Geocells are three-dimensional, honeycomb-shaped cells made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene geomembranes. These cells are connected together to form large mats which can be laid over soil to increase its strength and load-bearing capacity. Each cell measures around 6-12 inches and is connected to surrounding cells through thermo-welded seams, creating an interlocking cellular structure. The cells are initially filled with soil and compacted to form a strong geocell mattress.
Applications of Geocells in Construction
Geocells find a wide range of applications in construction and infrastructure development projects. Some key applications are:
Road Construction
Geocells are used beneath pavement layers in the construction and repair of roads. They improve load distribution, reduce stresses on subgrade and sub-base, and increase the lifespan of pavements. Geocells allow the use of thinner pavement sections, saving on material costs. They are particularly useful for the construction of temporary haul roads or access roads on soft soils.
Slope Reinforcement and Erosion Control
Geocells help reinforce embankments and steep slopes prone to erosion. By strengthening the soil structure, they increase slope stability and prevent erosion. This reduces maintenance costs and environmental damage caused by soil loss. Geocells have emerged as an effective alternative to riprap or gabion walls for slope protection.
Railroad Track Bed Stabilization
In rail track construction, geocells provide a strong and resilient base to distribute loads from heavy locomotives and freight cars. This protects the subgrade from excessive stresses and prevents track subsidence overtime. This leads to an extended service life and higher reliability of railroad infrastructure.
Landfill Capping and Liners
At landfill and mining sites, geocells are employed as part of capping or lining systems to isolate waste deposits and prevent contamination of surrounding land and water bodies. The interlocking cellular structure of geocells firmly holds soil or geosynthetic materials in place as cap or barrier layers.
Retaining Walls
Lightweight geocell retaining walls provide soil reinforcement and act as retaining structures. By improving shear strength at the soil-structure interface, they enable the construction of taller, stable retaining walls on marginal soils with steep inclinations. This reduces land requirements compared to conventional retaining walls.
Stormwater and Drainage Management
Geocells help detain and infiltrate surface water runoff to prevent flooding and erosion. When filled with gravel or soil mix, they form modular detention systems beneath pavement or in bioswales. The cells’ honeycomb structure slows the flow of water and allows for its controlled infiltration into underlying soils.
Why are Geocells an Advantageous Solution?
Several advantages make geocells a sustainable and economical solution for infrastructure development and soil reinforcement applications:
– Lightweight and flexible cells are easy to transport and install on-site without heavy equipment.
– High load-bearing capacity with increased shear strength reduces bearing pressures on underlying soils.
– Cells interlock to integrate loosely placed fill materials and increase mass stability.
– Resistant to weathering, ultraviolet light exposure, and chemical degradation with projected service life of 50+ years.
– Reinforce weak, expansive clays and protect excavations, embankments, and foundations from subsidence.
– Reduce requirement for gravel, aggregate or crushed stone infill compared to conventional retaining structures.
– Adapt well to contours of sloped surfaces and irregular terrain compared to rigid structures.
– Create a drainage barrier for landfills, leachate collection, and stormwater management systems.
– Aid in vegetation growth through the cells’ porous structure, binding roots and preventing erosion.
– Limit ground subsidence issues associated with post-construction soil settling.
Advantages make geocells a cost-effective and ecologically-responsible solution for enhancing infrastructure projects. Their widespread usage has grown considerably in the past decade as contractors and owners recognize their performance and sustainability benefits. With continuous product developments, geocells are projected to play a bigger role in developing resilient transportation networks, utilities, and land development projects worldwide.
Get more insights on Geocells