Engineering Tests of T17 Membrane Used as All-Weather Surfacing for Two-Way Military Roads

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Engineering Tests of T17 Membrane Used as All-Weather Surfacing for Two-Way Military Roads

S. G. Tucker / T. W. Vollor

Tests were conducted to determine the performance of the T17 membrane (a 2-ply, neoprene-coated, nylon material) as an expedient surfacing for roadways. A test section 29 ft wide and 94 ft long was constructed on a 7 percent grade. A construction joint was placed in the membrane surfacing approximately 50 ft from the top of the test section. Three trucks and trailers (M151 truck with M100 trailer, M37 truck with M101 trailer, and M35 truck with M101 trailer) were used to apply the desired amount and types of traffic. A total of 1000 passes per lane was conducted on the test section without a resulting failure of the membrane surfacing. Vehicle operations on the dry membrane surface caused no noticeable wear of the surfacing. When the membrane was slippery and vehicle operators had to exercise caution, no vehicular control problems occurred as long as speed was controlled according to the condition of the surfacing. During wet conditions, slight wear of the membrane occurred because of slag particles under the spinning vehicle wheels and sliding of vehicle wheels during emergency stops. Although it was not used during these tests, a nonskid compound that is now supplied normally with the membrane surfacing should be used to permit emergency braking action and control of vehicles during wet weather. During the investigation, the T17 membrane performed well and is considered a satisfactory expedient surfacing for dustproofing and waterproofing two-way military roads. It is recommended that vehicles be stopped and started gradually on the surfacing to prolong its life. (Author)