Evaluation and application of basalt fiber reinforcement mesh for improving pavement interlayer bonding property via a new approach of interlayer shear test of composite plate

Abstract

Basalt fiber reinforcement mesh (BFRM) demonstrates exceptional compatibility with asphalt mixtures. The BFRM is positioned between the layers of asphalt pavement to create a mosaic occlusion, which theoretically reduces shear stress on the pavement and enhances rutting resistance. To elucidate and quantify the effects of BFRM characteristics and anchorage modes on asphalt pavement performance, the interlayer bonding performance of asphalt pavement utilizing BFRM with varying mesh diameters and mesh grid spacings is investigated through a novel interlayer shear test of composite plates. Additionally, based on the construction of actual engineering test sections, the construction process and quality control measures for basalt fiber-reinforced asphalt pavement are proposed. The results indicate that when the diameter of the BFRM is 4 mm or 6 mm, and the grid spacing is either 60 × 60 mm or 80 × 80 mm, the interlayer bonding properties of asphalt pavement with basalt fiber reinforcement were significantly enhanced compared to asphalt pavement without such reinforcement. Specifically, the shear strength increased by an average of 15 %, and the interlayer bonding coefficient rose by an average of 42 %. Furthermore, when mechanical anchoring is employed with an anchoring depth of 40 mm and an anchoring spacing of 240 × 240 mm, the high-temperature stability, crack resistance, and interlayer bonding performance improve by 14 %, 8 %, and 16 %, respectively.