Geosynthetic Materials and the Durability of Road Infrastructure

Journal “Roads. Innovations in Construction”. Issue No. 107.

GEOSYNTHETIC MATERIALS AND THE DURABILITY OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

THE FIRST EXPERIENCE OF USING GEOSYNTHETICS IN RUSSIAN ROAD CONSTRUCTION DATES BACK TO THE 1970S. DOMESTIC PRODUCTS ALSO APPEARED AT THAT TIME. AT THE SAME TIME, A NEW STAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE TECHNOLOGIES BEGAN IN THE 1990S. WESTERN MATERIALS THEN BECAME WIDELY AVAILABLE ON THE RUSSIAN MARKET. HOWEVER, MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE THEN. KONSTANTIN GORKOV, HEAD OF THE ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL CENTRE OF “TECHPOLYMER”, EXPLAINED WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW.

The use of innovative materials is known to focus on improving the quality and extending the intervals between repairs of roads and the structures on them. How do you assess the importance of using geosynthetics in this regard?

— I would say that, when discussing the use of geosynthetics as a factor in increasing the durability of roads and the structures on them, the word “importance” is not entirely applicable. The key concept in this case is feasibility. Specifically:

• the lack of necessary aggregates in terms of both quality and volume (the use of geosynthetics makes it possible to use aggregates in smaller quantities and with lower physical and mechanical performance);
• the absence of a right-of-way or restricted conditions (the use of geosynthetics makes it possible to build high embankments or retaining walls with a narrower base by ensuring the stability of embankments with steeper slopes);
• remoteness from sources of construction materials, quarries, asphalt-concrete plants, ready-mix concrete plants, etc. (the use of geosynthetics makes it possible to build a sufficiently wide range of structures and facilities away from sources of traditional construction materials);
• increasing the durability, reliability and safety of structures;
• the impossibility of carrying out works using traditional methods (the use of geosynthetics makes it possible to eliminate certain types of work, thereby reducing their cost and execution time while ensuring the required performance of the structures).

Has the situation resulting from the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions affected the Russian geosynthetics market (production and sales)? Are there any problems with import substitution?

— Yes, the sanctions have affected the production of geosynthetic materials. Unfortunately, most of the equipment and software used to operate it are of European origin, although a wide range of Chinese alternatives is now available. Numerous additives and compounds used in geosynthetic materials were also imported from Western countries. However, it should be noted that Russian manufacturers have managed to replace most of them with alternatives produced either domestically or in China.

Which domestic technological solutions have already proven effective in road and bridge construction and repair? Can you give examples of improvements in the quality and durability of infrastructure?

— Since 2015, the technology for rehabilitating culverts using permanent formwork made of a protective polymer liner (HDPE) has been in use. It has already proven effective, making it possible to extend repair intervals and improve the overall durability of infrastructure structures.

In addition, the following have demonstrated technical and economic effectiveness: technologies for reinforcing artificial structures, geocomposite drainage systems, reinforced-soil retaining walls, embankment reinforcement and the strengthening of weak subgrades, and the stabilisation of embankment slopes with geosynthetic materials.

Are new developments currently under way?

— Innovative geosynthetics are being developed continuously. For example, work is under way to assess and improve the durability of a range of geosynthetic materials used in road and industrial and civil construction.

Overall, what do you see as the prospects for the development of the geosynthetics market in Russia?

— In view of the growing body of experience and knowledge concerning the assessment of geosynthetic durability, we expect a boom in the development of geosynthetic materials with new, enhanced and improved performance characteristics.