Archived webinar:
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern
Webinar Overview:
The design approach utilized with Mechanistic-Empirical (M-E) design is a significant change from many previous design methods. In M-E design, the designer inputs an assumed section, which is then analyzed, and performance predictions are computed. These predictions take into account the pavement materials utilized, the assumed traffic, and the climatic conditions. Structural response models, the mechanistic component of M-E, calculate the stresses and strains within the pavement section. Empirically based performance equations, or transfer functions, use output from the mechanistic model to predict pavement distress.
Geogrids are materials that have openings, called apertures, which allow aggregate to strike through and provide confinement and interlock. Geogrids can improve the long-term performance of a roadway by minimizing aggregate movement and maintaining modulus values. In order to properly introduce a specific geogrid into the M-E model, appropriate characterization of the aggregate-geogrid composite layer that is created through a mechanical stabilization process is required. Significant product specific calibration and testing is required over differing conditions and materials to understand the impact of a Mechanically Stabilized Layer (MSL) on stresses, strains and deflections within a pavement section, as well as its effects on pavement distress. The contribution of geogrid material into a pavement structure can be very difficult to accurately define using conventional testing equipment and standard construction practices due to the lack of a conditioning stage prior to testing.
This webinar will discuss the need for testing, and the types of testing, that are important to calibrate a specific geogrid for use within M-E design.
Participants earn one Professional Development Hour.
Speaker Bio:
Branden Reall, P.E., M. ASCE
Stabilization Product Manager
Tensar International Corporation
Branden Reall, P.E., M. ASCE, is a 1998 graduate of Brigham Young University and is a licensed professional engineer in eight states. He joined Tensar International in November of 2002 as a Regional Sales Manag
er, and has since worked in different rolls covering much of the western United States. During his time with Tensar, and in his previous work as a geotechnical consultant, he has worked on hundreds of roadway projects and has been involved in local R&D studies addressing the performance of geogrids for roadway support. Mr. Reall now resides in Utah and is the Stabilization Product Manager for Tensar inthe Western Hemisphere, which includes Tensar’s TriAx® Geogrid andbiaxial (BX) geogrid products.
Company Info:
For over 30 years, Tensar International Corporation (Tensar) has been a full-service provider of specialty products and engineering services, offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for various site development challenges. Tensar tackles the challenges of roadway construction by offering several roadway systems designed with performance, cost savings and ease of installation in mind. Our system approach to roadway construction not only includes our industry-leading products, but also site evaluation, design services, specifications and site support in addition to our first-class customer service and extensive distribution network.