep. This assures long term performance
Cross Sectional Area: Sufficient cross sectional "Area, A"multiplied by the "Modulus, E" of the materials (= AE) is required to redirect crack energy. The research conducted at Texas A&M shows GlasGrid® meets this requirement.
Asphalt Compatibility: The specially formulated polymer coating was designed to deliver high asphalt compatibility. Each fibre is completely coated to insure no slippage within the composite asphalt.
Thermal Stability: The melting points of fibre glass is very high which insures stability when subjected to the excessive heat of paving operation.
Chemical Stability: The specially formulated polymer coating was designed to provide protection against a wide range of chemical attack.
Physical Durability: The specially formulated polymer coating provides protection from physical abrasion. Additionally, coated fibre glass is resistant to biological attack, UV light, and weather.
Pavement Reinforcement Mesh.
Complete all crack sealing, pothole filling, base repairs, leveling course applications, etc.
Surface must be:
1. USING A FABRIC TRACTOR
2. MANUAL PROCEDURE, INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Workers must wear gloves while handling GlasGrid®. Lay GlasGrid® over iron works, roll, and then cut using a sharp utility knife.