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    Non-Woven Geotextiles as Interlayers in Concrete Pavement

    Non-woven geotextiles can be used in unbonded concrete overlay systems to separate the existing concrete pavement from the new concrete pavement. The material proved to be cost-effective, required minimal training and equipment during construction, and can be placed rapidly. 

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    How Does It Work? 

    The basic process for using non-woven geotextiles in construction projects is: 

    1. The non-woven geotextile material is placed shortly before paving (no more than two to three days). This helps reduce the potential for the material to be damaged.  
    2. The material is rolled on the surface. It needs to be tight with no wrinkles or folds to minimize the potential for the material to be disturbed by the paver.  
    3. The material is secured with pins pushed through galvanized discs placed approximately six feet apart.  
    4. The non-woven geotextile material needs to be lightly damp prior to concrete placement to prevent drawing water from the mix. 
    5. The non-woven geotextile should not be exposed to heavy traffic until paving is complete. Avoid driving on the non-woven geotextile material unless necessary. 

    What Are The Benefits? 

    Using non-woven geotextiles for concrete pavement helps to prevent reflective cracking. It allows the drainage of infiltrated water and provides bedding to reduce bearing stresses and improves long-term performance.