Oral Presentation IPWEA International Public Works Conference 2025

Shaping Tomorrow’s World: Sustainable Pavement Solutions through Polymeric Asphalt Reinforcement (122940)

Brennan Rymer 1 , Simon Ouk 1
  1. HUESKER Australia, Coolum Beach, QLD, Australia

Pavement maintenance and rehabilitation are pressing challenges for local governments striving to deliver resilient, sustainable infrastructure. This presentation explores how polymeric asphalt reinforcement geogrids are helping to reshape pavement management by extending service life, reducing maintenance costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

Focusing on the key causes of pavement deterioration—

  1. Reflective Cracking
  2. Environmental Cracking
  3. Increased Traffic Volumes

—we take an in-depth look at Australia-specific case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of asphalt reinforcement geogrids. These real-world examples highlight how geogrid technology mitigates cracking, reduces reconstruction needs, and enhances long-term asset performance across various applications.

Comparative data from local and state road networks reveal impressive outcomes:

  • Up to 4x increase in service life against reflective cracking
  • An average of 62% annual CO₂ reduction
  • Up to 70% reduction in maintenance costs per year

The presentation also emphasizes the significance of using geogrids purpose-designed for asphalt reinforcement, including products made from 100% recycled polymeric materials—a step forward in meeting the industry’s circular economy and sustainability goals. Additionally, the reuse of existing pavement layers and reduction in excavation depth further contribute to environmentally responsible road building.

By sharing these proven solutions and outcomes, this presentation empowers asset owners and decision-makers with practical insights into how targeted geosynthetic reinforcement can shape the future of our road networks—making them stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.