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Mr. Deeraj Reddy & Mr. Manish Barot, TechFab India Industries Ltd.

Use of Biaxial Geogrid in Flexible Pavement in the state of Rajasthan

Introduction:

In the Indian highways industry, the use of biaxial geogrids in flexible pavements has gained significant attention due to its cost-saving benefits, reduced construction time, and positive environmental impact. Biaxial geogrids, made from polyester or polypropylene polymers, enhance the resilient modulus of granular layers, leading to a significant reduction in required bituminous materials and natural resources. The Indian government has also taken proactive measures through MoRTH circulars, IRC design guidelines, and BIS codes to promote the use of certified geogrids in infrastructure projects. Among the manufacturers, TechFab India stands as the largest producer of biaxial geogrid products in the country, holding a dominant market share.

Cost Benefits and Environmental Impact:

One of the primary advantages of incorporating biaxial geogrids in flexible pavements is the potential for cost savings. By improving the resilient modulus of granular layers, the thickness of dense bituminous macadam (DBM) and wet mix macadam (WMM) layers can be significantly reduced. As a result, the overall cost of the pavement construction is reduced by approximately 5% to 25%, depending on the project's materials cost. Project cost can be optimized without compromising the pavement's structural integrity.

Additionally, the reduced quantities of WMM and bituminous layers contribute to minimizing the consumption of natural resources in each project. By utilizing biaxial geogrids, the Indian highways industry takes a significant step toward sustainable development and reduces its carbon footprint on the environment.

Construction Time Savings:

Another significant advantage of employing biaxial geogrids is the notable reduction in construction time. As the thicknesses of DBM and WMM layers decrease, a two-layered DBM can be effectively replaced by a single-layered application. This streamlined process expedites construction timelines and enhances efficiency, leading to substantial time savings in flexible pavement projects.

Government Initiatives:

The Government of India has taken proactive measures to promote the usage of geogrids in flexible pavements. MoRTH Section 702 provides specifications for the geogrids to be used, ensuring the quality and standardization of products. IRC 37:2018 and IRC SP 59:2019 offer comprehensive design and installation guidelines for incorporating geogrids into flexible pavements. These guidelines facilitate the structural design process and ensure proper installation practices.

The recently released Gazette in April 2023 mandates the use of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified geogrids in Indian projects. This initiative ensures the best quality of geogrids and promotes the utilization of locally manufactured products, supporting domestic industries.

Use of Biaxial Geogrid in flexible pavement in the state of Gujarat.

Design Guidelines:

IRC 37:2018 and IRC SP 59:2019 provide detailed methodologies for the design of geogrid-reinforced pavements. These guidelines recommend two methodologies: the Layer Coefficient Ratio (LCR) and the Modulus Improvement Factor (MIF) methods. Furthermore, the guidelines mandate the use of third-party certified LCR/MIF factors in the design process, ensuring accurate and reliable calculations.

TechFab India's Role in the Indian Market:

TechFab India plays a pivotal role in the Indian market as the largest manufacturer of biaxial geogrid products. Their significant market share highlights their expertise and commitment to producing high-quality geogrids for sustainable highways. With their products widely available and earnest technical services, contractors and developers can easily access reliable and sustainable solutions for incorporating geogrids in their flexible pavement projects.

Conclusion:

The utilization of biaxial geogrids in flexible pavements has emerged as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for the Indian highways industry. By improving the resilient modulus of granular layers, contractors can achieve significant cost savings, reduced construction time, and minimized use of natural resources and bituminous materials. The Government of India has been proactive in promoting the use of certified geogrids through MoRTH circulars, IRC design guidelines, BIS codes, and a recent Gazette mandating the use of BIS certified products. With TechFab India leading the market as the largest manufacturer of biaxial geogrids, the industry is well-positioned to embrace this innovative technology for sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.

For further details kindly contact :

TechFab India Industries Ltd.

712, Embassy Centre,

Nariman Point,  Mumbai - 400021

Tel: + 91- 22 - 2287 6224 / 6225

Email : info@techfabindia.com

Website : www.techfabindia.com