ABSTRACT
Bituminous membranes can be successfully used as reinforcement systems in asphalt layers in order to improve road pavement performance against cracking. In particular, composite materials coupling selected membranes with grids and/or fabrics should be able to combine improved tensile properties with stress relieving and waterproofing effects. The present research had the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of asphalt system reinforcement using different composite membranes. The experimental program allowed the assessment of the flexural properties of reinforced systems in terms of complex modulus and fatigue resistance. To achieve this aim, dynamic four-point bending tests were carried out on double-layered reinforced samples prepared with both plain and polymer modified asphalt mixes. An unreinforced reference system was also investigated for comparison purposes. The experimental results showed a noticeably enhanced fatigue resistance of reinforced systems, particularly in the case of membranes coupled with fabric/grid, even if a reduction in flexural stiffness occurred.
