Modification of Austroads Design Charts for geogrid stabilised pavements using a Mechanistic Empirical approach

Author: Amir Shahkolahi

Research results from some previous studies shows a consequence of Austroads’ design guides inability to recognise the benefit of geogrid reinforcement and enhanced stiffness of the stabilized aggregate layer with a geogrid. The current Austroads empirical design charts cannot be used to design a geogrid reinforced/stabilised pavements. This presentation reviews the different approached to use geogrid within the Australian design methodologies and presents the modification in the current empirical design charts to consider geogrid reinforcement into the design. A modified version of the charts will be introduced for geogrid reinforced pavements, which have been developed by using a Mechanistic-Empirical (ME) approach. The details of the ME approach and the steps for developing the charts and design examples will be presented. The charts have been verified through large scale cyclic load test with Australian gravel, which will be presented in the paper.

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    October 2025

  • Abstract submissions open

    13 October 2025

  • Abstract submissions close

    31 January 2026

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    April 2026

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    May 2026

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    May 2026

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    18-20 August 2026

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