GEOWEB® Load Support System

Project Name: TxDOT Powderly Road Rehabilitation

Project Location: Powderly, TX

In Powderly, Texas, a distressed farm-to-market asphalt road required a complete reconstruction due to severe cracking and rutting. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sought a durable and cost-effective solution to stabilize the failing roadway, address underlying subgrade issues, and ensure long-term performance.

Project Overview

The road’s extensive pavement distress highlighted significant subgrade instability, making traditional patching or overlays ineffective. Adding to the challenge were the road’s remote location and limited budget, requiring an innovative approach to deliver a resilient and economical rehabilitation.

Key Challenges:

• Subgrade Instability: Cracking and rutting required a robust solution to stabilize the roadbed and prevent future issues.
• Remote Location: Limited access to materials and transportation increased the complexity of the project.
• Budget Limitations: TxDOT required an economical approach to achieve long-lasting results.

Innovative Road Rehabilitation Solution

To overcome these challenges, TxDOT collaborated with Ferguson Waterworks (formerly Geosolutions), the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Presto Geosystems. The final design featured a 4-inch depth GEOWEB® Load Support System filled with an aggregate base material over a prepared and compacted subgrade. The aggregate base course was 6 inches thick, with 2 inches left unbound, providing a strong sublayer before applying the asphalt wear course.

Installation was streamlined with the use of ATRA® Keys and temporary stakes, ensuring precise alignment and secure infill placement even in the remote location.

Project Highlights

The GEOWEB system effectively addressed the subgrade stability issue, delivering long-term durability while significantly reducing material and labor costs. The rehabilitated road now offers improved resilience against cracking and rutting, ensuring it can handle future traffic demands with minimal maintenance. Despite the logistical challenges, the construction was completed on time and within budget, showcasing the efficiency and reliability of the chosen geosynthetic solution.