Article Sheds Light on the Power of Geocells in Load Support Applications
Geocells are one of the most valuable tools in the civil engineering and construction industries today. When constructing roadways over soft soils and weak subgrades, geocells can make a significant impact. However, some engineers may be uncertain about using geocells due to a lack of understanding. A recent article aims to clear up any confusion and show the power of geocells in load support applications.
The article focuses on the concept of lateral confinement and how it relates to hoop stress in geocells. Through the process of lateral confinement, horizontal earth pressures are converted into upward resisting shear forces, making it possible to construct over weak subgrade materials with the use of suitable base reinforcement. The article also explains the relationship between hoop stress and lateral confinement in geocells, including how hoop stress develops and can be estimated.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of geocells, the article includes a summary of estimated hoop stresses under standard AASHTO load conditions. As the article shows, the tensile forces that develop under working loads are relatively modest and well within the elastic region of the material. This means that even after repeat traffic loads over many years, no permanent deformation or “creep” is expected to occur.
In conclusion, this article is a must-read for engineers looking to deepen their understanding of the power of geocells in load support applications. The article provides valuable insights into the relationship between lateral confinement and hoop stress, making it an important resource for anyone in the civil engineering and construction industries.
ABOUT PRESTO GEOSYSTEMS
Presto Geosystems is the original inventor and global leader in geocell technology. Our patented GEOWEB® cellular confinement system been installed on thousands of projects in every geographic region in the world, and is the only geocell technology that has stood the test of time for over forty years.
