Geocell for Road Subgrade Reinforcement

Product Definition

Geocell for Road Subgrade Reinforcement is a three-dimensional cellular confinement system made of polymer strips welded into a honeycomb structure, designed to improve bearing capacity, distribute loads, and control deformation in road subgrade engineering.

Technical Parameters and Specifications

• Material type: HDPE or Novel Polymer Alloy (NPA)

• Cell height: 50 mm / 75 mm / 100 mm / 150 mm / 200 mm

• Cell size (expanded): 200 × 200 mm or 250 × 250 mm

• Sheet thickness: 1.1–1.8 mm

• Weld spacing: 330 mm / 356 mm / 445 mm

• Weld peel strength: ≥1000 N/10 cm

• Tensile strength at yield: ≥20 MPa

• Environmental resistance: UV-stabilized, chemical and biological resistant

• Design service life: ≥50 years (buried condition)

Structure and Material Composition

• Geocell Strips: Extruded polymer sheets with controlled thickness

• Ultrasonic Welds: High-strength bonding points forming cellular network

• Cellular Matrix: Three-dimensional confinement structure after expansion

• Anchoring Elements: Steel or polymer anchors for slope or subgrade fixation

• Infill Materials: Gravel, crushed stone, sand, or stabilized soil

Manufacturing Process

1. Raw Material Compounding: Polymer resin blending with stabilizers

2. Sheet Extrusion: Precision extrusion to achieve uniform thickness

3. Strip Cutting: Automated cutting to design width and length

4. Ultrasonic Welding: CNC-controlled welding at specified intervals

5. Quality Inspection: Weld strength, tensile testing, dimensional checks

6. Folding & Packaging: Compact folding for transport efficiency

Industry Comparison

Application Scenarios

• Highway and expressway subgrade reinforcement

• Soft soil and weak foundation treatment

• Rural and temporary access roads

• Heavy-load industrial roads and logistics yards

• EPC road infrastructure projects

Core Pain Points and Solutions

• Excessive subgrade settlement: Geocell confinement increases modulus of base layer

• Low bearing capacity on soft soil: Load dispersion reduces stress concentration

• High maintenance costs: Reinforced structure extends pavement service life

• Material transportation challenges: Allows use of locally available infill materials

Risk Warnings and Mitigation Measures

• Insufficient welding strength may cause structural failure; verify test reports

• Improper cell height selection can reduce reinforcement efficiency; match to traffic load

• Inadequate infill compaction leads to deformation; follow layered compaction standards

• UV exposure during storage; ensure covered storage before installation

Procurement and Selection Guide

1. Assess subgrade soil conditions and bearing capacity

2. Define traffic load class and design life

3. Select appropriate geocell height and sheet thickness

4. Confirm weld spacing and peel strength requirements

5. Verify compliance with relevant standards and testing data

6. Evaluate supplier manufacturing capability and project references

Engineering Case Study

In a heavy-duty logistics road project built on silty clay subgrade, a 150 mm high Geocell for Road Subgrade Reinforcement was installed over a geotextile separation layer and filled with crushed stone. Plate load tests showed an increase in bearing capacity from 120 kPa to over 260 kPa, while long-term settlement was reduced by approximately 40% after two years of operation.

FAQ

1. What infill materials are suitable? — Crushed stone, gravel, sand, or stabilized soil.

2. Is geocell suitable for heavy traffic roads? — Yes, with proper design parameters.

3. Does it replace geogrid? — It complements or replaces depending on design needs.

4. What is the typical installation thickness? — Usually one geocell layer per design.

5. Can it be used on slopes? — Yes, with anchoring systems.

6. How is quality verified on site? — Visual inspection and compaction testing.

7. What standards apply? — Commonly ASTM, ISO, or local highway specifications.

8. Is drainage affected? — No, open cells allow water movement.

9. What equipment is required? — Light machinery and standard compaction tools.

10. What is the expected service life? — Over 50 years in buried conditions.

Call to Action

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E-E-A-T Author Credentials

This content is prepared by civil engineering professionals with more than 15 years of experience in geosynthetics, road subgrade reinforcement, and infrastructure EPC projects, providing technical consulting and material evaluation for transportation developments worldwide.