In its 2018-19 budget, the central government announced plans to invest $108 billion in highway infrastructure over the next five years, with the aim of driving economic growth across the country. The government also aims to deliver safe road infrastructure through schemes that offer value for money, both in terms of construction and whole life costs, as well as have minimal environmental impact. In order to achieve these targets, there is a need to mitigate risk which requires a change of approach and wider acceptance of alternative value engineered designs.
One of the examples is the use of geosynthetics in road pavement design. Geogrids help in mechanically stabilising a road’s aggregate layers, delaying early failure of flexible pavements, and reducing asphalt rutting and cracking, and thereby, preventing moisture and contaminants from entering the structure. Further, the trafficking capacity of pavements incorporating geogrids can be up to six times greater than traditionally built pavements, making roads safer, for longer. This improved performance reduces maintenance and repair requirements, thereby reducing disruption to road users and local residents as well as the financial burden on local, regional and central governments.