Optimized pavement design for enhanced performanceŽlender, Bojan (Avtor) Varga, Rok (Avtor) Jelušič, Primož (Avtor) pavement designgeogridsgeocellsPavement design is a complex process requiring the integration of traffic loads, soil characteristics, and environmental conditions. This study investigates optimized pavement structures reinforced with geogrids and geocells to enhance durability, load-bearing capacity, and cost-efficiency. Analytical and multi-parametric optimization models were developed for paved and unpaved roads, considering reinforced and unreinforced layers, hybrid materials, and site-specific factors such as frost depth, hydrological conditions, and material properties. The results show that geogrid and geocell reinforcement significantly improves mechanical performance, allowing for reduced layer thicknesses while maintaining service life. Geogrids are particularly effective under low subgrade strength conditions, while geocells provide additional stiffness and reduce permanent deformations when appropriately positioned. Combined reinforcement is most beneficial in multi-layered HMA pavements, whereas in chip seal pavements, geogrids alone offer cost-effective performance. The use of hybrid or recycled materials is justified only when sufficient mechanical performance is achieved, and processing costs do not exceed construction savings. Overall, the optimization framework provides engineers with practical guidance for designing technically sound, economically viable, and environmentally adapted pavements, supporting long-term resilience and sustainability in road infrastructure.EDP Sciences20262026-09-22 12:38:07Znanstveno delo100526UDK: 625.7/.8:624.131OceCobissID: 291920131COBISS_ID: 291861507DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202674002034ISSN pri članku: 2267-1242sl