Geogrid For Retaining Walls
The use of geogrid for retaining walls helps to reduce the chance of soil erosion. It prevents landslides, which can damage roads and even take lives. It also helps to keep railroads from slipping, which can cause train derailments.
Geogrid soil reinforcement is employed if the weight of VERSA-LOK wall units alone cannot resist the force of an unstable soil wedge or any load above it. It is placed in horizontal layers that provide tensile strength to the reinforced soil mass.
It prevents landslides
Geogrids are a simple technology that can make a big difference in civil engineering projects. They provide stability and increase longevity to paths, roads, walls, and more. They also prevent soil from shifting during an earthquake. Geogrids are easy to install and have a high tensile strength.
When used in the construction of retaining walls, geogrids can help stabilize the wall’s slope. This can help avoid landslides and other natural disasters. They are also a great choice for stabilizing soils, especially on sloping terrain. They can be inserted into the slope using trenching techniques. Geogrids are made of multi-filament polyester and are reinforced with coated PVC plastic. They are designed to confine gravel and aggregate soil in the grid holes, which limits lateral shifting of the soil.
The resulting reinforced soil mass becomes part of the retaining wall and gives it additional size and weight to resist forces from behind it. As the retaining wall grows taller, longer geogrid lengths are needed to support the soil mass.
Most man-made retaining wall blocks require the use of geogrid at exposed wall heights of 36”-48”, depending on the block design and size, whether there is a surcharge above the barrier, or other factors. It is recommended that you consult a local engineer to determine the exact geogrid requirements for your specific wall.
It prevents railroads from slipping
Trains are very heavy, and they can cause major damage to the road if it gives way. Using geogrid to prevent railroads from slipping and other hazards can save lives and property. In addition, it can increase the lifespan of a roadway, and help reduce maintenance costs.
The use of geogrid in retaining walls depends on geogrid for retaining walls the wall building materials and the soil conditions. For example, clay soils are the most cantankerous and least cooperative to work with. They resist compaction, swell when wet and contract when dry, making them difficult to build on or retain. Geogrid is most needed in these conditions, but it can be used to help stabilize any retaining wall.
Generally, biaxial geogrid is preferred in most applications. Its apertures interact with the ballast aggregates and limit lateral movement of particles. The interaction between the aggregates and geogrid also increases their contact area, distributing internal loads more evenly. This can greatly reduce the axial and radial strains in the ballast layer.
Once excavation is complete and a good, smooth leveling pad has been built, it’s time to install the first course of blocks. Begin by cutting the geogrid from the roll to the correct length for its embedment depth. Check your geogrid manufacturer’s specifications for specifics. It is best to cut the geogrid so that it overlaps the top face of the lower block and is not visible once the wall has been constructed.
It prevents asphalt from breaking
When used as a reinforcement material in retaining walls, geogrid confines the soil and prevents it from shifting. It also stabilizes the wall and protects the asphalt below it from damage. This is especially important in areas prone to seismic activity, where the movement of the earth can cause pavement failure.
Geogrid is a synthetic mesh that consists of apertures that interlock with the adjacent aggregate or soils. It’s available in many sizes and strengths, and can be woven from polypropylene or polyester. It’s important to choose the right geogrid for your project, as it’ll determine how much strength it has. For example, biaxial geogrids can be rolled both toward and away from the wall, but they’ll retain their strength, while uniaxial geogrids have only one direction of strength.
Depending on the material that is being retained, geogrid is necessary at various stages of the construction process. For Appleton, Neenah and Fox Cities clay soils, it is desirable to use a geogrid whenever the exposed wall height exceeds 24’’.
Before placing a geogrid, always read the approved plans to ensure you’re using it in the correct way. Follow the guidelines for positioning VERSA-LOK blocks and cut the geogrid according Uniaxial Plastic Geogrid to those instructions. Avoid overlapping layers of VERSA-Grid without placing soil fill between them. It’s a good idea to use longer geogrid lengths for taller walls, as they may need extra support.
It prevents soil from shifting
As you build your retaining wall, it is essential to use geogrid. It helps prevent soil from shifting and protects you from falling debris, which can be very dangerous. It also reduces the pressure on the wall, which allows it to last longer. Using a geogrid in your retaining wall will make the job safer and easier for you and your crew.
A geogrid is an excellent choice for a retaining wall, especially in areas with a steep slope. This is because the lateral pressure on the wall is higher than in other areas. Geogrids reinforce the cylinder of soil behind the wall and help it resist failure.
To install a geogrid, first excavate the soil area for reinforcement. Once the grid has been placed, a layer of geotextile fabric should be laid on top. This layer will separate the underlying soil from the geogrid. It will also prevent the migration of fines.
Next, place the backfill over the grid in 8 inch lifts. Wait to drive rubber-tired or tracked equipment over the grid until the final lift has been compacted thoroughly. Driving or turning equipment directly over the geogrid can cause excessive damage and may cause the retaining wall to shift or even fail.
Make sure the retaining wall is built according to the final, professionally engineered construction drawings (P.E. stamped) and the soil-reinforcement layer specifications provided by the geogrid manufacturer. A certified lab should carry out critical “Connection Capacity Testing” on the geogrid-block connections to ensure proper tensile strength.
