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Abstract
This study investigates the behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced pavement foundation systems through large-scale rolling-wheel tests performed with problematic subgrade soils in north Georgia. Sixteen large-scale specimens were constructed with twelve including geosynthetic reinforcement. Subgrade soils were compacted either at optimum moisture content or a moisture content higher than optimum to produce a lower California Bearing Ratio. Both an extruded biaxial geogrid and woven geotextile were placed at various locations to investigate the optimal placement location for the different subgrade conditions. Pressure sensors were installed near the bottom of the aggregate base layer and near the top of subgrade layer to monitor the vertical stress variations within the pavement system during rolling-wheel trafficking. The vertical pressure at the bottom of aggregate base and top of subgrade decreased on average approximately 15.3% and 18.8%, respectively. The results indicate which geosynthetic type, and geosynthetic placement provides the highest pressure reduction for each subgrade condition.