Geocell Overview
Geocell is a three-dimensional honeycomb grid structure made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET), ultrasonically welded or stapled to form closed units. These units are expanded to form a cell-like structure filled with gravel, soil, sand and gravel, which can effectively limit the lateral movement of the filler, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and foundation stability.
HDPE geocell: most common, high strength, chemical corrosion resistance;
PP geocell: good rigidity, suitable for structural reinforcement;
PET geocell: strong UV resistance, suitable for use in exposed environments.
Geocell Effect
Bearing dispersion and load diffusion; the load acts on the upper part of the cell, and the cell structure diffuses the concentrated load outward through the lateral limiting effect of its three-dimensional unit, thereby reducing stress concentration and improving the bearing capacity of the roadbed structure.
Limiting lateral displacement; the filler is bound by the cell unit and is not prone to lateral flow, effectively preventing shear failure and plastic deformation, and is particularly suitable for soft foundation and slope structures.
Improving friction and shear resistance; friction is formed between the cell structure and the filler, and the overall stability of the soil is enhanced through the "locking" effect, improving the anti-slip performance.
Application mechanism in soil stabilization
Stabilize weak soil; Use geocells on unstable foundations such as soft foundations, silt or expansive soil to form a "reinforced cushion" to enhance structural stability.
Anti-settlement and anti-cracking performance; The cell redistributes soil stress, local settlement and cracking problems, and is an important means to deal with settlement-sensitive areas.
Prevent erosion and scouring; When the slope or side slope is stable, the cell can consolidate vegetation and soil, effectively resist rainwater scouring and wind erosion, and form an ecological slope protection system.
Geocell application scenarios
Road base and cushion reinforcement; highway and railway base structures to improve soft foundation stability and anti-settlement ability.
Slope and bank protection engineering; fill soil or vegetation after laying cells on the slope to effectively control slope sliding and rainwater erosion.
Foundation reinforcement; handle high-load areas such as airport runways, stockpiles, ports, etc., to improve bearing capacity and reduce settlement.
Emergency engineering; quickly deploy temporary roads, aprons, protective walls, etc., and the cells can be quickly deployed and filled to adapt to field operations.
Soil stabilization geocell is a new type of geotechnical structural material that combines enhanced load-bearing capacity, stable protection, convenient construction, environmental protection and energy saving. It has demonstrated excellent engineering adaptability in soft foundation reinforcement, slope protection, ecological management, etc. Geocell will play a key role in more complex geological environments and green infrastructure construction.