Different materials, give different results. Application of the correct material is a key engineering decision.
This article outlines the most common geogrid materials, and how they are typically used on construction projects.
Why are the Material Types Important?
The composition of the material applied will determine its capacity for strength, stiffness and long term durability. There are situations where different types of soil and load conditions will call for different behaviour from the geogrid that you plan to deploy to reinforce the ground. Some materials will be better suited to load long term loading, and there will be others more appropriate to cost sensitive or temporary job. Selection of the correct material type can therefore have a direct bearing on the safety and longevity of any given structure.
HDPE Geogrid – Most Economical and Commonly Used
Consisting of “High-Density Polyethylene”, HDPE geogrid is most commonly seen in use for the construction of road bases and embankments. Its main benefits are;
Good chemical resistance
Economically attractive solution.
“Fit for Purpose” on medium load projects.
HDPE geogrids, however, may not be acceptable for high load, permanent “hard” structures, because they will show signs of creep under long term heavy stress.
PP Geogrid – Lightweight and Simple to Install
PP geogrids constructed from Polypropylene are flexible and lightweight. You will find HDPE geogrids applied across highway reinforcement works, and in the protection of major gradients and slopes. The main benefits are;
Extremely simple to transport and install
Good moisture resistance on sub-grade surfaces.
Lay-out is Fitzgerald for light or medium load leaving the materials long for temporary
Reliability and accuracy make “close fit” or companion and long usage that follows make leaving geogrids occasionally light.
PET Geogrid – High Strength and Long Lasting
You are likely to come across Polyester geogrids that have been constructed from high tenacity plastic PET remains one of the longest most widespread. A range of typical applications for the fabric include:
Reinforcing of retaining walls
Reinforcement on all types of wooden structures
Soft soil stabilisation
PET geogrids have comparatively low creep, and comparatively high tensile strengths, making them ideal for long load-bearing structures of the highest respective use. On the other hand, they may often need external protection in alkaline environment but is the right geogrid for you. Can be protected from alkaline .
Fibreglass Geogrid – Excellent for Pavement Reinforcement
Fibreglass geogrids are also used extensively in the road construction game, typically in the reinforcement of the asphalt to achieve longer life for the pavement itself. Applications would include;
Asphalts with regard to crack control
Grading potholes, or cracks, and also helping to prevent reflective cracks when the road surface is laid fresh.
For overlaying pavement wearing surfaces, this would add to the computer.
Fatigue in wearing surface itself.
Dries out much, and immediately shatters its asphalt blend. The bitumen coat is applied to assist bonding with the asphalt material that ultimately lays over it. High modulus low elongation models being available.
Steel Plastic Geogrid – Reinforcement for Fairly Heavy Load
Having steel wire then wrapped in a plastic coat provides a structure with very high tensile strength. You will find use most commonly in such things as the reinforcement of roads created while looking for minerals in valleys or rough ground, and of course, in heavy embankments, or shoring of retaining structures. Resists deformation from high load effectively.
Basalt Fibre Geogrid – Heat Resistant
This material is crazy-strong but also flows from rock and volcanic goo. Its main use appears to be high temperature asphalt. You’d tend to lay it down for the road or second down, and buy a special type of the stuff for your heavy duty, impressive infrastructure or industrial roads inbound from your quarry.
Multiaxis Geogrids – Better Load Distribution
Improvements all around, and nothing like the bottom of your sink. Heavy compression efforts are made to ensure that geogrids are designed to attach in as many different ways all surrounding an impact zone on a targeted portion of weak soil, in a mound, where it catches a punt, is common. Close-knit from a storage-yards view is reducing to save localized failure in some of the other geotechnics benefits on the task.