What is Plastic Geogrid?
Plastic Geogrid is a geosynthetic compound designed from materials such as polymers, high-density polyethylene, or polypropylene. Similarly, it is also characterized by its resistance to corrosion as well as high tensile strength thus exhibiting a high junction efficiency. Plastic geogrid can be of different types depending on the purposes they are intended to serve as well as the materials used in their manufacture. For instance, there are three types of plastic geogrid namley; uniaxial, triaxial, and biaxial plastic geogrid. All these types differ from each other in terms of their structure orientation, and purpose.
Triangular Geogrid Structure
This type of structure is usually exhibited by triaxial geogrid. They constitute rib-like bars that are organized in three directions and that are perpendicular to each other. This orientation is significant since it provides support and reinforcement from three different dimensions thus enhancing stability and strength.
One-Way Strength Geogrid Structure
This structure entails a single orientation of the rib-like bars. As opposed to the triangular structure, this type of structure has a relatively lower strength, especially in the transverse direction but has high tensile strength. Furthermore, the single orientation principle in this structure makes uniaxial geogrid suitable for applications that require reinforcement in a single direction such as slopes, wall retaining, and embankments.
Longitudinally and Transverse Geogrid Stretching
This structure is exhibited in biaxial geogrid whereby the tensile strength is exerted in both transverse and longitudinal directions. The comparable strength exhibited in the two directions results in providing stability and reinforcement. As a result, geogrid with this type of structure are preferred in load support, soil strengthening, and road and pavement construction.
Classification Criteria of Geogrid
Plastic geogrid can be classified into three main classifications according to the type of structure they possess. These include; uniaxial, biaxial and triaxial geogrid.
Uniaxial Plastic Geogrid
They possess ribs that are characteristically oriented in a one-way principal direction. They also have a high tensile strength spread along the direction of the ribs. As a consequence of this, they are commonly applied in the field of engineering in areas such as making pavement reinforcements, retaining walls, embankments, and steep slopes.
Biaxial Geogrid
Biaxial geogrid as opposed to uniaxial geogrid have a two-way rib orientation in both transverse and longitudinal directions. Due to this, the strength exerted from the two directions provides soil reinforcement in double perpendicular directions. Biaxial geogrid is commonly applied in the construction sector such as in pavement, load support, and road construction.
Triaxial Geogrid
They exhibit a triangular structure in that the ribs are characteristically oriented in three different directions that are perpendicular to each other. As opposed to biaxial geogrid, this type of geogrid provides strength and reinforcement from three different points that are perpendicular to each other. Similarly, they are also characterized by their high tensile strength and high load-bearing ability. They can be applied in areas such as wall retaining, stabilization of slopes as well as in load support systems.
Advantages of Plastic Geogrid
Plastic geogrid are termed advantageous in many ways as opposed to other types of geogrid. Some of these advantages are discussed below;
Durability
This can be attributed to their ability to resist corrosive chemicals which may lead to biological degradation. In the same way, Plastic geogrid is also resistant to moisture as well as UV rays since they maintain their structural status during such harsh environmental conditions.
Cost-Effective
As opposed to other types of geogrid, plastic geogrid are a relatively cheaper option. This is due to low costs of production as well as distribution. Likewise, they are easy to work with thus making them to be easily installed as compared to other types of geogrid.
High Tensile Strength
They can withstand high pressure and loads since the pressure is evenly distributed throughout the material. Consequently, they are suitable for stabilizing soils specifically improving the bearing capacity of soils.
Resistant to Corrosion
Compared to other types of geogrid, this type of geogrid is usually resistant to rust and corrosion. For example, geogrid made of metal and other related materials are highly likely to be affected by rust since they react in the presence of oxygen and moisture to form rust.
Various types of materials can be suitable for the making of geosynthetic compounds. The type of material used therefore determines the features and uses of a particular type of geogrid. Below are some of the best materials used to make geogrid.
Steel Plastic Geogrid
These types of geogrid are made from steel wires that have a high tensile strength in conjunction with other additives such as treatment chemicals and polyethylene through processes such as extrusion. The belt achieved through this process is thereafter woven at specific distances both horizontally and vertically and joints are joined together by welding.
Polyester Geogrid
They are also referred to as warp-knitted geogrid. They offer strength to buildings and roads since they strongly compact gravel and soil. This is due to their high tear and tensile strength thus making them to be suitable where the soil is very loose.
PP Mining Geogrid
They are composed of polymers and polypropylene compounds achieved through processes such as stretching and extrusion. Are mainly suitable for underground projects such as coal mining. They are characterized by their resistant nature to corrosion, high tensile strength as well as ease of installation.
Fiberglass Geogrid
They are made by coating and weaving glass fiber that has high tensile modulus, high lateral and longitudinal tensile strength as well as low elongation. They are commonly applied in a variety of fields such as in making pavements, roads, and walls that require strong reinforcement.
Where to Use Plastic Geogrid
They can be applied in a variety of areas. Below are some of the examples where plastic geogrid can be applied.
Road Construction
You can construct curvets of sections of the entire road surface.
Slope Reinforcement
They protect highways and railways thereby prevent soil or particles from falling apart.
Foundation Reinforcement
Freight yards, airports, roads and parking lots needs reliable reinforcement to bear the load. This is where these Geogrids come in.
Soil Conservation
By holding soil particles together, these Geogrids prevent loose soil from being swept away by wind or water. Consequently, they prevent soil erosion.
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