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Finite element analysis of sustainable flexible pavements reinforced with coir geotextiles

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India
  • 2Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India
  • 3Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India
  • 4Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, India

Res. J. Engineering Sci., Volume 14, Issue (3), Pages 23-33, September,26 (2025)

Abstract

Reinforcement of flexible pavements using geosynthetics is a proven technique for enhancing structural performance, increasing service life, and reducing maintenance costs. This study focuses on the utilization of woven coir geotextiles as a sustainable reinforcement material for flexible pavements constructed over high-plasticity organic subgrade soils. A set of small-scale in-box plate load experiments was performed to evaluate the response of reinforced and unreinforced pavement sections under static circular loading, using a 150 mm diameter mild steel plate. Testing encompassed both uniform subgrade conditions and layered setups, where H2M5 and H2M6 coir geotextiles were placed between the subgrade and sub-base layers. These experiments aimed to evaluate the structural contribution of coir reinforcement in improving pavement response. In addition to physical testing, a detailed finite element analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS software was carried out to simulate pavement behavior and gain further insights into displacement, stress, and strain patterns under loading. The results from both laboratory and numerical studies revealed significant improvements in performance with coir geotextile reinforcement. The H2M5-reinforced section exhibited a 29% reduction in surface displacement and a 21% decrease in vertical strain on the subgrade compared to the unreinforced section. Reduced deformation and strain were also observed at radial distances up to 1 meter from the load center, indicating improved load distribution characteristics. These findings demonstrate that coir geotextiles, particularly H2M5, can substantially enhance the structural behavior of flexible pavements over weak subgrades, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for reinforcing low-volume roads.

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