<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Black and Holtz (1999)<br>Guram et al. (1994)<br>Loulizi et al. (1999)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary </strong></p><p>Exploratory excavations (test pits) are made at each test section to observe the conditions of the pavement layers, ground water, and geosynthetics. Care is needed to remove the base coarse within 25 to 50 mm of the anticipated geosynthetic location to prevent the damage on the geosynthetics and intermixing of the base coarse with the subgrade layer. The samples of the base course are collected for the laboratory analysis. The geosynthetic samples were carefully removed and visual observations are recorded. Exhumed geosynthetic samples are collected for laboratory tests. Several in-situ tests (pocket penetrometer, Torvane, and nuclear densiometer tests) are performed and the samples of subgrade soils are collected for laboratory tests. Permittivity tests are performed on the exhumed geotextiles using a permeameter that was designed and constructed to evaluate the degrees of blinding and clogging of the geotextiles. Wide-width tensile strength tests are conducted on the specimens from each excavated and virgin geotextile to obtain retained strength after years of performance.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Properties of pavement materials and geosynthetics can be assessed accurately and precisely to evaluate the benefit of geosynthetic separation through a reasonable number of tests.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>Properties of pavement materials and geosynthetics can be easily accessed through a reasonable number of tests. However, the exhumation process is time-consuming and suitable for limited areas and sections.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Costs are reasonable. For the exhumation, the backhoe is used to remove the pavement and some aggregate base. The remaining aggregates are removed with pick and shovel to within 25 to 50 mm of the geotextile. The final layer is removed by hand. This makes the exhumation time-consuming.</p><p><strong> </strong><strong>General Comments</strong></p><p>This QC/QA procedure is useful to control the performance of the pavement systems. It includes the measurements of the properties of geosynthetics after the construction of the pavements. In this procedure, the subgrade soil and base coarse conditions can be evaluated with the help of the field tests like pocket penetrometer, Torvane, and nuclear densiometer tests.</p><p>This procedure is very effective as soil and geotextile properties can be determined accurately and precisely. However, it is time consuming for exhumation and material property determination.</p></p>