Jorge Zornberg, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, U-T Austin, Mike Arellano, P.E., Director of Operations, Austin District, Texas DOT
The use of geosynthetics to stabilize the base of Texas roadways has made it possible to address some of the most prevalent problems in the state transportation system. A good example is their application to mitigate problems associated with the presence of expansive clay subgrades. This presentation discusses the factors that have contributed to the growing use of geosynthetics in our Department of Transportation This includes the construction of full-scale test sections as well as the identification of performance properties that can be used in generic specifications. Additionally, the problems addressed by geosynthetics in different projects, lessons learned from the test sections and the rationale behind recently developed geosynthetic specifications are highlighted.