Laboratory Characterization and Field Validation of ROADMESH-Reinforced Asphalt Pavement in China

To improve the mechanical properties of asphalt pavement and extend its life cycle, a new type of reinforcing material termed ROADMESH was introduced. To verify its superior performance, three other conventional reinforcing materials, namely, self-adhered glass fiber grill (SGFG), steel-plastic composite geogrid (SCG) and polyester geotextile (PG), were selected for comparison. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the interlayer bonding, high-temperature performance, cracking resistance, and moisture susceptibility of the four types of reinforced asphalt mixtures. A full-scale field trial was also implemented and monitored following China’s standard field tests to validate the findings from laboratory experiments. The results indicate that ROADMESH, which has a unique three-dimensional mesh structure, has the best physical and mechanical properties among the four materials and the least negative effect on the interlayer bonding. Compared with unreinforced asphalt mixtures, reinforced mixtures have better rutting resistance and anti-cracking ability, and the moisture susceptibility is only slightly reduced. In summary, reinforced asphalt mixtures containing ROADMESH feature better properties than the other mixtures. Furthermore, field test data demonstrate that ROADMESH has the best ability to improve the structural capacity of asphalt pavement, although water permeability is reduced to some extent.