Benefits of Using Geocells
Geocells are an amazing technology that can provide a variety of benefits to your operation. If you are looking to stabilize soil, prevent erosion or create a new surface for a parking lot or sports field, geocells have the potential to do all of these things together.
Geocells Overview
Geocells are cell confinement systems that are made into simple, durable materials for stabilization and protection. The cellular confinement system fully maintains soil compaction and, by doing so, builds a stronger structure for the fill and pavement.
The 3D honeycomb design of the cells ensures that Geocell is strong and durable. This format creates a structure with improved load distribution.
The cells are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are used to stabilize weak or unstable soils. This ability is due to their ability to reduce lateral movement of soil particles when loaded vertically with the contained filler.
Together with stability, Geocells also provide a mattress effect and enhance the elasticity of the material. The units have a great elastic stiffness and a great tensile strength, so they enhance the load distribution of the product.
Geocells are 3-D honeycomb structures that can be filled with soil, gravel or other materials to repair steep slopes and protect against erosion. They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and have an open honeycomb structure that conforms to the terrain.
Geocells are a revolutionary way to isolate and confine soil, aggregate or any other fill material. These three-dimensional honeycomb structures can be expanded during installation so that they form flexible walls with interconnected strips to enhance tensile strength while preventing movement by keeping everything in place through increased compression due to environmental factors (i.e. weathering).
When pressure is applied to the soil contained within the geogrid, lateral strains are created in the perimeter lattice walls in load support applications. The restricted 3D area reduces the lateral mobility of the soil particles, but the vertical load on the restricted fill can result in considerable lateral stress and resistance at the cell-soil interface.
Geocells are used in construction to reduce erosion, stabilize soil, protect channels, and provide structural reinforcement for load support and soil retention.
Geocells were originally developed in the early 1990s to improve the stability of roads and bridges. They quickly gained popularity for their ability to stabilize soils and prevent erosion of steep surfaces. Today, geocells are used in a variety of applications involving road construction, landfills, mining operations and green infrastructure projects.
Benefits of Geocells
Infrastructure development involves designing and building structures while ensuring that they do not adversely affect natural resources. Soil stabilization and consolidation is a root cause of concern and can pose a threat to the long-term stability of roads, bridges and access roads.
Engineers benefit from cell-limited systems in a variety of ways, including reduced costs, increased load-bearing capacity and improved stability.
Additional benefits of using geographic cells include:
1. Stabilization of steep slope surfaces
Geocells are used to protect slopes from erosion and help stabilize the surface. The cells conform to the terrain and build a three-dimensional wall that prevents lateral movement of soil particles, which helps prevent landslides and keeps the slope stable.
2. Protective liners for channels and hydraulic formwork
Geocells are also used as protective liners for channels and other hydraulic structures. These cells form a three-dimensional wall that protects soil particles from entering the channel and causing pollution. In addition, the cells help reduce erosion of the channel bed and sides. This extends the life of the structure and helps maintain its working order.
3. Static and dynamic load support on low roadbed soils
Geocells can also be used to support static and dynamic loads on soft roadbed soils. These cells build a 3D grid that distributes the loads over a larger area, which helps protect against soil damage. In addition, perforations in the strips allow water to flow through, which helps keep the soil moist and prevents it from becoming compacted. This improves the stability of the soil and reduces the risk of failure.
4. Multi-layered retaining gravity structures
Geocells can also be used to create multi-layered retaining and water retaining gravity structures. These cells form a 3-D grid that helps distribute the load over a larger area, thereby reducing the risk of failure.
In addition, the perforations in the strips allow water to flow through, which helps keep the soil moist and prevents soil compaction. This improves soil stability and reduces the chances of failure.
5. Durable infrastructure
Geocells are widely used in civil engineering for road and sidewalk construction because they provide a flexible base while maintaining soil integrity. Due to their excellent load distribution capabilities, they save most of the stress cracking on paved roads. In addition, they help maintain surface levels by adjusting for thermal expansion and contraction. This extends the life of the pavement and reduces the need for maintenance.
6. Environmentally friendly
Cellular restriction systems are an environmentally friendly way to build green slopes or retaining wall systems. Without extensive excavation, geocells can be filled with vegetation, concrete or locally obtained materials such as dirt or gravel.
