The Benefits of Using Geocells

Geocells are an amazing piece of technology that can provide a variety of benefits for your operations. Whether you're looking to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, or create a new surface for parking or sports fields, geocells have the potential to do it all.

Keep reading to learn more about the incredible benefits of using geocells.

What is a Geocell?

A geocell is a three-dimensional cellular structure that can be filled with soil, gravel, or other materials to stabilize steep slopes and prevent erosion. They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and have an open cellular structure that allows them to conform to the terrain.

Geocells are a revolutionary way of walling off and confining soil, aggregate, or other infill materials. These three-dimensional cellular structures can be expanded during installation so that they form flexible walls with interconnected strips reinforcing tensile strength while also preventing movement by holding everything in place through compression increases due to environmental factors like weathering.

When pressure is applied to the soil enclosed inside a geocell, as in a load support application, lateral strains are created on the perimeter cell walls. The 3D zone of confinement reduces soil particle lateral mobility, but vertical loading on the confined infill results 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 earth retention.

Geocells were first developed in the early 1990s as a way to improve the stability of roads and bridges. They quickly gained popularity for their ability to stabilize soils and control erosion on steep grounds. Today, geocells are used in a variety of applications, including road construction, landfills, mining operations, and green infrastructure projects.

Types of Geocells

Geocells are available in various sorts and specifications to solve various issues with different soil types. The best way to categorize geocells is perforated and non-perforated geocells.

Perforated geocells have small holes in them that allow water and air to flow through. This type of geocell is best for applications where the soil needs to be able to breathe, like in a green infrastructure project.

What's more, the perforations improve load distribution and reduce distortion. They are made up of a series of strips that connect to form cells. The strength of the perforated strip and the weld determine the integrity of the geocell.

Non-perforated geocells have smooth, solid walls and are best for applications where water needs to be kept out, like in a landfill. The smooth walls prevent the infiltration of water and help keep the soil inside the cell.

Geomembranes and prefabricated vertical drains are occasionally used as application-specific alternatives to geocells.

The Benefits of Geocells

Infrastructure development includes the design and construction of structures while ensuring that they do not have a detrimental influence on natural resources. Soil stabilization and reinforcement are a major source of worry and a possible threat to the long-term stability of roads, bridges, and pathways.

Engineers profit from cellular confinement systems in a variety of ways, including lower cost, enhanced weight-bearing capacity, and improved stability.

Additional benefits of using geocells include:

1. Protection and 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 create a three-dimensional wall that prevents soil particles from moving laterally. This helps prevent landslides and keeps the slope stable.

In addition, geocells reduce the amount of material required to stabilize a slope, which saves time and money. They can also be installed quickly and easily, without the need for heavy equipment.

Geocells are widely used in road construction to prevent erosion on steep grounds. In one project, a crew of four people was able to install over 11,000 square meters of geocellular reinforcement in just two days.

Erosion is not only a problem on steep slopes. It can also occur on flat surfaces, like roads and parking lots. In these cases, geocells can be used to create a textured surface that helps prevent the loss of material due to wind and water erosion.

Geocells are often used in conjunction with other stabilization methods, such as gabions, check dams, and retaining walls. When combined with these methods, geocells provide even greater stability and protection from erosion.

2. Protective linings of channels and hydraulic structures

Geocells are also used as protective linings for channels and other hydraulic structures. The cells form a three-dimensional wall that prevents soil particles from entering the waterway and causing pollution.In addition, the cells help reduce the erosion of the channel bed and sides. This extends the life of the structure and helps keep it in working order.

Channel linings made with geocells are also less likely to clog, which can lead to flooding. The smooth walls of non-perforated geocells prevent dirt and debris from building up on the surface, while perforated geocells allow water to flow through, removing any buildup that does occur. Geocells have been used to line over 100 kilometers of channels in Europe alone.

Channel linings are not the only application for geocells in hydraulic structures. They can also be used as a protective layer beneath riprap, gabions, and other stabilization methods. This helps prevent the erosion of the underlying soil and extends the life of the structure.

In short, geocells offer many benefits that make them an ideal solution for slope stabilization and protection from erosion.

3. Static and dynamic load support on weak subgrade soils

Geocells are also used to support static and dynamic loads on weak subgrade soils. The cells create a three-dimensional grid that distributes the load over a larger area, which helps prevent soil failure. In addition, the perforations in the strips allow water to flow through, which helps keep the soil moist and prevents it from becoming compacted. This increases the stability of the soil and reduces the risk of failure.

Geocells are an effective way to support heavy loads on weak soils. In one project, they were able to support a load of up to 400 kilograms per square meter without causing any damage to the underlying soil.

The use of geocells can help reduce costs by preventing expensive repairs or replacements of failed subgrade soils. In addition, they can be installed quickly and easily, without the need for heavy equipment. Geocells are a versatile solution that can be used in several applications to stabilize slopes and support loads on weak soils.

4. Multi-layered earth-retaining and water-retaining gravity structures

Geocells can also be used to create multi-layered earth-retaining and water-retaining gravity structures. The cells form a three-dimensional grid that helps distribute the load over a larger area, which reduces the risk of failure.

In addition, the perforations in the strips allow water to flow through, which helps keep the soil moist and prevents it from becoming compacted. This increases the stability of the soil and reduces the risk of failure.

Multi-layered structures made with geocells are an effective way to retain earth and water. In one project, they were able to retain up to 900 liters of water per square meter without causing any damage to the underlying soil. Geocells are a versatile solution that can be used in several applications to stabilize slopes and retain earth and water.

5. Durable infrastructure

Geocells are widely utilized in civil engineering for road and pavement construction because they provide a flexible basis while keeping the soil intact. They prevent most of the stress cracking that happens in paved roads due to their greater load distribution capabilities. In addition, they help to keep the surface level by adjusting to thermal expansion and contraction. This extends the life of the pavement and reduces the need for repairs.

Geocells have also been used in airport runway construction because of their ability to bear heavy loads without damage. The cells distribute weight evenly over a large area, which prevents cracking and increases the lifespan of the runway.

Geocells provide many benefits that make them an ideal solution for road and pavement construction. They are flexible, durable, and able to bear heavy loads without damage. In addition, they help reduce stress cracking and maintain surface levels. Geocells have been used in airport runway construction with great success, making them a versatile option for many applications.

6. Enhanced slope protection

Even on steep slopes, a geocell grid is a more durable alternative to stone pitching or mulch matting. It keeps the soil from eroding without the need for pricey supplies or professional work.

The cells form a three-dimensional grid that helps distribute the load over a larger area, which reduces the risk of failure.

In addition, the perforations in the strips allow water to flow through, which helps keep the soil moist and prevents it from becoming compacted. This increases the stability of the soil and

reduces the risk of failure. The cells are filled with soil and vegetation, which helps to further stabilize the slope. In addition, the roots of the plants help to anchor the soil in place.

Slope protection is not only important for preventing erosion. It can also be used to create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape. With geocells, you can have a stable slope without sacrificing beauty.

7. Environmentally friendly

A cellular confinement system is an environmentally acceptable approach to construct green slopes or retaining wall systems. Without considerable quarrying, the geocells can be filled with plants, concrete, or locally obtained materials such as dirt or gravel. Using locally produced products has a greater beneficial impact on the environment since it reduces your carbon footprint.

Today, environmental friendliness is a top priority. Geocells offer a green solution that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

What are the Different Applications of Geocells?

A geocell grid can solve numerous issues across various industries. Here are some of the industries that rely on geocells.

1. Landscape Architecture

Protecting plants and soil against erosion in landscape architecture entails the use of specialist technologies such as geocells. Geocell grids will reduce undesired runoff or groundwater flow while also preventing the construction of erosion channels that endanger the landscape. Other advantages include the preservation of riverbeds and tree roots, the stabilization of ground, soil, and channel walls, and the prevention of erosion in greenbelts, slopes, and vegetation.

2. Road Construction

About four-fifths of the world's roads are unpaved gravel access roads. These roads are frequently built over shaky ground, such as vast clay, peat bogs, or sand. These materials will disintegrate if correct technology is not in place, threatening the safety, stability, and lifespan of the highways. Geocells offer the rigidity and creep resistance required for soft soil road stabilization. They prevent the clay from shrinking and cracking, sandy soils from lateral dispersion and strain, and all soft soils from subgrade reinforcement.

3. Load Platform

Geocells are an excellent method for constructing semi-rigid platforms over weak soils and in regions where digging is restricted. The load capacity of grade slabs, foundation spread, and strip footings is increased by using geocell grids. Cellular confinement systems may also be used to minimize pavement sections in laydown areas, parking lots, and highways.

4. Retaining Wall, Embankment, and Levees Reinforcement

Geocells are an excellent solution for erosion control on embankments and slopes. They also prevent water channelization, pond linings, or any other structure that needs to be installed safely in soil with high levels of risk due to natural factors such as slope stability problems.

5. Green Roofs and Walls

Rooftop flower and vegetable gardens, for example, are becoming increasingly popular in cities. Geocells, with their expanded honeycomb construction that retains soil and enhances structural stability, make these places conceivable. Green walls are also popular in certain houses and companies, thanks to geocell grids.

In conclusion, geocells have many engineering, economic and environmental benefits. They are a versatile, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution for various applications. Geocells are the future of slope protection and should be used in any situation where stability and erosion control are necessary.