Nonwoven Geotextile Interlayers in Concrete Pavements

Pavement engineers are constantly seeking proven innovative concepts with the potential to improve pavement performance while reducing costs. An example of such a concept is the use of a nonwoven geotextile as an alternative to hot-mix asphalt between cementitious layers. Proven by German engineer to be effective, this concept is not common or widespread in the United States. However, as part of a recent effort to demonstrate the use of nonwoven geotextile interlayers as concrete pavement interlayers, initial recommendations for materials specifications and better construction practices were developed. Implementation of a nonwoven geotextile interlayer was successful in two recent field trials in Missouri and Oklahoma. The material proved to be cost-effective, required minimal training and equipment during construction, and could be placed rapidly. As a result, nonwoven geotextiles have the potential to be a viable alternative to more conventional materials as an interlayer in U.S. pavements.