Cellular Geogrid – A Versatile Geosynthetic Solution

What Is a Cellular Geogrid and What Is It Used For?

The cellular geosynthetic technology was developed by American engineer Gere Bach in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps in the 1970s. They created a system of ultrasonically welded strips, which, when expanded, form a honeycomb structure. This technology was first used during the Desert Storm military operation, where it played a key role in soil stabilization, enabling the rapid construction of defensive walls and facilitating the transport of heavy vehicles. Cellular geogrids, also known as geocells, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material is biodegradable and environmentally safe, making it an increasingly important consideration in modern project planning.

Geocell strips are textured on both sides, which increases the friction angle, improving stability and load distribution. Additionally, depending on the application, geogrid tapes can be available with or without perforation. Today, cellular geogrids are primarily used as a commercial technology, with their main applications in engineering, including:

- Load distribution
- Reinforcement of weak subsoils
- Erosion control on slopes and embankments
Construction of hydraulic structures (reservoirs, retention channels, dikes)
- Building of retaining structures (retaining walls, support walls)

Major Issues Solved by Cellular Technology:
- Slope and embankment subsidence
- Landslides and slope failures
- Soil settlement
- Rutting on roads and parking areas

Load transfer and soil stabilization - roads, green parking lots, substructures

Geomaxx cellular geogrid allows load transfer in the subsoil structure. The staggered sections forming a semi-rigid slab effectively stabilize the ground, reducing and evenly distributing loads in the soil. Even in weak-bearing terrain, geogrids allow the use of lower-quality backfill materials. In particular, the geogrid increases the load-bearing capacity of the soil, minimizes the formation of ruts and reduces permanent deformation and settlement of the ground. Thanks to this property, it is possible to reduce the construction layer by more than 50%. This is a great saving in material, but also has a positive effect on the durability and stability of the entire structure. Cellular geogrids are an effective tool in optimizing the subsoil structure. They improve its load-bearing capacity and efficiency in transferring loads.

Anti-erosion protection of slopes and embankments, hydrotechnical structures

The cellular capping system is a proposed solution for protecting the surface of slopes and hillsides that are exposed to erosion forces. The system combines flexibility. It has the ability to use simple and effective anchoring techniques. It is designed to be filled with both vegetation and hard materials (including aggregate, concrete) on steep slopes. By ensuring the long-term stability and effectiveness of slope covering materials, ground integrity and aesthetic standards are maintained. The geo-grid system also makes it possible to completely cover the surface of slopes with vegetation, in cases where the use of other methods is difficult. In the case of hydraulic structures, the design of the protective layer requires an accurate determination of the maximum anticipated flow and the hydraulic stresses to which the protection will be subjected. It is also necessary to consider the drainage requirements of the substructure and possible long-term or seasonal deformation of the entire structure.

Retaining walls

Over the past few years, retaining structures based on cellular geogrids have become increasingly popular. They are used in the reconstruction of existing traffic routes and during the expansion of existing industrial areas or residential neighborhoods. It is worth mentioning that the entire system is designed for use in structures with varying degrees of slope and especially when these structures are built on compressible soils. The installation methodology is as follows: geocell sections are installed in a stepped manner with a mutual offset of about 5-10cm to achieve the optimal slope protection angle.

How should a cell geogrid be installed correctly?

After a thorough analysis of the ground conditions and the selection of a suitable material for the project, the cellular geogrid can be laid. This process takes place in several steps:
- Demarcation of the area to be worked on and preparation of the site,
- Laying the geogrid sections by hand or with the aid of a prepared mounting frame,
- Immediately after laying the section, it must be anchored with U-shaped anchors (ATTENTION! The length and diameter of the anchors must be adapted to the terrain conditions),
- Use of polypropylene ropes to load the structure (on slopes and embankments),
- Each additional section must be positioned so that its edges are adjacent to the others,
- A pneumatic stapler or polyamide ties can be used to connect the geogrid,
- Once this work has been completed, the geogrid can be filled with the selected backfill material.

What does it all cost - Price of a cell geogrid

With so many possible applications, geogrid seems like an expensive material - but nothing could be further from the truth. The price ranges from PLN 2/m2 to PLN 30/m2. The final price depends on several factors such as the size of the cell, height of the material, strength parameters and thickness of the tape.

We can provide you with an accurate quote for a cellular geogrid tailored to your project. Please contact us. Our team will be happy to provide you with a quote at short notice. We will take care of your order from A to Z.

Cellular Geogrid – A Geosynthetic with a Wide Range of Applications