CE 133

Geosynthetic
Engineering
 GEOGRIDS

BACKGROUND
 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

 Netlon, Ltd., of the United Kingdom

was the first producer of GEOGRIDS.
In 1982, the Tensar Corporation,
presently Tensar International
Corporation, introduced geogrids
into the United States.
 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

 FIRST USED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN

SOUTH CAROLINA IN 1930

 FOR EROSION CONTROL IN 1960 IN

EUROPE AS WELL AS U.S.A IN 1969

 IN GREAT WALL OF CHINA ALSO USED IN

THE FORM OF TREE BRANCHES.
 GEOGRIDS
DEFINITION,TYPES,
FUNCTIONS, AND
ADVANTAGES
 DEFINITION AND STRUCTURE
- Geogrids can be categorized as geosynthetic
materials that are used in the construction
industry in the form of a reinforcing material.

- are polymeric products which are formed by

means of intersecting grids. The polymeric
materials like polyester, high-density
polyethylene and polypropylene are the main
composition of geogrids.
GEOGRIDS
 DEFINITION AND STRUCTURE
They have large open spaces also known as
"apertures". The directions of the ribs are referred to as
machine direction (md), orientated in the direction of the
manufacturing process or cross machine direction (cmd)
perpendicular to the machine direction ribs.
DEMONSTRATION OF INTERLOCK EFFECT
WITH A CAR STANDING ON REINFORCED
GRAVEL COLUMN.
 TYPES OF GEOGRIDS
Based on the manufacturing process involved in
geogrids it can be of :
 Extruded Geogrid
 Woven Geogrid
 Bonded/Welded Geogrid

Based on which direction the stretching is done

during manufacture, geogrids are classified as :
 Uniaxial geogrids
 Biaxial Geogrids
 Triaxial Geodrids
 Based on Manufacturing Process
Extruded Geogrids – are formed using a thick
sheet of polyethylene or polypropylene that is
punched and drawn to create apertures and to
enhance engineering properties of the resulting
ribs and nodes.
Woven Geogrids - are manufactured by
grouping polymeric – usually polyester and
polypropylene – and weaving them into a mesh
pattern that is then coated with a polymeric
lacquer.
Bonded/Welded Geogrids - are manufactured
by fusing junctions of polymeric strips.
Based on Which Direction the Stretching is Done
Uniaxial Geogrids - are formed by the stretching
of ribs in the longitudinal direction. So, in this
case, the material possesses high tensile
strength in the longitudinal direction than on
the transverse direction.
Based on Which Direction the Stretching is Done
Biaxial Geogrids - during the punching of
polymer sheets, the stretching is done in both
directions. Hence the function of tensile
strength is equally given to both transverse and
longitudinal direction.
Based on Which Direction the Stretching is Done
Triax Geogrids - TriAx is a revolutionary new
geogrid product from Tensar. The triangular structure
of TriAxgeogrid, coupled with the increased rib
thickness and junction efficiency, greatly improves
aggregate interlock and confinement – leading to
optimal structural performance of the mechanically
stabilized layer.
 FUNCTIONS OF GEOGRIDS
The main function of Geogrids is
reinforcement. The geogrids serve the function of
holding or capturing the aggregates together. This
method of interlocking the aggregates would help
in an earthwork that is stabilized mechanically.
The apertures in geogrids help in interlocking the
aggregates or the soil that are placed over them.
 FUNCTIONS OF GEOGRIDS
It helps in redistribution of load over a
wider area. This function has made the
pavement construction more stabilized and
strong. It has the following functional
mechanisms when applied for pavement
construction:
 Tension Membrane Effect
 Improvement of Bearing Capacity
 Lateral Restraining Capability
Tension Membrane Effect
Improvement of Bearing Capacity
Lateral Restraining Capability
ADVANTAGES OF GEOGRIDS IN CONSTRUCTION

• Ease of Construction: the Geogrid can be

installed in any weather conditions. This
makes it more demanding.
• Land Optimization: This method of Geogrid
installation in soils makes an unsuitable area
suitable for preparing it to meet desired
properties for construction. Geogrid thus
helps in proper land utilization.
• A higher strength soil mass is obtained
• Higher load bearing capacity
ADVANTAGES OF GEOGRIDS IN CONSTRUCTION

• It is a good remedy to retain soil from erosion

• No requirement of mortar. The material is
implemented dry.
• No difficulty in material availability
• Geogrids are flexible in nature. They are
known for their versatility.
• Geogrids have high durability reducing
maintenance cost. They are highly resistant
against environmental influences.
IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRIDS

• Geogrids improve the structural integrity of

soils in roadways, walls and slopes by
reinforcing and confining fill materials and
distributing load forces. Geogrids are the
answer for designers, developers and
contractors facing the challenges posed by
sloping ground and soft subgrades.
IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRIDS

• Geogrids help soils stand at virtually any

desired angle in grade separation
applications. In retaining wall and slope
applications, geogrids can be combined with
a wide variety of facing elements to produce
the desired aesthetics for any project.
IMPORTANCE OF GEOGRIDS

• Geogrids provide support for the construction

of access roads, highways, berms, dikes and
structure applications that previously
required the use of expensive over-excavating
or piling methods on weak subgrades.
Geogrids are also used in base reinforcement
applications to reduce aggregate thickness
requirements or extend roadway
performance life.
 GEOGRIDS
CONSTRUCTION
METHODS
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
- Clear, grub and excavate (if necessary) to the
design subgrade elevation, stripping topsoil,
deleterious debris and unsuitable material from the
site.
- Unroll the geogrid in the direction of travel so that
the long axis of the roll is parallel with channelized
traffic patterns.
- Before fully unrolling the geogrid, anchor the
beginning of the roll, in the center and at the
corners, to the underlying surface.
- Anchor the Geogrid with small piles of aggregate
fill or a washer and pin.
- Unroll the Geogrid. Align it and pull it taut to
remove wrinkles and laydown slack with hand
tension, then secure in place.
- Generally, at least 6 in. is required for the initial lift
thickness of aggregate fill over Geogrids.
- When building over a soft subgrade, it is desirable
to work from stronger to weaker areas.
- If rutting or severe pumping occurs under truck or
dozer traffic, fill should be added immediately to
strengthen the section.
- Compact aggregate fill to project specifications,
after it has been graded smooth and before it is
subject to accumulated traffic.
- If the aggregate fill thickness is insufficient to
support imposed load(s) when constructing over
soft soil, excessive subgrade and surface rutting will
result.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Make Repairs
If Geogrids become are/were damaged
during or after installation, repair them by
patching the area with the following measures:
1. Remove fill from the surface of the
damaged geogrid and clear a 3 ft area
around the damage.
2. The geogrid patch should cover the
damaged area and extend 3 ft beyond it
in all directions.
Surface Rutting
- If deep rutting occurs beneath truck wheels, do
not grade out the ruts. Rutting is normally
indicative of fill that is too thin, too wet or
inadequately compacted. Grading out the rut
will reduce aggregate fill thickness between the
wheel paths and may lead to geogrid exposure.
- Fill in the ruts with additional specified aggregate
fill and compact. This places extra fill where it’s
needed and may prevent further rutting under
channelized traffic.
- Crown the fill during the grading process to
ensure rainfall runoff and to prevent fill
saturation.
Cold Weather
At sub-freezing temperatures, Geogrid is less
impact resistant and can be fractured with
dynamic force (i.e., striking with a hammer).
Other aspects of dynamic loading associated
with very cold temperatures should be
avoided. For example, direct trafficking by
rubber-tired equipment atop geogrid is
permissible when the subgrade is competent.
However, it’s not advisable at very cold
temperatures.
 GEOGRIDS
APPLICATIONS,
CASE STUDIES
GEOGRID APPLICATIONS
Geogrids are commonly used to reinforce:
- Embankment and soft soils
- Road pavement construction
- steep slopes
- Retaining walls
- Landfill construction
- Airport runways
soft soil’s reinforcement
- GEOGRID interlocks with structural fill to
provide a strong "mattress" foundation
that significantly increases the stability
over the weakest soil. This turns the
weakest subsoils such as dredge spoil,
swamps and saturated clay into a
structural base to build over for surcharge
embankements, crane pads, haul pads and
more.
Case study: Gravel road reinforcement
THE PROBLEM
- The gravel-surfaced property at Glen Raven
Logistics in Altamahaw, NC takes daily abuse from
tractor-trailer trucks coming for fuel and
maintenance. The heavy loads and turning tires
from multi-ton vehicles running over the same
pathways each day had created ruts that filled with
pooling water and was showing signs of
progressive failure. Adding additional aggregate fill
in the ruts helped for a short time, but soon the
ruts reappeared. How could facility managers
create a flat, stable lot when concrete was beyond
budget?
LOCATION: Altamahaw, NC, USA
APPLICATION: Gravel road soil
reinforcement
PROJECT SCOPE: Provide gravel
roads strong enough
for heavy truck use
Case study: Gravel road reinforcement
THE SOLUTION
- a combination of StrataBase and
StrataWeb (geocell). StrataBase is a rigid
biaxial geogrid that provides structural
reinforcement for roads and parking areas.
The two products work together to
provide a stiff base course that can
withstand heavy load without significant
deformation. The StrataBase provides sub-
grade stabilization and spreads the weight
of the heavy load over a large area.
Case study: Gravel road reinforcement
THE RESULTS
- The solution proved to be successful. Glen
Raven Logistics now enjoys a level parking
lot that withstands the heavy truck traffic
with no ruts, pooling, or continual
maintenance. The team achieved this at
about 50% less than the cost associated
with a concrete pavement solution. Trucks
can now come and go for maintenance,
repairs and refueling with ease.
Pavement construction
Improvement of subgrade: The subgrade, which is the
most important load bearing strata, is made solid and
strong by the geogrids. The problem of soft subgrade can
be solved by this method.
Reinforcement of pavement base: The thickness of base if
increased would increase the stiffness of base. But
increasing thickness enormously is not economical. The
reinforcement to a given base layer would give adequate
stiffening that helps in reduction of thickness and time of
construction. This also helps in increasing the life of the
pavement.
Case study: Pavement construction
THE PROBLEM
- Florida is known for wet weather and soft soils. Not the
most ideal conditions for highway construction. Both of
these obstacles needed to be overcome during a
roadway and bridge expansion on S.R. 415 just north of
Sanford, Fla. Associated Construction Products Inc.
(ACP) of Lutz, Fla.,The project required a 1.84-mile
stretch of highway to be expanded from two to four
lanes. The presence of compressible soils below the
new roadway footprint presented concerns that long-
term differential settlement would be problematic with
the precast concrete-panel retaining walls that were
originally planned.
Case study: Pavement construction

- The preferred Florida Department of Transportation

(FDOT) solution was a 1H:1V reinforced soil slope using
geogrid reinforcement. The plan consisted of geogrid-
reinforced embankments on both sides of the
proposed roadway and a multiuse path to be installed
along the entire right side of the embankment.
LOCATION: Florida, USA
APPLICATION: Pavement Construction
PROJECT SCOPE: Highway expansion
from two to four lanes with the
presence of compressible soils
below roadway
DATE CONSTRUCTED: 2013
Case study: Pavement construction
THE SOLUTION
- The design consisted of a 1H:1V slope with
SG500 primary geogrid layers spaced 2-ft
vertical and Microgrid intermediate
reinforcement placed on 1-ft vertical
spacing. The primary geogrid
reinforcement addressed the overall global
stability of the structure. The final slope
surface was covered with a synthetic
erosion blanket to support establishment
of the Bahia sod vegetation.
Case study: Pavement construction
THE SOLUTION
The contract also included installation of a temporary
surcharge embankment at a nearby location using excess
fill from the mainline site. Plans called for a 14-ft-tall,
1,300-linear-ft embankment with 1H:1V side slopes. The
earth structure was installed along a proposed roadway
alignment to facilitate consolidation of compressible soils
below. A layer of SG350 geogrid was placed over the
footprint of the embankment, followed by multiple layers
of SG200 and Microgrid within the 44,000 SF inclined face
area of geogrid-reinforced side slopes.
Case study: Gravel road reinforcement
Retaining Walls
The usage of geogrids in retaining wall
construction is in the area of soil backfills.
Holding the soil together will help in a
stable retaining wall construction. The
soil structural integrity can be increased
by reinforcing it by geogrids. This help in
confining backfill as well as help in
distributing the loads. The geogrids solve
the problems with soft backfill or sloping
ground.
Retaining Walls

Fig. A Typical Arrangement of Geogrids in Retaining Walls

Case study: Retaining Wall
THE PROBLEM
The Carroll Canyon Road Bridge crosses I-805 just twenty
miles north of the Mexican/U.S. border of Otay Mesa –
California’s busiest commercial border crossing, facilitating
1.4 million truck crossings each year. As just one phase of
an area-wide, $607 million, four-phase project, the project
required a ramp and bridge system that could hold up
against year-round usage by heavy trucks. The ramps not
only had to be functional, but also aesthetically pleasing. In
addition, the permanent structure had to withstand
potential earthquakes, a common occurrence in the area.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) specified
a wire faced reinforced soil slope for the approach ramp
with a 3H:8V batter (69-deg).
LOCATION: California, USA
APPLICATION: Ramp & Bridge
system
PROJECT SCOPE: Build ramp &
bridge system that can hold up
to heavy trucks & earthquakes
Case study: Retaining Wall
THE SOLUTION
- The adaptability and strength of geogrid,
combined with Strata’s engineering
expertise, allowed flexibility to
accommodate all demands of the job. The
soil properties required Strata to increase
the geogrid strength to SG600 from the
original proposal in order to provide the
adequate factors of safety.
Case study: Retaining Wall
THE SOLUTION
StrataTex180 was also used for separation between the
structural backfill and the rock-filled facing to prevent soil
migration. The hot-dipped, galvanized wire baskets were
W4 wire with 4”x4” aperture and measured 1.5’x1.5’x10’.
Seven wire struts per basket added additional stiffness to
support the large rock infill. Caltrans specifications
required a mechanical connection between the geogrid
reinforcement and the wire basket. Strata developed a
special connection bar and tested the connection at SGI
laboratory in Atlanta. The finished structure stands
almost 70 feet in height with 39,235 SF of face area.