44861515401-TSP342-GIRS.pdf

TECHNICAL SPECIAL PROVISION

FOR

GEOSYNTHETIC INTERLAYER REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM

FINANCIAL PROJECT ID: 448615-1-54-01

The official record of this Technical Special Provision has been electronically signed and sealed using a digital signature as required by rule 61G 15-23.004, F.A.C. Printed copies of this document are not considered signed and sealed and the signature must be verified on electronic copies.

Prepared by: Dustin Travis Mills, PE Date: March 24, 2025 Florida License Number: 83656 Firm Name: Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Firm Address: 3559 Timberlane School Rd

Tallahassee, FL 32312

SECTION 342

GEOSYNTHETIC INTERLAYER REINFORCEMENT SYSTEM

342-1 Description.

This Section specifies the construction requirements for a geosynthetic interlayer reinforcement system (GIRS) used within flexible or composite pavements. The GIRS may be installed on milled surfaces to address multiple crack types on one or more lane widths. GIRS can reinforce the pavement, reduce reflective crack distresses, increase traffic capacity, and act as a moisture barrier between two pavement layers.

342-2 General Requirements.

342-2.1 General: Construct GIRS, including interlayer products, method, and installation based on information provided in the Contract Documents and the geosynthetic manufacturer’s recommendations. Submit shop drawings in accordance with Section 5 showing the details and distribution of the selected GIRS that meets the design shown in the Plans.

342-2.1 Personnel Requirements:

342-2.1.1 GIRS for Flexible Pavements: Provide a foreman or superintendent responsible for the GIRS installation with experience in the installation of geosynthetic interlayers on at least two projects of similar construction and scope.

342-3 Materials

342-3.1 Delivery, Storage, and Handling: Deliver geosynthetic products to the job site in unopened shipping packages. The packages must be clearly labeled with the manufacturer’s name, product name, style number, roll dimensions and LOT numbers. During shipping, protect the geosynthetic interlayer product from physical damage, rain, humidity, debris and from temperatures greater than 140° F. Store in a dry, clean, covered location, off the ground surface, that is free of dust, dirt, and moisture. Prevent mud, fluid concrete, asphalt, or other deleterious materials from coming in contact with geosynthetic interlayer product. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding storage and handling. At the time of installation, the Engineer will reject the product roll if it has defects, tears, punctures, flaws, deterioration, or other damages. Discard the roll if the core breaks, is saturated, or has mold.

342-3.2 Fiberglass Pavement Reinforcement System (FPRS): The FPRS shall consist of strands coated with an elastomeric polymer and formed into a grid structure with self-adhesive backing that can achieve high tensile strength and high modulus of elasticity. The FPRS shall have Manufacturer’s Minimum Average Roll Values (MARV) for material and strength properties provided in Table 1 based on the Type shown in the Plans.

Table 1: Material and Strength Properties

Product Properties Method Units Type I Type II Type III M at er ia l

Pr op er tie s Minimum

Aperture Size Center to Center

- inch 0.50 x 0.50 1.0 x 1.0

Fiberglass Coating - - *Elastomeric Polymer

Mass / Unit Area ASTM D5261 oz/yd² ≥ 16 ≥ 10 ≥ 5.5

St re ng th

P ro pe rt ie s Fiberglass

Coating Softening Point

ASTM

D36 °F ≥ 420

Ultimate Tensile Strength

(MD x CD)

ASTM

D6637 lb./in ≥ 560 x 1,120 ≥ 560 x 560 ≥ 280 x 280

Elongation at Break

ASTM

D6637 % ≤ 3

* Bitumen coating may be used if it meets the 70% residual solids in the mix.

342-3.3 Composite Fiberglass Paving Reinforcement System (Composite FPRS): The Composite FPRS shall consist of fiberglass strands formed into a grid structure integrated with a nonwoven geotextile. The Composite FPRS shall meet the Manufacturer’s Minimum Average Roll Values (MARV) for material and strength properties provided in Table 2.

Table 2: Material and Strength Properties

Product Properties Method Units Type I Type II Type III

M at er ia l Pr op er tie s Asphalt Binder

Absorption1

ASTM

D6140 gal/yd2 ≥ 0.15

Mass / Unit Area ASTM D5261 oz/yd² ≥ 16 ≥ 10 ≥ 5.5

St re ng th

P ro pe rt ie s Fiberglass Coating

Softening Point

ASTM

D36 °F ≥ 320Melting Point of

Fabric Component

ASTM

D276 °F

Ultimate Tensile Strength

(MD x CD)

ASTM

D6637 lb./in ≥ 560 x 1,120 ≥ 560 x 560 ≥ 280 x 280

Elongation at Break

ASTM

D6637 % ≤ 3

1The minimum binder absorption requirement ensures that the product will deliver moisture barrier performance in the field, after cracks appear.

342-3.4 Tack Coat: For the installation of GIRS, use neat performance grade asphalt binder PG 76-22 or equivalent that is appropriate for the likely ambient temperatures, per manufacturer’s recommendation and with the approval of the Engineer, meeting the requirements of Section 916-2, unless otherwise shown in the Plans. Do not use emulsified asphalt products.

The asphalt binder shall be one of the products included on the Approved Product List (APL).

342-4 Construction Requirements and Equipment.

342-4.1 General Requirements: Obtain technical instructions, guidance for preconstruction activities, and on-site technical assistance during construction from the GIRS manufacturer. Submit a copy of any instructions provided by the manufacturer to the Engineer prior to the beginning of the GIRS installation. Attend pre-construction meeting with the Engineer and manufacturer’s representative prior to GIRS installation.

342-4.1.2 Installation Plan: At the preconstruction conference or 30 days prior to beginning of the GIRS installation, submit the installation plan for review by the Engineer. Final approval will be subject to satisfactory performance. Include the following details in the installation plan:

Personnel

1. Name and experience record of the superintendent or foreman in responsible charge of the GIRS installation. Ensure the superintendent or foreman in responsible charge of the GIRS installation has at least two geosynthetic interlayer projects of similar construction and scope. Provide list of projects, square yardage installed, material type and installation date range.

Equipment

2. List and size of proposed cleaning equipment, installation equipment, including rollers and sanding equipment.

3. Details of material transfer devices that are to be used for paving.

Note: If the material transfer devices are used, then the receiving hopper should be raised to avoid damaging the installed interlayer.

Materials

4. Details of the geosynthetic interlayer widths that will be used to ensure full lane width coverage and to allow for overlaps, or widths of product that will be used to follow individual cracks or joints.

Note: All geosynthetic interlayer products must be covered by asphalt mix after paving.

5. Details of asphalt binder type including application, spread rate, and the maximum length of asphalt binder that will be placed before the geosynthetic interlayer product in cases of wind, cooler temperatures, or curved alignments. In addition, details of the asphalt binder distributing equipment size, frequency of cleaning of the asphalt binder distributor filters, minimum/maximum quantity that will be sprayed in a single day and plans on how the asphalt binder will be kept overnight.

6. Details regarding methods to validate the correct asphalt binder quantity have been applied.

Construction

7. Details of sequence of construction operations and material placement, including specific installation procedures on curved alignments and overlapping details.

Note: If the traffic is restricted to the adjacent lane, then the edge of the tractor must be clearly marked so that it is visible to oncoming traffic. All other safety gear must be operational on the laydown equipment.

8. Details of the geosynthetic interlayer installation, impact of traffic accommodation or restrictions, and staging of support vehicles. Rolling pattern and methods for FPRS shall be detailed to ensure adhesion and prevention of ripple and waving effects.

9. Repair procedures for areas of geosynthetic interlayer that must be patched, removed or for areas where wrinkles must be slit.

10. Details of how to manage approaching rainfall events and methods of removing standing water in cases of rainfall on installed geosynthetic interlayer.

11. Details regarding test section.

The Engineer will evaluate the GIRS installation plan for conformance with the Contract

Documents. Within five days after receipt of the plan, the Engineer will notify the Contractor of any additional information required and/or changes that may be necessary to meet the above requirements and satisfy the Contract Documents. The Engineer will reject any part of the installation plan that does not meet the Specifications, Plans, and Contract Documents. Submit changes agreed upon for reevaluation. The Engineer will notify the Contractor within seven days after receipt of proposed changes of their acceptance or rejection. All equipment and procedures are subject to trial and satisfactory performance in the field.

Acceptance of the GIRS installation plan by the Engineer does not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to perform the work in accordance with the Contract Documents. The installation plan is for the Contractor to explain the approach to the work and allow the Engineer an opportunity to comment on the equipment and procedures chosen before field operations begin. The Engineers’ acceptance is not a guarantee that the chosen methods and equipment can obtain the required results. This is the Contractor’s responsibility.

342-4.2 GIRS Installation for Flexible Pavements:

342-4.2.1 Asphalt Course: Prior to placement of first asphalt layer, identify and document the crack locations. The first asphalt layer shall be a minimum thickness of 1 inch and cooled to a temperature of 150°F or less prior to placing the GIRS. A first layer of asphalt course is required for both FPRS and Composite FPRS as shown in the Plans.

342-4.2.2 Surface Preparation: Pavement surfaces shall be mechanically cleaned by sweeping and be free of oil, vegetation, sand, dirt, water, gravel, and other contaminants prior to placement of geosynthetic interlayer. Do not begin installation of the GIRS until the first course of asphalt course has been placed as shown in the Plans.

342-4.2.3 Tack Coat: Apply asphalt binder, PG 76-22 uniformly across the area where the geosynthetic interlayer product will be placed, extending the spray to a minimum of 3 to 6 inches on all sides beyond the geosynthetic interlayer width and length at a minimum rate of

0.10 gal/square yard for FPRS and 0.20 gal/square yard for Composite FPRS using a calibrated distributor truck ensuring the rate remains constant. If the product is to be used as a moisture barrier, then the asphalt binder application rate must exceed 0.2 gal/square yard. For FPRS, the asphalt binder must be at a minimum temperature of 140°F to activate the adhesive backing.

Verify the asphalt binder application rate in the test section specified in Section 342-6.1.

342-4.2.4 GIRS Installation: The new or existing surface temperature shall be between 40°F and 150°F prior to GIRS installation. Place the GIRS at the proper elevation and location shown in the Plans. For the treatment of individual cracks or joints below the first layer of asphalt course, ensure that the interlayer product is properly centered over the crack or joint.

Do not place asphalt mixtures while rain is falling, or when there is water on the surface to be covered.

Ensure that the GIRS is installed onto a freshly applied asphalt binder and properly orientated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Insert a steel or aluminum bar through the roll core and mount it on a truck or trailer to assist with unwinding and prevention of bowing of the roll. Unroll the product onto the sprayed surface, applying sufficient pressure and tension to eliminate ripples using a broom or suitable alternative. Remove any wrinkles that develop during placement in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Any wrinkle 1 inch or larger must be slit and lapped in the direction of paving and pressed down into the asphalt binder.

Overlap transverse joints 3 to 6 inches and 1 to 2 inches longitudinally or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is greater. Avoid installing overlaps over cracks or joints. On curves, spray the asphalt binder and install the geosynthetic interlayer product in series of short straight runs ensuring it is overlapped in all cases. For isolated cracks or joints, install the geosynthetic interlayer product with a minimum of 1 foot centered over the joint. Any GIRS that does not adhere to the pavement surface shall be removed and replaced, with sufficient overlaps before paving. Apply asphalt binder in accordance with 342-4.2.3 for all overlaps on top of the previously installed layer, slightly wider than the overlap width.

Traffic on installed geosynthetic interlayer products shall be restricted to construction traffic necessary for paving operations and emergency vehicles. If traffic crosses over the installed GIRS, then the approach that will be taken to allow vehicles to cross over the GIRS must be presented at the preconstruction meeting and approved by the Engineer and the Manufacturer. Operators of construction vehicles should avoid sudden braking, locking wheels, excessive acceleration or turning the tires while stationary.

342-4.2.5 Rolling Material: The FPRS shall be rolled, with a rubber coated drum roller or pneumatic tire toller, until the adhesive is activated to ensure that the FPRS is sufficiently bonded to the first layer of asphalt course. Prior to asphalt overlay, do not use steel-wheeled or vibratory rollers on the FPRS and Composite FPRS.

342-4.2.6 Installing GIRS Over Utilities: The GIRS shall be installed over utility or other openings (i.e., manhole covers, drainage grates, etc.). Once the GIRS has been placed, these portions of the geosynthetic interlayer product covering the utility or other openings shall be removed by cutting the reinforcement grid with a utility knife or other similar tool in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

342-4.2.7 Asphalt Paving Over GIRS: Place the overlying asphalt course the same day that the GIRS is installed. Prior to placing the overlying asphalt course, ensure that the geosynthetic interlayer product has bonded to the first layer of asphalt course. The first asphalt overlay course on the GIRS shall have a minimum thickness of 1.5 inches. The total thickness of the asphalt overlay shall be a minimum of 3 inches at intersections.

342-4.2.8 Geosynthetic Replacement and Repair: Repair damaged or de-bonded sections of the GIRS during or after placement, only after obtaining the Engineer’s approval, otherwise replace damaged or de-bonded sections. Overlap the geosynthetic interlayer patch 3 to 6 inches transversely, and 1 to 2 inches longitudinally or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is greater. Transverse joints shall be staggered.

342-5 Certification.

342-5.1 General: Submit certification prior to placement ensuring that all products meet the material requirements of Section 342-3 and the Contract Documents. Acceptance of furnished material will be based on the manufacturer’s certification and visual inspection by the Engineer.

342-5.2 Tack Coat: The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer the bill of lading, including the APL number confirming that the asphalt binder met the requirements of Section 916.

342-5.3 GIRS: The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer a current certification from the manufacturer confirming that the GIRS meets the requirements of this Section and is appropriate for the intended use. The Contractor shall also provide two 8-inch by 10-inch samples of the GIRS for product identification. The manufacturer’s certification shall be attested to within the past one year by a person having legal authority to bind the manufacturing company.

342-6 Acceptance Program 342-6.1 Test Section: Before construction of any production LOT, for each asphalt reinforced system, prepare an initial test section not to exceed 500 feet. Ensure 2 or 3 transverse overlaps within the test section. Notify the Engineer in writing at least 3 days prior to production of the initial test section. Do not begin construction of another LOT until successfully completing the initial production LOT. Ensure a manufacturer’s representative will be on-site to provide technical assistance during construction of the initial test section. The test section should validate the method of cleaning, the asphalt binder application rate, the ability to limit wrinkles during installation to no more than 10 wrinkles over the length of the test section, and the method of slitting wrinkles if required. Obtain in writing from the manufacturer’s technical representative who has the authority that the test section has met the requirements of this Article including the asphalt binder application rate.

342-7 Method of Measurement 342-7.1 GIRS: The quantity to be paid for will be the plan quantity area, in square yards, completed and accepted. Asphalt Courses will be measured and paid in accordance with the Specification Sections for Base or Surface, as applicable.

342-8 Basis of Payment 342-8.1 Basis of Payment: Price and payment will be full compensation for all work, materials, and services specified in this Section, including GIRS and overlaps, tack coat (asphalt binder), installation, testing, and required submittals.

342-8.2 Payment Items: Payment will be made under:

Item No. 342- 1- 1 Geosynthetic Interlayer Reinforcement System, Fiberglass – per square yard.

or Item No. 342- 1- 2 Geosynthetic Interlayer Reinforcement System, Composite Fiberglass – per square yard.