Geocells are typically likened to honeycombs owing to their unique three-dimensional configuration, which permits their use in trapping infill materials like soil.
These geosynthetic materials accomplish this by utilizing interlinked cells that confine distinct infill materials thereby guaranteeing stability.
Types of Geocells
Over the years, geocells have evolved to become the pillar of distinct farming and construction projects due to their confinement properties.
Today, if you are looking for a reliable soil or infill material confinement solution, you can exploit varying types of geocells. These options include;
Structure-Based Classification
This classification attempts to categorize geocells based on their cellular construction. Primarily, there are two types of geocells born out of this classification, namely;
Perforated Geocells
Perforated geocells are distinguished by the well-organized pores drilled in their structure. These perforations are designed to serve numerous functions including;
- Fluid flow: The pores provide an outlet for excess water or any other fluid in the contained inlet material. This is pivotal as it mitigates waterlogging which can potentially alter the structural integrity of your infill material.
- Ventilation: Perforated geocells permit the entry and emission of gases within your infill material. In soil management, this is indispensable as it facilitates adequate air exchange whilst averting the accumulation of harmful gases in the soil.
- Root Penetration: When trying to control soil erosion, planting vegetation is one of the recommended solutions. Implementing this technique together with perforated geocells guarantees you a reinforced slope. Perforated geocells provide avenues for your vegetation’s roots to spread.
As such, they are often utilized in;
- Wall construction retention.
- Slope stabilization.
- Landscaping projects.
- Green roofs.
Non-Perforated Geocells
Non-perforated geocells are engineered to provide you with the utmost infill material enclosure. They are deprived of the perforations synonymous with perforated geocells, hence they are prominent in applications necessitating high load-bearing capacities. This non-perforated structure is advantageous in several ways;
- High Load Support: Non-perforated geocells come with solid walls meaning there is zero spillage of your infill material. This also translates into evenly distributed infill materials, which ultimately facilitate high load-bearing capacities.
- Elevated Containment: Be it soil or concrete, non-perforated geocells guarantee you maximum confinement. This solid structure mitigates lateral movements thereby ensuring that your infill material is securely contained.
As such, these types of geocells are preferred in;
- Railway ballast reinforcement
- Road construction
- Soil erosion control
- Embarkments
- Waterways
Material-Based Classification
Geocells are also manufactured using varying materials and this distinction in construction material is essential given that it opens up more use opportunities. Each material boasts distinct strengths. Commonly utilized material-based geocells include;
Polyethylene Geocells
Polyethylene geocells are manufactured using sheets of polyethylene, which makes them UV degradation resistant. They boast excellent chemical resistance properties which permits their use in rough conditions. They are primarily divided into;
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Geocells: These are advanced polyethylene geocells characterized by a stronger fabric and a higher melting point. This elevates their resistance to wear and tear while reinforcing their load-bearing capacity.
- Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Geocells: These unique polyethylene geocells are distinguished by their lighter weight and relative elasticity. Additionally, they boast of a high chemical resistance thus permitting their use to contain contaminated infill materials.
Polyethylene geocells are broadly utilized in;
- Railway embankments
- Steep slope soil erosion control
- Soil erosion control in riverbanks
- Road construction.
Polyester Geocells
Polyester geocells are not your average geocells. They are manufactured by stitching polyester yarns of the highest quality to generate a 3D configuration. This makes them comparatively stronger, stiffer, and more flexible. They are currently being exploited in applications such as;
- Slope stabilization
- Wall retention
- Road reinforcement
- Pavement reinforcement
- Green roofs
Polypropylene Geocells
Polypropylene geocells are specially designed to help you contain moderate loads of infill materials. They are characterized by their construction material, which is high-grade polypropylene resin. They permit fluid to permeate through and you can use them on uneven surfaces.
Polypropylene geocells can come in handy if you are looking to;
- Secure embarkments from soil erosion
- Reinforce low-traffic walkways and driveways
- Line channels
- Stabilize a slope
- Facilitate fluid flow in landfills
Geotextile Geocells
Geotextile geocells are known for supplementing their incredible infill material containment properties with filtration functions. This is achieved by integrating geotextile fabrics into the makeup of cellular containment systems. Compared to other geocells, they accommodate more applications including;
- Green roofs
- Shoreline stabilization
- Landfill capping
- Soil containment
- Drainage swales
Hybrid Geocells
Hybrid geocells are exceptional geocells renowned for their composite configuration, which permits their use in multiple complex applications. They are generated by blending numerous high-quality materials like geogrids and geocells. This integration makes them ideal for infill material containment, filtration, and drainage.
Hybrid geocells play an essential role in the following applications;
- Reinforcing bridge approaches
- Retaining massive walls
- Heavy-duty pavements
- Steep slope stabilization
- Reinforcement of soft soil
Recycled Plastic Geocell
Recycled plastic geocells are revered for their sustainability and ability to match the effectiveness of virgin plastic geocells. They are typically manufactured from repurposed polyethylene and polypropylene. Recycled plastic geocells are generally highly effective however, their effectiveness fluctuates depending on the recycling process utilized.
Their applications are quite similar to those of typical geocells and they include;
- Channel lining
- Soil erosion control
- Road embankments
- Railway embankments
- Slope stabilization
Connection-Based Classification
An alternative way of classifying geocells is based on their connection mechanism. This classification looks at the varying ways in which your geocell materials are processed to generate the final geocell. These geocells include;
Welded Geocells
Welded geocells are your typical geocells. However, they are distinguished by their distinct connection mechanism, which involves welding. This connection technique equips welded geocells with robust structures thus qualifying their use in high load bearing capacities. Some commonly utilized welding techniques include;
- Ultrasonic welding
- Laser welding
- Thermal welding
Today, welded geocells are more suited to;
- Controlling soil erosion
- Slope protection
- Coastal structures
- Road embankments
- Riverbank reinforcement
- Shorelines reinforcement
Interlocking Geocells
Interlocking geocells are known for their stable matric which is achieved by interlocking the teeth or tabs of adjacent cells. As such, these geocells offer improved infill material distribution hence they are widely utilized in slope reinforcement and soil stabilization. However, the use of interlocking geocells in heavy-duty applications is discouraged.
Their use in the following applications is however tremendously encouraged;
- Reinforcing walkways
- Reinforcing driveways
- Reinforcing parking lots
- Retaining walls
- Decorative landscaping
Strapped Geocells
Strapped geocells guarantee even distribution and long-term stability owing to their configuration, which comprises strapped cells. The strapped cells are bonded together using connectors, which elevate the reinforcement powers of strapped geocells. These forms of geocells can be manufactured from varying materials and they may incorporate other bonding techniques like welding.
Their primary uses include;
- Reinforcing steeper slopes
- Reinforcing larger structures
- Bridge abutments
- Road construction
- Railway ballast reinforcement
Stitched Geocells
Stitched geocells rely on robust fibers or threads to link various cells. By employing stitching as the primary connection method, stitched geocells boast unrivaled flexibility and drainage properties. Most stitched geocells are made from geotextiles hence they support distinct applications. Their primary uses include;
- Green roofs
- Soil reinforcement
- Erosion control
- Landscaping
- Vegetated wall retaining
Friction-Fit Geocells
As their name suggests, these geocells utilize friction forces to create and retain their configuration. Primarily, friction-fit geocells are connected by interlocking neighboring cells. However, to maintain their structural integrity, frictional resistance is necessitated. They are prominently exploited in temporary infill material containment applications like;
- Retaining temporary walls
- Temporary storage structures
- Temporary road walks
- Decorative landscaping
Pin-Connected Geocells
Pin-connected geocells are advanced geocells featuring pins that provide additional linkage of adjacent cells. The deployment of these additional pins is designed to elevate their load-bearing capacity and stabilize their configuration. These geocells are capable of maintaining their structure even when you exploit them to confine large infill materials or structures. Their primary applications include;
- Channel linings
- Large structure reinforcement
- Steep slope reinforcement
- High-stress environments
Application-Based Classification
Geocells find great usage in distinct architectural and environmental applications. each of these applications comes with a unique set of demands thereby necessitating a customized geocell. Here are common geocell types categorized based on their suitable use scenarios.
Load Support Geocells
Load support geocells are characterized by the strength of the materials they are made from. This allows their deployment in applications dealing with heavy loads such as soil or gravel distribution over broad areas. They help with load support by containing your infill material whilst preventing its lateral movement.
Load support geocells are prominently utilized to:
- Reinforce pathways
- Stabilize vegetated slopes
- Stabilize parking lots
- Build landing pads
- Elevate slope stability
Soil Stabilization Geocells
These geocells are specialized to help you elevate the load-bearing capacity of your soil or other infill material. They also mitigate soil erosion by containing your soil within cells and mitigating its lateral movement. Using these geocells in construction applications like pavement construction can save you a fortune because you will build thinner pavements.
Soil stabilization geocells are designed for applications such as;
- Shoreline protection
- Road construction
- Vehicle stabilization mats
- Reinforce vegetated slopes
- Slope stabilization
Vegetation Support Geocells
Vegetation support geocells are specially built to support ecological sustainability by integrating vegetative conservation and soil containment. These geocells are customized to foster the growth of the plantation and may feature perforations to facilitate root movement and air exchange. Ultimately, they create a habitat and leave you with a visually appealing aesthetic.
Vegetative geocells are ideal for the following uses;
- Rooftop gardens.
- Green wall retention.
- Ecological restoration.
- Shoreline protection.
- Vegetated pathways.
Erosion Control Geocells
Erosion control geocells are engineered to mitigate the devastating effects of soil erosion on slopes or other surfaces. They are typically manufactured from distinct materials including polypropylene and HDPE and they essentially act as barricades that avert erosive forces. They encourage the growth of vegetation while reducing the erosive power of water.
Common applications of erosion control geocells include;
- Riverbank protection.
- Shoreline protection.
- Slope stabilization.
- Landfill cover.
- Channel protection.
Slope Stabilization Geocells
Slope stabilization geocells are customized containment systems engineered to stabilize hilly areas thereby facilitating the erection of structures. They confine soil or other infill materials in a matrix, which mitigates the collapsing of your slope. These geocells simply reinforce the soil and minimize lateral movement thus creating an even surface.
Slope stabilization geocells find great usage in applications such as;
- Embarkments
- Roadside slopes.
- Riverbanks
- Shorelines
- Landfill covers.
Channel Protection Geocells
Channel protection geocells are unique geocells renowned for safeguarding waterways by controlling erosion near them. These geocells are uniquely designed to withstand substantial forces of wear and tear and you can fill them with distinct infill materials. They are available in different forms including geotextile and HDPE geocells.
You can utilize a channel protection geocell to;
- Safeguard river banks and beds
- Stabilize drainage channels
- Reinforce canals
- Manage stormwater
- Protect shorelines
Roadway Reinforcement Geocells
These specialized geocells are designed to contain infill materials like compacted soil, which acts as the foundation for road construction. They help even out road surfaces for road construction while mitigating unprecedented cracking. Roadway reinforcement geocells improve load distribution and ultimately increase the lifespan of roads.
They are primarily exploited to;
- Stabilize subgrades
- Construct temporary roads
- Stabilize road embarkments
- Stabilize road shoulders
- Runway stabilization
Cell Depth Classification
The depth of geocells hugely impacts their suitability for certain applications. This depth ranges from shallow to deep and it can be measured in millimeters. Here are the distinct depth classifications you can choose from.
Shallow Geocells
Shallow geocells are fitted with comparatively shorter cells and this limits their suitability for applications such as surface erosion management. Their depth ranges from 50mm to 200mm making them quite easy to install. You can exploit shallow geocells to accomplish one of the following functions.
- Landscaping
- Green roofing
- Surface erosion control
- Stormwater management
- Create shallow foundations
Medium Geocells
Medium geocells come with a cell depth that is bigger than that of shallow geocells but smaller than that of deep geocells. As such, they are primarily designed to gratify the demands of applications necessitating medium-depth geocells. Typically, their cell depth ranges from 200mm to 300mm and their most prominent applications include;
- Retaining walls
- Embarkments
- Slope stabilization
- Permeable pavements
Deep Geocells
Deep geocells are known for their unrivaled infill material containment depth. They boast of a cell depth well above 300 mm hence they are specialized for heavy-duty applications. Deep-depth geocells can pack more infill material resulting in better load distribution and elevated reinforcement. Their common uses include;
- Highway pavements
- Industrial yards
- Subgrade stabilization
- Channel protection
Choosing the Ideal Geocell Type for Your Application
A geocell will only fulfill its set goals if you pick the right system and deploy it accordingly. This underlines the importance of settling on the ideal geocell. Factoring in the following points should help you choose the best geocell.
- Intended Application
- Geocell Material
- Cell depth
- Expected load
- Subgrade conditions
- Geocell connection mechanism
Geocells have proven their worth in environmental restoration and infrastructure development hence the invention of new geocell types is always welcomed. The aforementioned types of geocells are guaranteed to provide you with a viable solution the next time you have an engineering or ecological issue.
At LIANYI, we offer a range of Geosynthetic materials including Geogrid, Geotextile, Geomembrane, and Geonet – request for quotation now.
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