Basalt fiber geogrid performance and construction

Properties of Basalt Fiber Geogrid
(1) High Breaking Strength: The breaking strength of basalt fiber geogrid in both warp (longitudinal) and weft (transverse) directions is higher than that of glass fiber geogrid under the same linear density.
(2) Low Elongation: The breaking elongation of basalt fiber geogrid in warp and weft directions is ≤3%.
(3) Excellent Physical and Chemical Stability: Basalt fiber itself exhibits strong resistance to acids, alkalis, and corrosion. The geogrid can withstand chemical erosion, physical abrasion, climate changes, and biological degradation without performance loss.
(4) Creep Resistance: Basalt fiber, as a reinforcement material, does not undergo creep. Its ability to resist deformation under long-term loads ensures long-term performance retention.
(5) High-Temperature Resistance: After heating at 170°C for 1 hour, the retained tensile breaking strength in warp and weft directions remains ≥90%.
(6) Low-Temperature Resistance: After freezing at -40°C for 1 hour, the retained tensile breaking strength in warp and weft directions remains ≥80%.
(7) Aggregate Interlocking and Restriction: The two-dimensional grid structure of the geogrid mechanically interlocks and restricts the movement of asphalt mix aggregates. Under load, this enhances load-bearing capacity, improves compaction, optimizes load transfer, and reduces deformation.

Advantages of Basalt Fiber Geogrid in Asphalt Pavements
Asphalt-coated basalt fiber geogrid extends the fatigue life of pavement structures, reduces costs, and optimizes engineering budgets. This is attributed to its ability to inhibit crack propagation, enhance resistance to transverse shear failure, and dissipate crack energy effectively. With increasing traffic volume and vehicle loads, pavements face severe damage, particularly due to oversized vehicles. Reflective cracking in asphalt overlays on old pavements remains a critical issue. While reflective cracks themselves do not immediately impair pavement functionality, environmental factors (e.g., dust, moisture, oxidation) accelerate crack expansion, shortening overlay lifespan. Basalt fiber geogrids mitigate this by redistributing stress, improving tensile strength, delaying reflective cracking, and prolonging pavement service life.

Construction Methods for Basalt Fiber Geogrid in Asphalt Pavements
(1) Binder Selection: Use rapid-setting emulsified asphalt or medium-/rapid-curing liquid asphalt for the tack coat.
(2) Installation Requirements: Ensure the base surface is flat, compact, and clean. Lay the geogrid smoothly without overlaps, curling, or twisting. Overlap adjacent geogrids by 0.3 m transversely, connecting them every 1.5 m with No. 8 steel wires. Secure the geogrid to the ground with U-shaped nails spaced 1.3–2 m apart.
(3) Surface Preparation: Remove contaminants (e.g., dust, oil, moisture) to enhance bonding. Apply tack coat emulsified asphalt sparingly after full curing. Orient the water-soluble backing downward during installation.
(4) Overlap Specifications: Longitudinal overlaps should be ≥20 cm, and transverse overlaps ≥15 cm. Place the preceding geogrid over the subsequent one in the direction of asphalt paving. Avoid nailing directly into the geogrid or hammering it. Re-fix any loose nails or plates. After installation, lightly compact the geogrid with a rubber-wheel roller to ensure adhesion.
(5) Timely Compaction: Immediate rolling minimizes wave formation. Strict quality control and skilled labor are critical for optimal performance.

Conclusions
(1) Basalt fiber geogrid outperforms conventional geogrids with high modulus, strength, low creep, crack resistance, aging/corrosion resistance, and customizable design, making it ideal for road engineering.
(2) Its use reduces construction volume, accelerates progress, and lowers costs.
(3) It decreases maintenance expenses and extends asphalt pavement lifespan.