Performance-Based Evaluation of Geotextile-Reinforced Expansive Subgrade Soil: A Case Study on the Pavement Road along Mangima Bukidnon

Abstract

The subgrade is an essential component of road pavement systems. It must provide adequate strength to support the complete pavement structure. A weak, clayey subgrade poses challenges because it can lead to the failure of the overlying pavement. A deficient subgrade necessitates treatment and stabilization. This study primarily aimed to do a laboratory assessment of Adtuyon clay subgrade soil reinforced with geotextiles. The soil samples were subjected to the Atterberg limit tests, compaction tests, and the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test. Three geotextile-reinforced soil samples, with geotextile placed at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the mold height measured from the top, were compacted and tested for CBR. A plate load test was performed in the field. The resilient modulus (Mr) of the soil samples was estimated utilizing a prediction model. The laboratory results indicated that the reinforced soil samples exhibited higher CBR values than the unreinforced samples. A rising CBR value was noted as the geotextile was positioned from the top to the bottom of the CBR mold. The reinforced sample positioned at 3/4 of the geotextile had the greatest CBR value. Furthermore, the incorporation of geotextiles enhanced the settlement behavior of the reinforcement and elevated the anticipated Mr values. Consequently, it was determined that geotextile reinforcement enhanced the engineering properties of the Adtuyon clay subgrade. It is advisable to conduct studies employing multi-layer geotextiles as reinforcement and to perform quality assessments of geotextiles to further investigate the interaction between geotextiles and the Adtuyon subgrade soil.