Dive into this case study highlighting an extensive road repair project using Glasphalt™ G. Discover how this Simpson Strong-Tie pavement reinforcement product helped revive two German state roads economically and environmentally. The solution not only saved costs but also made a significant impact on CO2 emissions. 

Imagine a world where our roads not only lead us to our destinations but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. In Märkisch-Oderland, Germany, two extensively aged roads were renewed using an innovative pavement reinforcement solution. that also helped cut CO2 emissions by as much as 80%.

Background 

In 2016, the German state roads L281 Neureetz – Altranft and L333 Golzow – Genschmar were reclassified as district roads and deemed in dire need of repair. Both state roads needed a complete reconstruction, but limited funds made repaving unaffordable. Hence, an economical alternative was pursued.

The Märkisch-Oderland District teamed up with the Technical Office for Water Management on this groundbreaking project. They analyzed soil, structure, and damage to find hidden potential in road sections and embarked on an innovative solution.

The Solution 

The engineers at Simpson Strong-Tie worked together to develop solutions for the two roads. To fix the cracked old road surface, they decided to add a special layer called Glasphalt™ G, a prebituminized asphalt pavement reinforcement grid. This new layer helped stop cracks and damage from spreading into the new road. It also prevented problems like water damage and cracks from cold weather. To make sure the repairs were affordable and the construction went smoothly, the engineers tailored the solution to the roads’ individual substructures.

• In areas with height constraints, a replacement of the 3.5 cm (about 1.38 inches) thick asphalt wearing course was specified in accordance with the ZTV BEA-StB. The asphalt reinforcement was laid on the milled surface.

• Outside of urban areas, rehabilitation was planned using the overlay paving method in order to utilize the existing pavement as effectively as possible. Here, the asphalt reinforcement was installed on top of the existing pavement and overlaid with a 3.5 cm thick wearing course. 

• In areas with concrete pavement, the application of a 6 cm (~ 2.36 inches) thick levelling course on top of the existing pavement was specified. This strategic approach ensures optimal anchoring and consequently enhances the reinforcement’s effectiveness between the leveling layer and the wearing course overlay.

Results 

The project finished on time even though the conditions were tough. The quality was proven in tests by a certified agency. The strength of the layers in the road met the requirements without any issues, thanks to the Glasphalt G reinforcement grids. This was true both where layers had been simply added on top of the existing road surface and in other places where the road surface had to be milled first.

The solution entailed environmental benefits as well. Based on figures from the Swedish National Road Administration (Trafikverket), the use of asphalt reinforcements in this project resulted in a saving of approximately 1,700 t CO2eqv.  — or 79.68 % — compared to replacing the entire bonded superstructure.  

In more ways than one, this is a repair built to last!  

For complete information regarding specific asphalt repair products suitable to your unique situation or condition, visit strongtie.com/asphalt or call your local Simpson Strong-Tie pavement specialist at (800) 999-5099.