ABSTRACT
Abstract The mechanism of asphaltic reinforcement has been causing a lot of debate for quite a number of years now. In the early stages it has been agreed that overlays in which grids, nets or wovens are applied, perform better when subjected to bending. However, the question remained as to whether a reinforcing product has a positive effect in enhancing the shear stiffness characteristics of a crack. From shear tests on plain as well as reinforced cracks, using the TU-Delft set-up, it has become clear that also in this situation the presence of reinforcement implies that the movement of the crack faces is restrained. This is possible, because cracks in asphaltic mixes exhibit a typical saw-teeth profile. Keywords: Crack Response, Grid, Laboratory Testing, Net, Pullout Mechanism, Reinforcement, Shear, Woven.
