Tensar AR-G

In repairing asphalt pavements, it’s vital to find a way to treat problems such as cracking and rutting. Structural reinforcement of the asphalt layers with Tensar AR-G has been proven to do this and prolong the service life.

AR-G is a composite, consisting of a stiff polypropylene grid which has very high dimensional stability, junction strength and high rib profile; this grid is supplied thermally bonded to a fabric backing. The backing makes installation easier, acts as a stress absorbing membrane interface and forms a long-term water barrier once it’s saturated with bitumen during installation. The new asphalt layer mechanically interlocks into the grid’s apertures creating a reinforced pavement. The grid’s high stiffness at very low strain levels, combined with its integral interlock within the asphalt matrix, provides excellent resistance to cracking, particularly fatigue cracking. By improving the performance of the new asphalt, AR-G can potentially enable a reduction in overlay thickness of up to 35% compared with unreinforced overlays.

When placed nearer the pavement surface AR-G may also contribute to resistance of asphalt rutting associated with low stiffness mixes, high ambient temperature and slow, heavy wheel loading. To function effectively Tensar AR-G should have a minimum initial compacted thickness of 70mm of asphalt placed on top of it. As such, Tensar AR-G will typically be installed under the binder course or the base course layers. You can see how it works here.

• Extends pavement structural life
• Good resistance to fatigue cracking
• Ideally suited to overlaying flexible rural roads with low stiffness foundations or susceptible to spring thawing soil weakening
• Good reflective cracking resistance
• Long-term cost savings compared with traditional methods
• Potential reduction of overlay thickness by up to 35%
• Reduces asphalt rutting