This is a three-dimensional honeycomb-like cellular structure made of interconnected polymeric cells. We use many materials to make Geocells such as plastic geotextiles or metal filled with soil, aggregate or concrete.
Usually, these geosynthetics cushion slopes to control erosion and load support in road construction.
The following are the benefits of a Geocell:
1. Load Support on Weak Subgrade Soils
When a geocell is placed on top of weak soils the cells confine the soil over a large area because of their structure instead of one area. Whereby, when subjected to an external weight like vehicles or building structures it prevents the movement of the soil particles in other directions.
2. Durable Infrastructure
Using geocell on roads, and railways tends to last longer due to the soil stability whereby the confined soil can withstand harsh environmental conditions. This also makes repair and replacements less expensive.
3. Steep Stabilization Surfaces
If you want to protect steep slopes from soil erosion, then Geocell offers a perfect solution. Usually, they are designed to hold soil particles together. Therefore, you can use them to stabilize slopes.
4. Protection of Water Channels
Water channels are protected by geocell whereby when put along river channels, they prevent soil particles from being washed away. With the use of materials such as stone aggregate, they act as a protective barrier thus making water flow through the channel smoothly.
5. Reduced Soil Erosion
On flat surfaces like roads, geocells are used to stabilize the soil and vegetation growth by creating a barrier that confines soil particles preventing soil erosion caused by water waves or wind. Reducing soil erosion and also maintaining shore slopes and riverbank stability.
6. Simple and Quick Construction
Geocells are very easy to install and require minimal effort and machine use since they are lightweight and easy to handle.
They can be used in different terrains and weather conditions allowing them to be installed in challenging environments. This makes them ideal for projects that have close deadlines.
7. Environmental Friendly
Geocells made from high-density polythene material do not require intense machinery use that can harm the environment.
In addition, the environment is conserved by retaining its natural beauty whereby the geocells eliminate the use of concrete and other heavy materials on the soil.
8. Aesthetic Pleasing
These cells facilitate vegetation growth promoting ecological restoration to destroyed areas by being introduced to natural surroundings.
This makes the natural environment look attractive. Additionally, the ability to decide the type of materials and color of the geocells allows the project to have a good visual look.
9. Increased Soil Confinement
Using geocells improves soil strength and stability whereby they prevent soil dispersion maintaining the soil good condition especially when put in areas that are slopy. In addition, when soil is properly confined chances of soil erosion to occur are minimal since it can’t be washed away by heavy rains or water.
10. Versatility
Geocells can be used in different applications such as road construction slope stabilization erosion control retaining walls and are available in different sizes and colors to fit specific requirements offering flexible customization in design.
Additionally, different materials such as soil gravel or crushed stones can be used on varying slope inclines.
11. Cost-effective
Using these cells reduces cost because they can allow the use of local soil as fill-in materials that are nearby saving cost of getting the materials that are far away.
Additionally, they can be installed faster since minimal effort or machine use is required during installation and maintenance.
12. Multi-layered Earth Lining and Soil Water Retaining
Geocells are also used as a defensive lining to water-absorbing soils. The cells have perforations that let water flow through keeping the soil moist and making the soil it to be in compact. This boosts soil stability reducing damage to the underlying soil.
13. Flexibility
They are flexible since they are light to carry and accommodate various settlement and ground movements making them ideal for use in areas that experience earthquake or soil subsidence.
14. Performance Improvement
Generally using geocells improves the oral structure of the soil conditions, terrains, and infrastructure systems such as retaining walls than how they were before.
15. Easy Drainage
Geocells allow water to flow between the cells and out of the entire structure naturally due to its perforated cells no matter the type of infill in the material used.
Conclusion
Generally, using geocells has many benefits in areas such as engineering economics, and the whole environment. This makes them sustainable and environmentally friendly in different application areas compared to traditional methods.
More Resources:
Geocell – Source: LIANYI
Types of Geocell – Source: LINAYI
Geosynthetics – Source: WIKIPEDIA
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