Over the course of the last 17 years, approximately 12 different studies have shown the potential for the use of geosynthetic materials (geogrids and geotextiles) as a reinforcement inclusion in the base course aggregate layer of flexible pavements. The attraction of this application lies in the possibility of reducing the thickness of the base course layer such that a roadway of equal service life results or in extending the service life of the roadway. While several existing studies have provided data that aid in describing mechanisms of reinforcement, detailed information required to understand the mechanisms by which geosynthetics reinforce flexible pavements is lacking. In the absence of this information, it has historically been difficult to create mechanistic based models that adequately describe the process. As such, efforts to establish design solutions have been based largely on empirical data and considerations. Existing design solutions have not been met with open acceptance due to their inability to predict performance for conditions other than those established in the experiments for which the solution was based. This research was undertaken to provide experimental data that could be used to further establish the mechanisms of geosynthetic reinforcement that lead to enhanced pavement performance. Subsequent work will involve the use of these data in developing numerical models and design solutions for this application. Pavement test sections have been constructed in a laboratory based pavement test facility. The facility consists of a large concrete box in which field scale pavement layers can be constructed. Loading is provided through the application of a cyclic, 40 kN load applied to a stationary plate resting on the pavement surface. The test sections have been instrumented with an extensive series of stress and strain cells. Test section variables have included geosynthetic type (two biaxial geogrid products and one woven geotextile), subgrade type and strength, placement position of the geosynthetic in the base course layer and base course layer thickness. The results have shown that the inclusion of a geosynthetic provides a significant reinforcement effect. The geosynthetic is shown to have an influence on the amount of lateral spreading that occurs in both the bottom of the base course layer and in the top of the subgrade. Reinforcement is also seen to produce a more distributed vertical stress distribution on the top of the subgrade. As a result of these effects, reinforcement limits the vertical strain developed in the base and subgrade layers, leading to less surface deformation. Given that these mechanisms result from the development of shear interaction between the base and the geosynthetic, the combination of these effects is termed a mechanism of a shear resisting interface. These effects are seen to be most significant for a soft subgrade where substantial improvement in pavement performance has been observed. Geosynthetic type, strength, stiffness and placement position are also seen to influence observed improvement.