Geocells in Construction | Working & Types

Have you ever wondered how engineers manage to build stable structures on weak or unstable soil? The answer lies in the innovative technology of geocells.

Geocells-Confining the Soil
Image Credits: Suntech Geotextiles

Geocells are cellular confinement systems consisting of interconnected plastic cells filled with soil, gravel, or other granular materials. These geocells provide a stable base for construction projects, prevent soil erosion, protects slope and even help with environmental restoration efforts. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at geocells and how they are transforming the way we build on and interact with the natural world.

What is a Geocell?

Geocells are three-dimensional honeycomb-like structures filled with soil, gravel, or other materials to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. 

They possess an open cellular structure and are expandable allowing them to conform to a particular terrain and hold the material from collapsing.

Geocells for Slopes
Image Credits: BaseLok

Geocells take the form of a 3D expandable panel and are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, or another polymer material. 

Working of Geocells

Geocell reinforcement operates through a set of crucial mechanisms such as vertical and lateral confinement, beam effect, and enhanced load distribution. As the soil enclosed within a geocell undergoes loading, it exerts lateral stresses on the walls of the cell. 

Thanks to the three-dimensional confinement zone, the geocell restrains the sideward displacement of soil particles. Moreover, the vertical loading applied to the infill leads to substantial lateral stress and resistance at the interface between the cell and the soil.

In the case of pavement construction, cellular confinement systems maintain soil compaction, thereby increasing the structural strength of the infill and pavement layer.

Types of Geocells

The two types of geocells are perforated and non-perforated geocells.

Perforated Geocells

Perforated Geocells
Image Credits: BaseCore

Perforated geocells have small perforations or holes in their walls to allow water and air to flow through them. The perforations help to improve the load distribution and reduce the chances of distortion. 

Non-Perforated Geocells

Non-Perforated Geocells
Image Credits: Jual Geotextile

These have smooth and solid walls without perforations to prevent the infiltration of water and keep the soil inside the cell. 

Advantages of Geocells

The main advantages of geocells are:

1. To protect and stabilize steeply sloped surfaces
2. To act as a protective lining of channels and hydraulic structures to prevent the entry of soil particles.
3. The 3D grid structure of geocells distributes the load coming over it evenly over a larger area and prevents soil failure. Hence they act as static and dynamic load support for weak subgrades.
4. To make multi-layered earth-retaining and water-retaining structures.
5. The great load distribution capabilities of geocells when applied in road and pavement construction, help to keep the subgrade soil intact for a longer period thus helping to have durable infrastructure.
6. Environmentally friendly as geocells can be filled with plants, concrete, or locally available materials like dirt or gravel to confine the area, without the need for quarrying.

Application of Geocells

The major areas of applications of geocells are:

• Road and Pavement Construction
• Landscape Architecture
• Retaining wall, Embankment, and Levees Reinforcement 
• Green Roofs and Walls

Geocells for Green Roof Construction
Image Credits: Airfield Systems

Geocells offer a versatile and eco-friendly solution for a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. The technology's ability to promote soil stabilization, erosion control, and environmental restoration makes it a popular choice for infrastructure development in the current era where sustainability and eco-friendly practices are highly valued.

As we continue to face growing environmental concerns and strive for sustainable development, geocell technology is likely to play an increasingly crucial role in meeting these challenges. Therefore, it is safe to say that residing in a world where sustainability and eco-friendly practices are highly valued, geocell emerges as a prime alternative as a green solution.