Draft Amendment

to
IRC: SP: 59-2019 “Guidelines for Use of Geosynthetics in Road Pavements and Associated Works”
(First Revision)
October 20, 2020

S. Clause No. For (Published IRC SP 59: 2019) Read (Proposed Modifications) Justification
No Page No.
Example 1: Design the pavement Example-1: Design the Geosynthetics Reinforced In the IRC SP 59: 2019, presently
for construction of new flexible Flexible Pavement using LCR and MIF Methods given examples are illustrating
pavement with the following data: with the following Input data Geogrid reinforced pavement design
Annexure- using the LCR, MIF methods and
1V Input data: Design traffic: 100 msa
Geocell reinforced pavement design
Design traffic: 50 MSA Effective Subgrade CBR = 5% using only MIF method with
Worked-out
Examples Subgrade CBR = 6% different input parameters of design
Illustrating traffic and subgrade CBR and are
the Design based on IRC 37: 2012. In this
Methods, amendment, the pavement designs
have been revised as per the IRC 37:
Example-1 2018.
Design the
1 pavement Same input data of 5% effective
for subgrade CBR and 100 msa traffic
construction are adopted for both LCR and MIF
of new methods. The design thickness with
flexible conventional method is provided in
pavement Section-A & design thickness with
with the LCR and MIF method are provided
following in Section-B and Section-C
data respectively.
Page No. 85 The examples in IRC SP 59,
Example-1 & 2 stand deleted and
replaced with the revised example i.
e. Example -1 (Section-A, B & C).

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 Solution: Solution: In the IRC SP 59: 2019 examples,
Example-1 the thicknesses were directly taken
Section A- Design of Conventional Pavement Section
Design the from the plates provided in IRC 37:
using IRC 37: 2018
pavement 2012. For the inputs, design traffic =
for Design Traffic = 100 msa 50 msa and subgrade CBR = 6% and
construction Effective Subgrade CBR = 5% accordingly Resilient Modulus
of new values were calculated.
2 flexible By iteration, the following thicknesses are arrived at
by using IITPave (IRC-37-208) However, in the revised designs, the
pavement thicknesses are designed and
with the Bituminous Concrete (BC) = 50 mm analysed for 5% subgrade effective
following CBR and 100 msa traffic by iteration
data Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) = 150 mm
and the same are considered for
Page No. 85 Base (WMM) = 250 mm further analysis as per IRC 37: 2018.
Granular Sub-Base (GSB) = 250 mm
Example-1 i. Design resilient modulus of i Determination of Resilient Modulus of the i. The calculations of Resilient
Design the the compacted subgrade compacted subgrade as per IRC 37: 2018 Modulus for subgrade have been
pavement revised as per proposed effective
MR (MPa) = 10 × CBR ; for CBR 5 Resilient Modulus of subgrade (in MPa)
for subgrade CBR and Resilient
0.64
construction = 17.6 × (CBR) ; for CBR > 5 MRS = 10 x CBR (For CBR< 5%) (Equation 6.1 of Modulus for granular layers
of new IRC 37: 2018) (Base+GSB) which are now based
Where MR = Resilient modulus of
flexible subgrade soil Where MRS = Resilient Modulus of subgrade soil on revised Resilient Modulus of
pavement subgrade.
with the MR subgrade =17.6×60.64=55.4MPa MRS subgrade = 10 x 5 = 50 MPa ii. Vbe i. e. % volume of
following ii. The thickness of iii. The thickness of unreinforced granular layers: effective bitumen in the mix used in
3 data unreinforced granular layers: For For design traffic of 100 msa and effective CBR of 5 the bottom bituminous layer = 10.2
Page No. 85 design traffic of 50 MSA and %, the thickness values have been arrived by iteration % has been adopted in the revised
obtained CBR of 6 per cent, the as given below with reference to design from IRC: 37. example.
thickness values are taken as below iii. The design catalogues for
Bituminous Concrete (BC) = 50 mm Traffic of 100 msa are not provided
with reference to design plates
(Assume Plate 4) from IRC: 37. Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) = 150 mm in the IRC 37-2018 hence
computations are based on basic
Thickness of granular base (D2) = equations and as per IITPave
250 mm, Thickness of Granular Base, WMM (D2) = 250 mm,
software given in the code.
given in the code.
Thickness of granular sub-base (D3) The thickness of granular sub-base (GSB) (D3)=250 mm

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 = 260 mm iv. Resilient Modulus of Granular Layers -
GSB+GB(WMM) (in MPa)
MR_G = 0.2 × h0.45 × MR_subgrade
MRGRAN = 0.2 x HGRAN0.45 x MRS
Where h= thickness of granular base
and sub-base layers, mm = 0.2 x (250+250)0.45 x 50
Therefore, resilient modulus of MRGRAN = 163.88 MPa
granular layer = 0.2 × (510)0.45 × VG 40 grade Bitumen shall be considered in the
55.4= 183.20 MPa design with the following properties as per clause no.
Thickness of proposed bituminous 9.2 of IRC 37: 2018.
layer with VG 40 bitumen with Va = 3 % (volume of air void in the mix used in the
bottom DBM layer having air void bottom bituminous layer)
of 3 per cent (0.5 per cent to 0.6 per
cent additional bitumen over OBC) Vbe = 10.2 %( volume of effective bitumen in the mix
over WMM and GSB mm at used in the bottom bituminous layer), Reliability of 90
reliability of 90 per cent. %
v. Resilient Modulus of Bituminous Layers -
BC+DBM (in MPa)
MRM = 3000 MPa
Example-1 (Continuation to the above) The conventional/unreinforced
Design the Determination of permissible strains pavement section has been designed and
pavement analysed as per IRC 37:2018. The
for 1. Determination of permissible rutting strains (εv ): permissible strains have been
construction 1 4.5337 determined and provided in the 3rd
of new NR = 1.41 × 10−08 × (ε ) Column. The abbreviation of GB and
v
flexible (Eq 3.2 of IRC 37:2018) GSB are being used for Granular Base
4 pavement and Granular sub base as the MR is
1 4.5337
with the 100 × 106 = 1.41 × 10−08 × ( ) being separately worked out in LCR and
following εv MIF methods, other abbreviations are as
data εv = 319.0 × 10−6micro-strain units. per IRC 37: 2018.
Page No. 85 2. Determination of permissible fatigue strain (εt ):
1 3.89 1 0.854
Nf = 0.5161 × C × 10−4 × ( ) ×( )
εt MR

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 (Eq 3.4 of IRC 37:2018)
𝑉𝑏𝑒
𝐶 = 104.84 (𝑉𝑎+𝑉𝑏𝑒−0.69)
10.2
𝐶 = 104.84 (3+10.2−0.69) = 2.5142

6 −4
1 3.89
100 × 10 = 0.5161 × 2.5142 × 10 ×( )
εt
1 0.854
×( )
3000
εt = 151.7 × 10−6micro-strain units.
Based on these permissible strains, the thicknesses
of the conventional and reinforced pavement shall be
determined and the procedure for the same is given
below.
Example-1 (Continuation to the above) The determination of layer
Design the Analysis of Conventional flexible Pavement thicknesses and its Resilient
pavement Section- Modulus calculations have been
for added as per IRC 37: 2018 clauses.
construction By entering the above thicknesses and MR values of Induced strains from IITPave
of new pavement layers in IITPave software for wheel load software and its comparison with
flexible of 20000 N, tyre pressure of 0.56 MPa and dual permissible strains is given in
pavement wheelset, the induced horizontal tensile strain is column no 3
with the determined beneath the bituminous layer (BC+DBM)
following and vertical compressive strain is determined over the
5 subgrade as per the procedure given in IRC 37: 2018.
data
Page No. 85

Fig. IV-1 Screenshot of IIT Pave for Horizontal

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 tensile strains and vertical compressive strains
induced in pavement layers for unreinforced
section
From the above output of IIT Pave, it is observed that
the induced strains are less than the permissible
strains as shown below.
The induced maximum horizontal tensile strain 148.8
x 10-6 < 151.7 x 10-6
The induced maximum vertical compressive strains=
261.3x 10-6 < 319.0 x 10-6
Thus the Conventional flexible pavement design is
safe from rutting and fatigue strain criteria.
Example-1 a) Design calculations of bitumen Section-B- Design calculations Flexible Pavement
Design the pavement with geogrid with Geogrid reinforced granular base layer using
pavement reinforced granular base and Layer Coefficient Ratio (LCR) Method
for subbase layers using LCR of
construction geogrid
of new
6 flexible
pavement
with the
following
data
Page No. 85
Example-1 Reducing thickness of pavement NA (Deleted) In the IRC SP 59: 2019, input
Design the section parameters were given at two/three
pavement places. To avoid repetition, the same
In this case the effect of
for has been deleted.
7 reinforcement is shown as the
construction reduction in the pavement section MR values calculations are already
of new thickness. given in the conventional section
flexible calculations; hence the same has
pavement (i). Design Traffic = 50msa
been deleted.
with the

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 following (ii). Subgrade CBR = 6 percent Layer Coefficient Ratio calculations
data are included in Example-1
(iii). Reliability = 90 percent
Page No. 85 (iv). Resilient Modulus of Subgrade
& 86 (MR):
MR (MPa) = 17.6×60.64= 55.40 MPa
Resilient modulus of Subbase and
Baselayers:
Granular sub-base thickness
(MR_GSB) = 260 mm
MR_GSB = 0.2 × h0.45
× MR_subgrade
Where h= thickness of granular
sub-base layer, mm
MR of unreinforced subbase layer =
0.2 × (260)0.45 × 55.4 = 136 MPa =
19724.624Psi
Granular Base thickness = 250 mm
MR_GB = 0.2 × h0.45 × MR_GSB
Where h= thickness of a
granular base layer, mm
MR of unreinforced base layer = 0.2
× (250)0.45 × 136 = 327MPa =
47426.118Psi
Resilient modulus of Bituminous
Mixes = 3000 MPa=435102 Psi
(v). Structural layer coefficient of
each layer:

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 Layer coefficient for bituminous
layer (a1) = 0.171 x (LN (MR))-
1.784
= 0.171 x (LN (435102))-
1.784=0.436
(a) Structural Layer coefficient
for base layer shall be taken from
the equations given in AASTHO
1993.
Structural layer coefficient for base
layer
a2 = 0.249× (log10MR_BC) – 0.977 =
0.249 × (log10 47426.118)-0.977
=0.188
(b) Structural layer coefficient for
subbase layer
a3 = 0.227(log10MR_SB) – 0.839 =
0.227 × (log1019724.624)-0.839 =
0.136
Therefore,
Layer coefficient for base layer (a2)
= 0.188
Layer coefficient for sub base layer
(a3) = 0.136
(vi). Layer Coefficient Ratio: Layer
coefficient for geogrid is taken on
the basis on the laboratory
tests/filed tests; or it can be
provided by the manufacturer.
(LCRbase) for geogrid used in base

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 layer = 1.4
(LCRSubbase) for geogrid used in sub-
base layer = 1.61
Example-1 b) Modified layer thickness (Continuation to the above heading) In the IRC SP 59, Geogrid has been
Design the values for reinforced sections By iteration, the following thicknesses are arrived by provided in both Base and sub-base
pavement by IITPAVE: using IITPave software layers. However, in the revised
for design, a single layer of Geogrid has
Thickness of sub-base layer=180 Bituminous Concrete (BC) = 50 mm
construction been provided at 1/3 depth from the
mm Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) = 115 mm
of new top in the base layer only and
8 Thickness of base layer= 160 mm Granular Base (WMM) = 200 mm thickness optimisation is achieved in
flexible
Granular Sub-Base (GSB) = 300 mm the base layer and DBM layer.
pavement
For pavement design with Geogrid using LCR
with the
method, the Base and GSB layers are considered
following
separately for calculation of MR values as per Section
data
8.1 of IRC 37:2018, unlike conventional method
Page No. 86 where both GSB and Base are considered together.
9 Resilient modulus of reinforced Determination of Resilient Modulus as per IRC Resilient Modulus calculations as
Subbase and Baselayers: 37: 2018 per IRC 37: 2018 have been
elaborated for clarity in LCR
Granular sub-base thickness = Resilient Modulus of subgrade (in MPa)
Example-1 180mm determination, MPa to PSI
Design the M RS = 10 x CBR (For CBR< 5%) conversion and layer coefficients
0.45
pavement M R_GSB = 0.2 × h × M R_subgrade (Equation 6.1 of IRC 37: 2018) consideration etc.
for Where h= thickness of granular sub- MRS = 10 x 5 = 50 MPa
construction base layer, mm
of new In the LCR method of design, Resilient Modulus of
flexible MR of reinforced subbase layer = 0.2 the Geogrid reinforced layers improves. The layer
pavement × (180)0.45 × 55.40 = 115MPa = within which the Geogrid is placed, the
with the 16678.91Psi corresponding structural layer coefficient(s) is/are
following Granular Base thickness = 160 mm modified by multiplying it by the corresponding layer
data coefficient ratios. Resilient Modulus is determined in
MR_GB = 0.2 × h0.45 × MR_GSB terms of PSI. The calculations for structural layer
Page No. 86
Where h= thickness of a granular coefficients are given after the Resilient Modulus
base layer, mm computations.

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 MR of reinforced base layer = 0.2 × Resilient Modulus of Granular Sub-Base (in PSI)
(160)0.45 × 115= 225MPa = M 0.45
RGSB = 0.2 x HGSB x MRS
32632.65 Psi
= 0.2 x 3000.45 x 50 = 130.22 MPa
= 130.22 x *145.038 PSI = 18888.01 PSI
(*Note: MPa to PSI Conversion factor: I MPa = 145.038 PSI)

Resilient Modulus of Granular Base (in PSI)

MRGB = 0.2 x HGB.45 x MRSUPPORT
Here, MRSUPPORT = effective MR of GSB and
subgrade (Section 8.1 of IRC 37: 2018)
Effective MR of GSB and subgrade has been
determined by the procedure given in Annex II.I of
IRC 37:2018. The MR of GSB and effective
Subgrade are entered into IIT Pave with 2 layered
system, with single wheel load of 40000 N, tyre
pressure of 0.56 MPa and the displacement at the top
of GSB is determined using IITPave software as
shown below.

Fig. IV-2 Screenshot of IIT Pave for Deflection

induced in pavement layers
From the above output of IIT Pave software, the
displacement works out as 1.631 mm and
corresponding MR value is determined as per
Equation 6.3 of IRC 37:2018

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 2 𝑋 (1−0.352 )𝑋 0.56 𝑋 150.8
MRSUPPORT = = 90.87 MPa
1.631
Based on MRSUPPORT, the value of MR of Base is
determined as shown below.
MRGB = 0.2 x 2000.45 x 90.87
= 197.203 MPa = 28601.96 PSI
Resilient Modulus of Bituminous Layers - BC+DBM
(in MPa)
MRM = 3000 MPa
10 Layer coefficient for bituminous Calculation of structural layer coefficients for Calculations of structural layer
layer (a1) = 0.436 Base and Sub base Layers coefficients have been revised as per
(c) Structural Layer coefficient for (a) Structural layer coefficient for Granular Base / the revised inputs.
base layer shall be taken from b WMM Layer (a2) Layer coefficient calculations for
equations given in AASTHO 1993. bituminous layers have been deleted
Example-1 a2 = 0.249 x (log10MRGB) – 0.977
as it is not being used in the
Design the Structural layer coefficient for base
= 0.249x (log10 28601.96) – 0.977 subsequent steps of reinforced
pavement layer
= 0.1326 pavement design.
for a2 = 0.249× (log10MR_GB) – 0.977 =
construction 0.249 × (log10 32632.65)-0.977 (b) Structural Layer coefficient for Granular Sub base
of new =0.147 Layer (a3)
flexible
pavement (d) Structural layer coefficient for a3 = 0.227 x (log10MRGSB) – 0.839
with the subbase layer = 0.227 x (log10 18888.01) - 0.839
following a3 = 0.227(log10MR_GSB) – 0.839 = = 0.1317
data 0.227 × (log10 16678.91)-0.839 =
Page No. 86 0.120
& 87 Therefore,
Modified Layer coefficient for
base layer (a2) = 0.147
Modified Layer coefficient for sub
base layer (a3) = 0.120

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11 Example-1 The Geogrid in Granular Base (WMM) layer will In the revised example, the Base-
Design the enhance the modulus value of Base which is obtained layer alone has been reinforced with
pavement by multiplying it by LCR value. Considering the Geogrid. Hence, its enhancement of
for LCR value of 1.4#1 (the value of 1.4 is the average modulus value by LCR has been
construction value of LCR as per table 3.1 of IRC SP 59-2019), considered for the base layer only.
of new the subsequent calculations for determining improved Clarification for LCR value
flexible resilient modulus and pavement thickness are consideration for Geogrid is
pavement provided below. provided.
with the 1
# LCR value shown is strictly indicative and manufacturer-specific
following LCR values with accredited certificate shall be adopted for actual
data designs.

Page No. 87
12 Example-1 Modified layer coefficient for a Calculations of Improved layer The modified structural layer
structural
Design the base layer (a2’) = LCRbase × a2 coefficients coefficients have been revised as per
pavement = 1.4*0.147= 0.2058 Improved layer coefficient for base layer (a21) = the revised inputs. Since Sub base is
for not reinforced the LCR value
construction Modified layer coefficient for sub- LCRBase × a2 adopted is only 1.
= 1.40*0.1326 = 0.1856
of new base layer (a3’) = LCRSubbase × a3 1
Improved layer coefficient for sub-base layer (a3 ) =
flexible LCRGSB × a3
pavement = 1.61*0.120= 0.1932 = 1*0.1317= 0.1317
with the
following
data
Page No. 87
13 Example-1 With the improved layer With the improved layer coefficients, improved The Improved Resilient Modulus is
Design the coefficients, improved elastic resilient modulus of respective layers shall be back- revised as per the revised inputs.
pavement modulus of respective layers shall calculated using below equations.
for be back-calculated using below a 1 = 0.249× (log M ) – 0.977
2 10 RGB
construction equations.
1
of new a 1 = 0.249× (log10M ) – 0.977 MRGB = 10(𝑎2 +0.977)/(0.249) ÷ 145.038
2 R_GB
flexible
MR_GB1 = 393 MPa MRGB = 321.81 MPa
pavement
with the a31 = 0.227(log10MR_GSB) – 0.839 a31 = 0.227(log10MRGSB) – 0.839
following

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 1
data MR_GSB1= 244MPa MRGSB = 10(𝑎3 +0.839)/(0.227) ÷ 145.038
Page No. 87 Using the above improved elastic MRGSB = 130.24 MPa
modulus corresponding improved
layer coefficients, reinforced layer Using the above Improved Resilient Modulus,
thickness shall be determined. reinforced layer thickness shall be determined.

14 Analysis of Geogrid Reinforced Flexible Pavement The analysis of Geogrid reinforced

Section - pavement section is revised as per
By entering the above thicknesses and MR values of the revised inputs.
reinforced pavement layers (BC+DBM, Reinforced
Base, GSB, Effective Subgrade) for a wheel load of
20000 N, a tyre pressure of 0.56 MPa and dual
wheelset in IITPave software, the induced tensile and
Example-1 vertical strains are determined below the DBM and
Design the over the subgrade layer respectively as per the
pavement procedure given in IRC 37:2018.
for
construction
of new
flexible
pavement
with the
following
data
Page No. 87

Fig. IV-3 Input parameters in IITPave software

for reinforced section

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 Fig. IV-4 Screenshot of IIT Pave for Horizontal
tensile strains and vertical compressive strains
induced in pavement layers for reinforced section
From the above output of IIT Pave, it is observed
that the induced strains are less than the permissible
strains as shown below.
The induced maximum horizontal tensile strain
149.0 x 10-6 < 151.7 x 10-6
The induced maximum vertical compressive strains
= 291.1 x 10-6 < 319.0 x 10-6
The above calculations indicate that the adopted
pavement design is safe from rutting and fatigue
strain criteria. Fig. IV-5 shows the typical cross-
section of conventional and Geogrid reinforced
flexible pavement.

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15 Reinforced base layer thickness = The typical cross-section is for the
160mm revised thicknesses for subgrade
Reinforced subbase layer thickness = effective CBR of 5% and Traffic of
Example-1 100 msa
Design the 180mm
Geogrid is provided at 1/3 rd in the base
pavement Surface layer (BC+DBM) =150mm layer.
for
construction
of new
flexible
pavement
with the
following Fig. IV-1 Pavement Sections with
data and without reinforcement
Fig. IV-5 Typical Cross Section of Conventional
Page No. 87
& Geogrid Reinforced Flexible Pavement
. The pavement with Geogrid reinforcement can also be designed with MIF
method as illustrated in the example for Geocell

16 This reinforced pavement section NA (Removed) The analysis of the Geogrid

shall be designed as per IRC: 37i.e. reinforced pavement section is
Example-1 section shall be checked for fatigue revised as per the revised inputs.
Design the Hence, the existing text has been
and rutting failure criterion by
pavement deleted.
inputting this improved elastic
for
modulus into IITPAVE. Figure IV-4
construction
of new shows the input parameters in
flexible IITPAVE, in which improved E
pavement values are used. Figure IV-5
with the represents the vertical and tensile
following strains induced in the pavement
data layers. Obtained vertical strain at
Page No. 88 subgrade level is360.4×10-6which is
& 89 less than the permissible vertical
strain 372×10-6 obtained as per Eq
6.5 in IRC 37 and obtained tensile

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 strain at bottom of bitumen layer is
146.7×10-6 is less than
-6
permissible155×10 tensile strain
obtained as per Eq 6.2of IRC 37.
Hence the reduced section with
geogrid reinforcement in base and
subbase layers is acceptable for
design traffic 50 MSA.

Fig.IV-2. Input parameters in IITPAVE

for unreinforced section

Fig.IV-3. Vertical and tensile strains

induced in the pavement layers for
unreinforced section

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 Fig.IV-4. Input parameters in IITPAVE
for reinforced section

Fig.IV-5. Vertical and tensile strains

induced in the pavement layers for
reinforced section
1 Example -2 Example -2 Design Example for Section C- Design Example using Geocells as The MIF method can be used for
Design Flexible Pavement using Geocells Reinforcement in Flexible Pavement using reinforced pavement design using
Example for Modified Improvement Factor (MIF) Method Geogrid or Geocell.
Flexible
Pavement
using
Geocells
Page No. 89

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2 Example -2 Consider a pavement to be
Design constructed on marine clay with a
Example for CBR of 2%. The design life of the
Flexible structure, reflected as million
Pavement standard axles (MSA), as 100msa.
using
Geocells
Page No. 89
3 Example -2 As a matter of good practice and as
Design per IRC: 37-2012 Clause 5.1, it
Example for would be prudent to provide a
Flexible 500mm thick layer of select earth
Pavement over the dressed clay surface. With
using the soft marine clay below, the
Geocells CBR of the earth fill may not be
Page No. 89 considered greater than 3%, which
is also the lowest CBR considered
by IRC: 37. Based on the Plate
shown in Fig.IV-6, the section of
the conventional pavement for
100msa traffic is as per Fig IV-7.
Fig IV-6: Plate 1 from IRC: 37-
2012
In Fig. IV-7, it may be noted that
nonwoven geotextile is provided at
the interface between the marine
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NA (Deleted) The inputs for the MIF method are
considered the same as that of the
LCR Method i.e 5% effective CBR
and 100 msa traffic. Also, LCR and
MIF methods are given in single
example each.
Hence, repetition is avoided.
NA (Deleted) The Conventional Design is same as
given in the LCR method hence
deleted in the MIF method.
The example contains three parts a)
Conventional Design; b) LCR
Method; c) MIF Method.
The permissible strains and
conventional section for comparison
are taken from part (A) of the
example.
 clay and the select earth fill as a
separation layer.

Fig IV-7: Conventional pavement

section as per IRC: 37-2012
Considering Design Traffic as 100
MSA and for 90% reliability,
1. Determination of Vertical
Subgrade strain (εv ):

−08
1 4.5337
Nr = 1.41 × 10 ×( )
εv
100 × 106 = 1.41 × 10−08
1 4.5337
×( )
εv
εv = 319.0 × 10−6micro-strain

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 units.
2. Determination Horizontal
Tensile strain (εt ):

−4
1 3.89
Nf = 0.711 × 10 × ( )
εt
0.854
1
×( )
MR
100 × 106 = 0.711 × 10−4
1 3.89
×( )
εt
1 0.854
×( )
3000
εt = 129.94 × 10−6 micro-strain
units.
Hence for the recommended
conventional pavement section,
permissible vertical subgrade strain
and horizontal tensile strain are
319.0 × 10−6 and 129.94 × 10−6
respectively.
These values will form the basis of
checking the reduced thicknesses of
pavement components with the
introduction of geocells within the
appropriate pavement layer. For
the reduced section with geocells,
the strains should be equal to or
less than those for the conventional
section at the corresponding
locations. These criteria must be
satisfied for the various options
using geocells as discussed below.

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4 Example -2 By iteration, the following thicknesses are arrived at For optimised pavement
Design by using IITPave software (IRC-37-2018) composition, trial thicknesses are
Example for considered for determining the MR
Bituminous Concrete (BC) = 50 mm
Flexible values and induced strains.
Pavement Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) = 110 mm
using Granular Base (WMM) = 200 mm
Geocells
Page No. 91 Granular Sub-Base (GSB) = 300 mm
Determination of Resilient Modulus as per IRC
37: 2018
For reinforced pavement design with Geocell using
MIF method, the Base and GSB layers are considered
separately for calculation of MR values as per
Section 8.1 of IRC 37:2018, unlike conventional
method where both GSB and Base are considered
together.
5 Example -2 Resilient Modulus of subgrade (in MPa) The MR values of each layer are
Design determined for the thicknesses
MRS = 10 x CBR (For CBR< 5% )
Example for considered in point no 4 above. The
Flexible (Equation 6.1 of IRC 37: 2018) procedure adopted for determining
Pavement MRS = 10 x 5 = 50 MPa the MR values is as per Section 8.1
using of IRC 37:2018.
Geocells Resilient Modulus of Granular Sub-Base (in MPa)
Page No. 91 MRGSB = 0.2 x HGSB0.45 x MRS Since the Geosynthetics
reinforcement is included in the base
= 0.2 x 3000.45 x 50 = 130.22 MPa layer, the MIF factor is applied to
Resilient Modulus of Granular Base (in MPa) the MR of Base as per section 3.1.3
of IRC SP 59:2019.
MRGB = 0.2 x HGB0.45 x MRSUPPORT
Here, MRSUPPORT = effective MR of GSB and
subgrade (Section 8.1 of IRC 37: 2018)
Effective MR of GSB and subgrade is determined as
per Annex II.I of IRC 37:2018. The MR of GSB and
effective Subgrade are entered into IIT Pave with 2
layered system, with a single wheel load of 40000 N,

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 tyre pressure of 0.56MPa and the displacement at the
top of GSB is determined using IITPave software as
shown below.

Fig. IV-6 Screenshot of Deflection induced in

pavement layers
From the above output of IIT Pave, the displacement
works out as 1.631 mm and corresponding MR value
is determined as per Equation 6.3 of IRC 37:2018
2 𝑋 (1−0.352 )𝑋 0.56 𝑋 150.8
MRSUPPORT = = 90.87 MPa
1.631
Based on MRSUPPORT, the value of MR of Granular
Base is determined as shown below.
MRGB = 0.2 x 2000.45 x 90.87
= 197.203 MPa
Resilient Modulus of Bituminous Layers - BC+DBM
(in MPa)
MRM = 3000 MPa
The use of Geocell in Base-layer will enhance the
modulus value of Base which is obtained by
multiplying it by MIF value. Considering the MIF
value of 1.7#2 (the value of 1.7 is the average value of
MIF as per table 3.2 of IRC SP59), the subsequent
calculations for determining Improved Resilient
Modulus and pavement thickness are given below.
The MR of reinforced Base layer, MRGB = MRGB x
MIF
Improved MRGB = 197.203 x 1.7

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 = 335.245 MPa
Using the above Improved Resilient Modulus,
reinforced layer thickness shall be determined.
2
# MIF value shown is strictly indicative and manufacturer-specific
MIF values with proper accredited certificate shall only be adopted
for actual designs.

6 Example -2 The Geocell Options: NA (Deleted) Trial thicknesses and calculation of

Design corresponding MR values of each
The geocell panels are placed within
Example for layer are included at point no. 5,
either Granular Baselayer or
Flexible hence these trial thicknesses are
Granular Sub-base layer. Modulus
Pavement deleted.
of the portion of the layer within
using which the geocells are placed is The example is with reinforcement
Geocells increased by a Modulus only in Base. However, there is
Page No. 91 Improvement Factor. With the another option of reinforcement in
geocell layer in place, the thickness GSB also. The note is included at
of the costliest layer may be first the end of the example that the MIF
selected for reduction. method can be used for Geogrid
also.
Computations are repeated with
IITPAVE with the appropriate So the options criteria are not
moduli values. Varying the required in the example.
thicknesses by trial and error, two
sections were arrived at as shown in
Fig. VI-8. These were compared
separately with the conventional
section.

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 Fig V-8: Design Sections using
Geocells
Note:
1. In all cases, semi-dense bituminous
concrete (SDBC) thickness has
been retained as 50mm.
2. If DBM is maintained at 50mm, the
strains exceed those for
Conventional Section.
Option 1
Material properties for the geocell
section are shown in Fig. IV-9 are as
following:
i. CBR of Subgrade soil = 3%
ii. Traffic = 100 msa.
iii. Geocell Style = Weld
spacing = 356mm; Depth of geocell
= 150mm

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7 Example -2 Analysis of Geocell Reinforced Pavement Section- The IIT Pave software input
Design By entering the above thicknesses and MR values of screenshot is replaced as per the
Example for reinforced pavement layers (BC+DBM, Reinforced revised calculations.
Flexible Base, GSB, Effective Subgrade) for a wheel load of
Pavement 20000 N (refer para 7.2.2, vi, p 23 IRC 37-2018), a
using tyre pressure of 0.56 MPa and dual wheelset in
Geocells, IITPave software, the induced tensile and vertical
Page No. 92 strains are determined below the DBM and over the
Fig IV-9: Material properties for subgrade layer respectively as per the procedure
the analysis of the geocell section given in IRC 37: 2018.

Fig. IV-7 Input parameters in IITPave software

for reinforced section
8 Example -2 Results of the corresponding stress- The IIT Pave software output
Design strain analysis are shown in Fig. IV- screenshot is replaced as per the
Example for 10. revised calculations.
Flexible
Pavement
using
Geocells,
Page 92
Fig. IV-8 Screenshot of IIT Pave for Horizontal
tensile strains and vertical compressive strains

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 Fig IV-10: Stress-strain values induced in pavement layers for reinforced section
from the analysis

9 Example -2 Vertical strain at the interface with From the above output of IIT Pave, it is observed that The induced strains and conclusions
Design the subgrade is 309.1𝑥10−6 micro- the induced strains are less than the permissible are included as per revised
Example for strain units. The corresponding strains as shown below. calculations.
Flexible strain for the Conventional Section The induced maximum horizontal tensile strain 150.3
Pavement is 100.7 𝑥10−6 micro-strain units. x 10-6 < 151.7 x 10-6
using Hence the thinner section with The induced maximum vertical compressive strain
Geocells, geocells is acceptable. Furthermore, =296.1 x 10-6 < 319.0 x 10-6
Page 93 considering the rutting model the as
per IRC: 37, the number of standard
axles over the pavement with the
new moduli with geocells works out
to 115msa with 90% reliability.
10 Example -2 Hence the adopted pavement design is safe from The Typical Cross Sections of both
Design rutting and fatigue strain criteria. Fig. IV-9 shows the conventional and geocell reinforced
Example for typical cross-section of conventional and Geocell pavement (MIF Method) are shown
Flexible reinforced flexible pavement. as per the revised calculations.
Pavement
using
Geocells,
Page No. 91

Option-2: Geocell placed within

Granular Base and overall
thickness of Granular Base
reduced to 200mm and GSB
reduced to 250mm
Fig IV-8: Design Sections using
Geocells

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 Fig. IV-9 Typical Cross Section of Conventional &
Geocell Reinforced Flexible Pavement

11 Example -2 Notes are self-explanatory and are

Note: 1. The pavement reinforced using Geogrid can also be designed with MIF
Design method as illustrated in the case of Geocell
included for clarity like
Example for 2.The examples given above are only for illustration of design methodology. In the
above two design methods. the geosynthetic (geogrid/geocell) reinforced pavements
Flexible have been designed for the same parameters by optimising the thickness of the base 1 The pavement with Geogrid
Pavement layer and DBM layer. Designer can adopt other options such as placing
reinforcement can also be designed with
Geosynthetics (Geogrid/Geocell) in the GSB layer and altering the thicknesses of the
using base and the bituminous layers to optimise the design. MIF method as shown in the example for
Geocells, 3. LCR and MIF values shown are strictly indicative values and manufacturer-specific
Geocell
MIF/LCR values with proper accredited certificate shall be adopted for actual
Page No. 93 designs of reinforced pavements. 2.Applicability of the same procedure for
4 The manufacturer shall supply construction methodology and specifications with other options like reinforcement in GSB
the Geogrid/Geocell as per the requirements of pavement design and site conditions
etc. Placement of reinforcement shall be
the designer’s option.
3 Accredited test certificate required for
values of LCR and MIF to be used in the
design,
4 Manufacturer shall provide construction
methodology and specifications with the
Geogrid, Geocell as per the pavement
design and site conditions.

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