Moderator: Ashray Saxena, The University of Texas at Austin

Panelists: Jorge G. Zornberg, Ph.D., P.E., BC.GE, F.ASCE, The University of Texas at Austin; Ahmad Alhasan, Ph.D., P.E., Ingios Geotechnics; Tommy James, Jr., P.E., Tensar, A Division of CMC; Sanat Pokharel, Ph.D., P.Eng., Stratum Logics

This panel discussion will examine the challenges and opportunities associated with the implementation of geosynthetic reinforcement in asphalt pavements. Despite extensive research demonstrating performance benefits such as crack mitigation and improved pavement durability, adoption in practice remains inconsistent across agencies and regions. Bridging the gap between research findings and routine field implementation continues to be a key challenge for the geosynthetics community.

Panelists representing academia, transportation agencies, industry practitioners, and geosynthetic manufacturers will discuss performance expectations, evaluation and testing requirements, constructability considerations, and risk perceptions associated with geosynthetic-reinforced asphalt systems. The discussion will address how laboratory and field performance data can be effectively translated into design guidance, specifications, and decision-making frameworks used by agencies and practitioners.

Additional topics will include standardization needs, product selection and comparison, quality control during construction, and long-term performance monitoring. The panel will also explore emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and future research directions needed to support broader and more consistent implementation of geosynthetic reinforcement technologies.

The objective of this panel is to foster open dialogue among key stakeholders, identify practical barriers to adoption, and highlight pathways for advancing the effective, performance-based, and sustainable use of geosynthetic reinforcement in asphalt pavement applications.