TechGrid EX - Bitumen Coated Fibreglass Geogrid
TechGrid EX
TechGrid EX is a geogrid manufactured from reinforced fibreglass filaments and coated with bitumen. Placed within asphalt pavements, it gives the layer tensile strength and delays the formation of cracks. The working principle of the product is based on stress distribution. Fibreglass has a far higher elastic modulus than asphalt binder, so tensile stresses within the pavement are carried by the geogrid and spread over a wide area instead of concentrating at a single point. The bitumen coating on its surface allows the geogrid to achieve full adhesion with the layer in which it is placed, so that no slippage or separation occurs between layers under load. This mechanism is particularly effective in overlay works on existing pavements, where it delays the reflection of existing cracks into the new layer.
TechGrid EX Functions
TechGrid EX is a geogrid manufactured from reinforced fibreglass filaments and coated with bitumen. Placed within asphalt pavements, it gives the layer tensile strength and delays the formation of cracks.
The working principle of the product is based on stress distribution. Fibreglass has a far higher elastic modulus than asphalt binder, so tensile stresses within the pavement are carried by the geogrid and spread over a wide area instead of concentrating at a single point. The bitumen coating on its surface allows the geogrid to achieve full adhesion with the layer in which it is placed, so that no slippage or separation occurs between layers under load. This mechanism is particularly effective in overlay works on existing pavements, where it delays the reflection of existing cracks into the new layer.
Reduction in Reflective Cracking
It delays the upward propagation of existing cracks in the underlying pavement into the new asphalt layer. By distributing the stress concentrated at the crack tip along its own plane, the geogrid prevents the crack from reaching the upper layer and extends the crack free service period of the pavement.
Protection
It protects the asphalt layer against repeated stresses caused by traffic loading. The bitumen coating allows the geogrid to achieve full adhesion with the asphalt, so no separation occurs within the layer under load and pavement integrity is preserved. Delaying cracks also prevents surface water from infiltrating the lower layers, protecting the base material from deterioration.
Control of Settlement Cracking
It distributes stresses arising from differential settlement in the subgrade over a wide area. As a result, tensile stress concentrated in settlement zones is brought under control rather than forming a crack at a single point.
Longer Service Life
By delaying crack initiation and propagation, it extends the period during which the pavement performs without requiring maintenance. Longer intervals between resurfacing works reduce total maintenance costs over the life of the road.
Performance in Every Climate Condition
TechGrid EX maintains its performance across a wide temperature range, from desert conditions to polar regions. As fibreglass is unaffected by temperature variation, it neither softens in summer nor becomes brittle in winter. This makes the product suitable for use both on asphalt roads in hot climates and in regions subject to freeze thaw cycles.
TechGrid EX Features
- Delays the formation of cracks on the asphalt surface
- Significantly reduces the width of cracks that do form
- Effective against fatigue, reflective, thermal and settlement induced cracking
- Carries loads by distributing stress concentrations homogeneously
- Its fibreglass structure provides a high elastic modulus, taking on tensile stresses that the asphalt binder cannot carry
- The bitumen coating achieves full adhesion with the asphalt layer, preventing slippage between layers under load
- By delaying cracks, it prevents surface water from infiltrating the lower layers and protects the base material from deterioration
- Maintains its performance across a wide temperature range, from desert conditions to regions subject to freeze thaw cycles
- Extends the service life of the pavement, lengthening resurfacing intervals and reducing total maintenance costs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is TechGrid EX?
TechGrid EX is a geogrid manufactured from reinforced fibreglass filaments and coated with bitumen. Placed within asphalt pavements, it gives the layer tensile strength and delays the formation of cracks.
2. How Does TechGrid EX Delay Crack Formation?
Fibreglass has a far higher elastic modulus than asphalt binder. Tensile stresses within the pavement are carried by the geogrid and spread over a wide area rather than concentrating at a single point, which delays both crack initiation and propagation.
3. What Is Reflective Cracking and How Does TechGrid EX Prevent It?
Reflective cracking occurs when existing cracks in an old pavement propagate upwards into the new asphalt layer laid over it. TechGrid EX distributes the stress concentrated at the crack tip along its own plane, delaying the crack from reaching the upper layer.
4. In Which Applications Is TechGrid EX Used?
It is used in asphalt overlay works, reinforcement layers over cracked pavements, asphalt overlays on concrete pavements and joint zones in road widening works. It is also preferred for airport apron and taxiway pavements.
5. What Is the Purpose of the Bitumen Coating?
The bitumen coating allows the geogrid to achieve full adhesion with the asphalt layer in which it is placed. As a result, no slippage or separation occurs between layers under load, and the geogrid and asphalt behave as a single composite structure.
6. Can TechGrid EX Be Used in Different Climate Conditions?
As fibreglass is unaffected by temperature variation, it neither softens in summer nor becomes brittle in winter. This allows it to maintain its performance across a wide temperature range, from desert conditions to regions subject to freeze thaw cycles.
