TechGrid GFG - Glass Fiber Geogrid and Geotextile Composite Asphalt Reinforcement
TechGrid GFG
TechGrid© GFG is a composite asphalt reinforcement produced by combining a high tensile strength glass fiber geogrid coated with bitumen and an ultra light nonwoven geotextile.
TechGrid© GFG delivers two different functions in a single product. The glass fiber geogrid absorbs the tensile stresses caused by traffic loads at low elongation levels, reducing load concentration and delaying crack formation. The nonwoven geotextile on the lower face draws the tack coat into its structure, forming a continuous interlayer between the asphalt courses that dissipates stresses and prevents water from reaching the lower layers.
TechGrid GFG Functions
TechGrid© GFG solves two separate pavement problems in a single layer. The glass fiber geogrid layer reinforces tensile strength, the weak point of asphalt, reducing load concentration and delaying crack formation. The nonwoven geotextile on the lower face draws the tack coat into its structure, forming a continuous interlayer between the courses and preventing water from reaching the lower layers. Combining reinforcement and interlayer functions in one product eliminates the need to place two separate materials and shortens installation time.
Reflective Crack Reduction
Cracks in an old pavement travel upward into the new asphalt layer placed over it, forming reflective cracks. In TechGrid© GFG, the glass fiber geogrid distributes the stress at the crack tip along its own plane, while the bitumen saturated geotextile layer further slows propagation by dissipating crack movement.
Protection
Cracks that form on the pavement surface allow rainwater to reach the base and subbase layers, reducing bearing capacity and accelerating deterioration. The geotextile layer of TechGrid© GFG, which draws the tack coat into its structure, forms a continuous barrier against water passage between the courses and protects the load bearing system of the pavement.
Differential Settlement Crack Control
Cracks that form on the pavement surface allow rainwater to reach the base and subbase layers, reducing bearing capacity and accelerating deterioration. The geotextile layer of TechGrid© GFG, which draws the tack coat into its structure, forms a continuous barrier against water passage between the courses and protects the load bearing system of the pavement.
Longer Service Life
Delaying crack formation and keeping water away from the lower layers extends the period during which the pavement serves without requiring maintenance. Combining reinforcement and waterproofing in a single layer also shortens installation time and reduces application cost.
Composite Structure Combining Reinforcement and Interlayer Functions
In TechGrid© GFG, the glass fiber geogrid and the nonwoven geotextile are bonded during manufacturing, so two separate materials do not need to be placed on site. The geogrid layer performs the reinforcement function by absorbing tensile stresses, while the geotextile layer draws the tack coat into its structure and forms a continuous interlayer between the courses. This interlayer both dissipates stress and blocks water passage. Providing two functions in a single layer shortens installation time and adds performance without increasing layer thickness.
TechGrid GFG Features
- TechGrid GFG reduces crack formation on asphalt surfaces
- Much narrower crack widths occur
- Absorbs stress concentrations and provides homogeneous distribution
- Produced by bonding a glass fiber geogrid and a nonwoven geotextile during manufacturing
- Provides reinforcement and interlayer functions in a single layer, eliminating the need to place two separate materials
- The geotextile layer draws the tack coat into its structure and forms a continuous interlayer between the courses
- Prevents water infiltrating from the surface from reaching the base and subbase layers
- Provides resistance against fatigue, reflective, thermal and differential settlement cracks
- Is not affected by temperature changes and shows no softening or embrittlement behaviour
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is TechGrid GFG?
TechGrid© GFG is a composite asphalt reinforcement produced by combining a bitumen coated glass fiber geogrid with an ultra light nonwoven geotextile. It delivers reinforcement and interlayer functions in a single product.
2. What Is the Difference Between TechGrid GFG and TechGrid GF?
TechGrid GF consists of a glass fiber geogrid only and gives the asphalt tensile strength. In TechGrid GFG there is an additional nonwoven geotextile layer beneath the geogrid, which draws the tack coat into its structure and also blocks water passage.
3. What Is the Purpose of the Geotextile Layer?
The geotextile layer draws the tack coat applied before installation into its fiber structure and becomes saturated with bitumen. The saturated layer forms an uninterrupted interlayer between the asphalt courses, dissipates crack movement and prevents water from reaching the lower layers.
4. How Does TechGrid GFG Delay Crack Formation?
Asphalt has high compressive strength but low tensile strength, and cracks begin in areas where tensile stress concentrates. The glass fiber geogrid absorbs these stresses at low elongation levels and spreads them over a wide area instead of allowing them to accumulate at a single point.
5. Where Is TechGrid GFG Used?
It is used in asphalt pavement rehabilitation and reinforcement overlay applications, wearing courses placed over cracked pavements, asphalt applications over concrete pavements and road widening joint zones. It is also preferred on bridge and viaduct deck pavements where water passage is critical.
6. How Is TechGrid GFG Installed?
After the surface is cleaned, the tack coat is applied and the product is placed with the geotextile face down. Once the geotextile has drawn the bitumen into its structure, the upper asphalt course is laid, and no separate interlayer material is required.
