A small-scale experimental approach for preliminary screening of pavement performance under cyclic loading with controlled surface confinement

Abstract

Geosynthetics are widely used in road construction to improve structural performance. Their performance has been evaluated using both large-scale field tests and laboratory-based cyclic loading tests. However, laboratory investigations are often limited by cost, space, and preparation requirements. This study therefore presents a small-scale laboratory approach for evaluating geosynthetics-reinforced pavement structure under cyclic plate loading. A surface confinement system was developed to simulate pavement surface confinement without constructing an asphalt layer. Cyclic plate (D=60mm) loading tests were conducted with a base thickness of 1D to investigate the influence of reinforcement configuration on cumulative permanent deformation. Comparisons were made between unreinforced samples, single-layer reinforcement at mid-depth (Geogrid) and at base-subgrade interface (Geocomposite), and a double-layer configuration at mid-depth (Geogrid) and at the base–subgrade interface (Geocomposite). The results indicate that geosynthetic reinforcement significantly reduces cumulative permanent deformation and improves load distribution under confined conditions. The double layer configuration achieved the best performance. Mid-depth geogrid reinforcement provided moderate improvements, while geocomposite at the interface was less effective. This study introduces a compact laboratory approach for assessing geosynthetic reinforcement under controlled confinement and demonstrates its potential as an efficient screening tool for investigating reinforcement–confinement interaction under cyclic loading.