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.