Components, systems and materials › Slope protection and rockfall › Geocell
Geocell
What it is
A geocell is a three-dimensional honeycomb made of welded polymer strips, expanded on site and filled with soil, sand, aggregate or concrete.
Where it is used
Slope erosion control, channel linings, load support on soft ground, unpaved roads, retaining walls and green walls.
How it works
Each cell confines its infill. On slopes, the cells stop topsoil sliding and let vegetation establish. Under loads, confinement raises the stiffness of the granular fill and spreads wheel loads over a wider area, which reduces rutting on weak subgrades.
Types
- Perforated and non-perforated cells
- different cell depths
- textured walls for better friction
Materials
Usually high-density polyethylene or other polymer strips; infill of topsoil, aggregate or concrete; anchoring pins or tendons on slopes.
Cell depth, infill and anchoring are chosen for the slope angle or load. On steep slopes, tendons or pins hold the mat. For load support, the benefit is usually assessed with design charts or tests rather than assumed.
Installation and QA steps
- Grade and compact the subgrade
- Place geotextile if needed
- Expand panels and pin them
- Fill cells from the top of the slope down
- Compact and seed or pave
- Panels not anchored on steep slopes
- Overfilling with oversized stone that tears walls
- UV damage where infill is lost
Codes cited
- IRC:SP:59 (India): Guidelines for use of geosynthetics in road pavements and associated works.
Cited by number only. We do not reproduce code text, tables or figures.
Related
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