10 Questions You Should to Know about Biaxial Plastic Geogrid

Biaxial Geogrids for Soil Reinforcement

Biaxial geogrids are called biaxial geogrids because they contain similar strength in both the machine and cross machine direction. It does not necessarily mean they have the same strength in both directions just that the geogrids are designed to provide support in both directions. Biaxial geogrids can be knitted, woven or extruded but the majority are extruded. Extruded biaxial geogrids are generally extruded using polypropylene with a small amount of carbon black added to give the geogrid the ability to resist UV degradation. Biaxial geogrid's primary application is for use in base stabilization. By placing the geogrid in the gravel base so that it can interlock with gravel above and below you can extend the service life or reduce the total amount of aggregate needed for a road or parking lot application.

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Testing Properties of Biaxial Geogrids

When dealing with biaxial geogrids, there are two orthogonal sets of polymeric tension-resistant components that are generally referred to as ribs. Junctions are formed at the crossover points of those ribs while the apertures between them allow for particles of the surrounding soil to penetrate between the ribs. Additionally, other testing properties include the ability of the soil surrounding the area to transfer stresses and strains on the surface of the ribs and the junctions, ultimate tensile strength and the ability of the ribs to meet minimum rib thickness.

How Does Biaxial Geogrid Stabilize the Subgrade?

In order to better stabilize the subgrade, biaxial geogrids confine the compacted aggregate soil into its apertures. Since the geogrid provides strength in both directions, the weight of the load across the surface of the geogrid is supported horizontally and vertically. When more weight is added to the load, the aggregate layers are compacted even more, further increasing the stability of the subgrade.

Combining Geogrids and Geotextiles

Geotextiles are used to separate dissimilar materials which prevents the mixture of granular subgrade materials into softer subsoils. Not only does this ensure that the ground is more stable for rigid pavement sections, but it also controls erosion and reinforces the strength of steep slopes in paved areas. When combined with an area where geogrids are in use, the stability of the subsoil is improved even more, creating a safer, more secure area.

How Do Biaxial Geogrids Save Time and Money?

Biaxial geogrids save time and money by simplifying the construction process, reducing the need for sub-excavation and reducing aggregate fill thickness. Once the process is complete, it also cuts down on the need for pavement replacement, which saves time and money in regard to future labor costs and the price of equipment use.

Common Extruded Biaxial Geogrid Questions with an Industry Expert

Q: What are the main conditions on a site that might lead someone wanting to utilize either biaxial extruded or another extruded grid for a project?

A: When we look at the use of Geo grid there's usually two main camps that you're in. The first one being soft soil, you get out there and you have an immediate problem. The contractor must either get equipment across or he's looking for a way to build some sort of working platform, the soils are too soft and so we use the geogrid in conjunction with stone and we build it up high enough thick enough that we can bridge over the soft soils that's the easy the simple hey we have a problem here's the solution. More of an immediate fix.

The second way we use it, or the other most common way is through pavement design where we're taking a complete pavement section usually asphalt on top of aggregate and then we're including a geogrid at the bottom. For one of two purposes, one being to extend the life of the pavement. Maybe your design is for 10 years, and you wanted it to last for 15 or 20, so you'd add the geogrid at the bottom to increase the life. The second way to look at it is we need it to last for 10 years but we can't afford this much asphalt thickness wise or this much aggregate and so we're adding a geogrid at the bottom and reducing either the asphalt thickness and or the aggregate thickness. That is all done through engineering, it's not black box it's all through AASHTO, the way that we do that. Those are the two main reasons or the two main uses of the Geogrid.

Q: Other than the design life are there other things that would help you determine what type of geogrid? What type of information would you need from a customer to point them in the right direction as far as on the design?

A: There's a lot of different ideas that go into this design. The main one being the softness of the soil, you know how soft, and we use a term called CBR, which is California bearing ratio and in layman's terms what that means is can I drive a truck across it without losing the truck or how much is it rutting when I drive the truck across or can I wear my good shoes out there without losing them, you know am I going to sink in. We use that softness of the soil as probably the main one. Then the type of aggregate that we're going to use. You know some places use concrete others use a regular Stone base, others even use a Sandy mix and so depending on the size of the aggregate and the thickness helps determine what strength geogrid we would like to use. Lastly, we're using what are we driving over, is it something like a Dairy Queen which would be 95 percent you know just regular folks like you and me driving over and

then a trash truck once a week so we will not need something as strong or says if we were doing a a railroad or a port or an interstate highway or even some of these major collector roads but you're going to have more truck traffic on it, once we get into construction equipment then we're at a whole different level and we're bumping up the strength of the Geogrid. So, we need to look at the soil, we need to look at the aggregate that's being used on top of it and then what is the actual application of this section.

Q: Do you often see non-woven filter Fabrics or some other type? I know there are some grids out there that have a non-woven fabric bonded to the grid and then some people use them in conjunction. What would be the purpose of that?

A: Well 95 of the time we do not use a fabric. A fabric is great to use as a factor of safety you know if you don't have all the field conditions, or they change throughout your area and it's great for separation. If for nothing else adding that in adds a degree of separation.  

Now with geogrid based on the sizing of the aggregate and the type of soil will naturally separate the two materials. For example, the Corps of Engineers though always recommends I shouldn't say always but most time recommends a non-woven fabric under the grid, that can never hurt. Most of the time if you're including it there's a reason for it such as separation or maybe a little bit of added strength and like you said before we can connect the two. We can either stitch it or bond it or weld it where you're not having to roll out two different products but just one product with both applications on it.

Q: Where would the extruded geogrid be placed? Is it at the bottom of the aggregate or do you put it kind of in the middle of the aggregate? How do you decide where to place the grid?

A: Good question, we have done, when I say we, the industry, has done lots of tests on where we should put that geogrid in the aggregate to give you the greatest benefit. It has come back that the greatest benefit is when you put the geogrid right on top of the soil, the existing or the prepared soil, and the aggregate right on top of that so it would be right at the interface of the soil and the rock. That being said, sometimes the thickness of the stone is 20 inches, obviously that would be at a port or an airport or something else that's receiving some ungodly amount of heavy-duty traffic. If you have, usually the rule of thumb is 12 to 14 inches, if you have more than 12 to 14 inches of stone you should either move the geogrid up about halfway or just add a second layer of grid which is what we do. The problem is when the grid gets too far away from the surface whether that be the surface of the asphalt if you're doing a paved application or the top of the aggregate section the benefit that it's showing goes down considerably if that grid is too far away from the surface because it's naturally spreading out right the load and by the time it gets down to the grid it's not doing as much as if you had moved it up halfway. Nine out of ten times you're putting it right on top of the soil and putting the grid right on top of that.

Q: On the site visits and everything that you've done are there common installation mistakes or best practices that you see as far as actually putting the geogrid in the ground?

A: I like to tell people when I'm out there I should be able to teach your 15-year-old how to put Grid in in about 30 minutes. It is a very simple product it comes in rolls you can kick it out and what they say is kick it and then you stack it, so you'll roll the grid out and then you put an aggregate on top of it. That's the key to installation, I mean it's not hard but, that being said there are some it's amazing what people will do to try and mess up a project. So, when you're putting rock on top of it you'd like to back dump onto the edge of the grid and kind of fan it out, if that makes sense, with your equipment. It is a very stiff product and so you'll get waves in it, and you want those waves to be able to escape to the edges and the back of the roll. If you're just doing it on one side and working your way down, you could have a little bit of ripple which could pop through the aggregate depending on how thick it is.

Other common-sense things we always recommend are for people to use gloves because it’s a stiff plastic and without gloves it'll rip your hands wide open. There's just no getting around that, it can cut you up something fierce. So be sure to have gloves and long sleeves. When you're cutting a roll, you can easily use a chop saw that'll cut a roll right in half, unlike a fabric for instance where the fabric is so thick and everything tends to melt, the grid has those openings and so you can cut right through it. Again, that edge is going to be very dangerous, I guess is the right word. With other people there's instances where you're on site and the weather is not helpful and it's windy, well this product will blow all over the place so some people will zip tie two rolls together. Your overlap is usually one to three feet. The wider the overlap the softer the soil. On the competent ground you just overlap it one foot so that it doesn't separate during installation, but some people will zip tie those together. You do have to worry about the waves not being able to get out, some people when they're starting will put big rocks on the edge of the grid and then take those off as that roll of geogrid has been covered up. It's all very simple but some common sense is required and the first time you put it down it's not bad to have someone out there just to make sure or answer any questions like that.

Q: Is there anything else you wish more people knew about the extruded geogrid and its use and just the industry in general? What are some places it's not being utilized as well as it should?

A: Well, that's the big thing, the rule of thumb or what people in the industry say is it's only being used on about 20% of the projects where it could be used. If you have some sort of construction need or interest most of the time, we can include some type of geosynthetic, specifically Geogrids for this one, to extend the life of your pavement, to get over some of those issues you have with soft soils, and or to save you money where we're taking the thickness and pushing it down. For instance, if you went through the engineering and your engineer says “hey you need 20 inches of stone to mitigate these soft soils” we can, this is rule of thumb, cut that in half with the use of the right geogrid where you're saving 10 inches of stone. If it's super expensive or you're having to haul it a long way another option where you can look at grid is chemical stabilization. Which works fine, chemical stabilization is a viable option, but you have issues with weather and availability which you don't have with extruded biaxial Geogrid. The opportunity to use grid, Extruded geogrid is out there, and definitely not used as much as it could be so I would encourage you if you're watching this video to at least put a call in the worst thing that we can say is in this instance you know the grid isn't going to do anything for your project but we'd be willing to bet that we can do something to at least give you an option where you can cost it out.

History, Properties and Best Applications

What is geogrid?

Geogrid is a geosynthetic product used for stabilization and reinforcement in Civil Construction.

Geogrids are classified as a type of geosynthetic because it is an engineered textile manufactured from polypropylene polymers.

However, geogrid differs from many of the other geosynthetics because it is less of a fabric and more of a plastic structured netting.

Geogrid is manufactured through extrusion. The extrusion process is very different than the way geotextile fabrics are weaved. The resulting product is optimized for vertical or lateral applications. This direction of strength determines the classification.

At Colonial, we supply both biaxial and uniaxial geogrids. Although there are a number of Civil Construction applications for uniaxial geogrid, we find that most of our customers need a geosynthetic solution for subgrade stabilization.

When it comes to poor subgrade, we will recommend biaxial geogrid nine times out of ten.

To understand why we recommend biaxial geogrids for so many construction projects, we’re going to explain some important facts including:

A Quick Lesson on Geogrid’s History

Geosynthetics have stabilized roads and soil for more than 4,500 years.

An Ancient Beginning

In fact, one of the first examples we have of using geosynthetics for subgrade support is the construction of the monumental Egyptian pyramids. Excavations of ancient Egyptian sites revealed the use of man-made mats woven from grass and linen.

In the days of the Pharaohs, these natural fiber mats stabilized haul roads during roadway construction.

The natural fibers rooted into the native soil and created a support system that improved road stability. Using geosynthetics allowed the Egyptians to haul heavy building materials across sandy soils and paved the way for the development of geogrid and geotextiles.

Geogrid’s Modern History

Now let’s fast forward several millenniums.

Geosynthetics manufacturers began to use advanced technological processes to develop geotextiles that solve the same subgrade support problems the Egyptians faced.

Synthetic fibers are weaved, spun bond and needle punched to produce woven and nonwoven geotextiles.

Then in the late s, Dr. Brian Mercer invented a process that revolutionized the synthetic fabric industry.

In , Dr. Mercer patented an extrusion process called the Netlon process. This new manufacturing method forces molten polypropylene polymers into a plastic net like structure.

This forever changes how nets, fences, packaging products and grids are produced.

Geogrid is born and the Civil Construction industry is forever changed.

Classifying Geogrid

Overtime, geosynthetic manufacturers tweak and perfect the process to adjust the strength of geogrid.

The direction of strength determines the classification of grid as either uniaxial or biaxial. Strength also determines the best application for each respective grid.

Even though we now use grid for subgrade stabilization, the first geogrids were used for tie back applications like retaining walls. Nowadays, you would select a uniaxial geogrid for vertical applications such as tie backs for MSE wall construction.

Uniaxial Geogrid

Uniaxial geogrid has strength in one direction.

Some common applications for these grids include:

Retaining walls

Embankments

MSE Walls

Biaxial Geogrid

Biaxial geogrid has strength in two directions.

These geogrids are a cost-effective solution for subgrade stabilization because they stabilize soft ground through compaction over the entire surface plane.

From here on we are going to concentrate only on biaxial geogrids for stabilization.

If you need further information about uniaxial geogrids our sales team will be happy to provide assistance.

Properties of Biaxial Geogrid

In order to explain how biaxial geogrid improves the subgrade structure, we are going to define four important testing properties.

Those properties include:

Aperture

Junction Efficiency

Minimum Rib Thickness

Ultimate Tensile Strength

Test Methods

MD and XMD are the two methods for testing most geogrid properties.

MD stands for the Machine Direction that the polymer moves through while in the extruding machine.

XMD stands for Cross Machine Direction, which is perpendicular to the machine direction.

Because biaxial geogrid must support weight across the entire plane, it is important for it perform well in both the in-plane of axis and cross plane of axis. In other words, in both latitudinal and longitudinal directions.

Aperture

Aperture is one of geogrid’s defining properties. The geogrid’s aperture is the opening size of its net-like voids.

The size of the aperture determines how introduced aggregates (soil, stone or sand) will interlock, strike through or slide through the voids in the geogrid.

Junction Efficiency

Junction Efficiency is another important property. This property demonstrates how strong the geogrid is at the cross section of its ribs. This cross section is also known as the node.

Junction strength is tested by the GRI GG2 Test Method, which is an industry standard testing method. During the test, geogrid is pulled at its nodes to determine its ultimate tensile or breaking strength.

Grid’s Junction Efficiency is expressed as a ratio of junction strength to strength of the rib. The resulting number is expressed as a percentage.

Minimum Rib Thickness

Minimum Rib Thickness is a distinguishing index property. This property tests for exactly what it sounds: the thickness of the geogrid’s ribs.

Let’s compare two biaxial Geogrids: TLG-11 and TLG-12

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TLG-12 clearly has a thicker rib than the TLG-11. Logically, a thicker rib would be able to sustain a heavier load than a thinner rib. The results for Tensile Strength at 2% Strain, Tensile Strength at 5% Strain, and Ultimate Tensile Strength all test higher for TLG-12 than TLG-11.

Although you can draw this general conclusion, there are many other factors to consider when selecting the best geogrid for your site. Anticipated load, the quality of the subgrade and the type of aggregate are all important considerations that will affect the geogrid’s performance.

Ultimate Tensile Strength

Lastly, let’s look at Ultimate Tensile Strength. This property is tested according to ASTM-D and determines the geogrids resistance to elongation when subjected to a load transfer.

Let’s compare TLG-11 to TLG-12 again.

TLG-12 tests higher for Ultimate Tensile Strength for Machine Direction and Cross Machine Direction.

From these test results, you can generally conclude that TLG-12 has a higher load capacity threshold than TLG-11 and thus can handle greater strain before the subgrade is compromised.

How does Biaxial Geogrid Stabilize the Subgrade?

Now let’s tie it all together.

If soil is too soft, it will bend and buckle when a heavy load is added. Geogrid stabilizes the soil by confining the compacted aggregate in its apertures. The apertures also allow aggregate to strike through the grid and interlock with the soils below. This increases the soil’s tension.

When a heavy load is introduced to the subgrade, the geogrid spreads that load of pressure over the whole surface area of the grid. Because biaxial geogrid has strength in both directions, the load is evenly supported across the surface. As the load is introduced, the layers of aggregate and grid are further compacted and the subgrade is reinforced.

Combining Geogrid and Geotextiles

Native soil conditions and the type of aggregate on site are two extremely important considerations that can greatly affect geogrid’s ability to stabilize a roadway.

If the native soil is very fine or has a high moisture content, the site may experience “pumping.”

This means multiple soil types are mixing and weakening the soil’s Core Bearing Ratio (CBR). When there is poor soil tension, a load transfer displaces the surrounding weak soils to nearby subgrade, resulting in ruts and low points.

If your site is experiencing pumping, you may need more than geogrid to reinforce the subgrade.

Geogrid provides subgrade support when compacted with the correct aggregate but when very fine and moist soils slide through the grid’s apertures, bearing capacity and compaction may be compromised.

To solve this issue, install a nonwoven geotextile fabric below the geogrid.

The nonwoven fabric filters the soil fines and separates them from the geogrid and aggregate base. As a result, the subgrade is further compacted and hydrostatic pressure is reduced.

Although you can install the geotextile fabric and grid separately, some manufacturers produce biaxial geocomposites. These composites have a biaxial geogrid thermally bonded to a nonwoven geotextile fabric. Geocomposites can be appealing because it makes installation of grid and geotextile fabric a one step process.

Choosing the right geogrid can be tricky

Geogrid is an integral product for Civil Construction and one that has evolved quite a bit over the years. As a result, there are a lot of options out there.

If you’re not sure what grid your site requires, let us help.

We’ll review the project plans or make a site visit to make sure you get the product you need.

Biaxial Geogrid for Base and Soil Reinforcement

Biaxial Geogrid with Excellent Reinforced Performance

Biaxial geogrid is a type of geogrids. It is made from high polymer. Biaxial geogrid has high strength in both longitudinal and transverse direction. It is made through the process of extruding, sheet forming, punching and stretching.

Biaxial geogrid has good bearing capacity. It can enhance soil structure and prevent soil erosion. This product is often used to prevent the road from reflective and fatigue cracking. Biaxial geogrid can effectively improve the long term durability of subgrade and greatly reduces road maintenance costs.

Biaxial geogrid has good resistance to long term degradation. It is suitable for various applications, such as embankment reinforcement, wall reinforcement, soil stabilization, slope protection and other permanent load bearing foundation reinforcement.

The stable two-directional structure can ensure the small deformation of biaxial geogrid.

The width, length and apertures of biaxial geogrid can be customized according to your needs.

Biaxial geogrid can reinforce various materials, such as gravel, stones, cement, concrete and asphalt.

Biaxial geogrid is widely applied in the subgrade reinforcement of railroad.

Specifications

Material: polypropylene (PP) or copolyester.

Specifications example: Biaxial geogrid (BX) Index Properties Properties Units MD Values1 XMD Values1 Aperture Dimensions mm (in.) 25 (1.0) 33 (1.3) Minimum Rib Thickness mm (in.) 0.76 (0.03) 0.76 (0.03) Tensile Strength at 2% Strain kN/m (lb/ft.) 4.1 (280) 6.6 (450) Tensile Strength at 5% Strain kN/m (lb/ft.) 8.5 (580) 13.4 (920) Ultimate Tensile Strength kN/m (lb/ft.) 12.4 (850) 19.0 (1,300) Structural Properties Junction Efficiency % MD Values1 Flexural Stiffness mg-cm 250.000 Aperture Stability m-N/deg 0.32 Durability Resistance to Installation Damage %SC/%SW/%GP 95/93/90 Resistance to Long Term Degradation % 100 Resistance to UV Degradation % 100 Dimensions Roll Sizes m (ft.) 3.0 × 75.0 (9.8 × 246) ; 4.0 × 75.0 (13.1 × 246)

This is a common biaxial geogrid specifications list. Other specifications can be customized according to your specific requirements

Biaxial is made up of longitudinal ribs, transverse ribs and junction knobs.

Features:

Good bearing capacity.

Stable aperture size.

High elastic modulus.

Small deformation.

High junction efficiency.

Quick installation.

Low maintenance costs.

Applications:

Used in the reinforcement of parking lots, haul roads, landfills and airport runways.

Used to enhance the bearing capacity of railways and highways, etc.

Used to reinforce the durability of buildings and constructions.

Used to prevent landslide and ground subsidence.

Biaxial geogrid features good bearing capacity.

Biaxial geogrid features high elastic modulus.

Using Geogrid to Reinforce a Retaining Wall

The following provides guidance for installation a retaining wall when using blocks from Allen Block.

If your project involves stabilizing slopes or earth retention you will need to use geogrid. Geogrid is a synthetic, flexible mesh that is specifically made for these purposes. Geogrid comes in an array of materials, strengths, and sizes. They are made of plastic that is woven polyester or high tensile strength that is provided in rolls. It is available in both uniaxial and biaxial form. Biaxial geogrid is most commonly used in projects where the retaining wall is under 10 feet. This type of geogrid can be rolled both in the direction of the wall or away from the wall and will still remain strength where uniaxial can only be rolled out in one direction for it's reinforcement properties to stay intact.

First, you should use the Soil Reinforcement Chart in order to determine the size of AB grid you will need and how many layers will be required for your retaining wall.

How Does Geogrid Work?

You will want to perform a few tests, to begin with. Take two cylinders, one that has compacted material and the second that has compacted material along with mesh that represents geogrid. Take both cylinders and apply vertical force to see how the soil reacts.

AB Aztec Or AB Europa Walls:

Once you have completed the foundation, start installing the first layer of Reinforcement Grid. Using either AB Aztec or AB Europa, place the edge of the geogrid up against the back of the raised front edge and roll it out along the wall. Place the edge of the geogrid in the middle of the facing unit for AB Fieldstone. You should always refer to your plans to know the exact location and size.

The next step, place the block in order for the seams to counterbalance from the blocks by at least 1/4 in length Observe the line of the retaining wall for alignment. You may adjust the blocks somewhat to form a straight line.

Take the back of the geogrid and pull on it in order to remove any slack and if required, stake it into place. Never compact or drive on the geogrid or you will damage it.

Compacting & Backfilling:

Install the wall rock in the block cores, 12 inches (300mm) behind the block. Use the approved on-site soils or infill to backfill behind the wall rock to the exact height of the block. Make sure the wall rock and soil, behind the wall, is properly compacted by using a plate compactor.

Compact in lifts of 8 inches (200mm) or less. Start on the blocks and work in the direction that is parallel to the block heading toward the back of the excavation area. Go over this with at least 2 passes with the plate compactor. The compaction should provide soil that is solid and free of any movement. Remove all excess material from the top surfaces of the blocks and ensure all surfaces are clean and smooth for the next step.

At this point, continue installing your next level of blocks using the same steps as just mentioned. Using your plan, install the geogrid on every procedure of the retaining wall. Going through all the steps, complete the wall to the desired height. The last step, fill behind the blocks with an organic soil in place or the approved on-site soil. This will prevent water from running behind the blocks and help in plantings above the retaining wall.

AB Fieldstone Walls:

First off, refer to the approved plans for placing geogrid. Cut sections of the geogrid to the specified lengths as mentioned in the approved plans. Always check the manufacturer's grid specs for strength, roll or machine direction.

After the foundation of blocks has been installed, roll out the geogrid starting in the center of the AB Fieldstone facing and then extend back to the excavated area. Stack the next set of blocks (facing/anchoring unit) in order for the blocks to be offset from the foundation blocks. Each of the procedures should be placed with the vertical seams offset by at least 3 inches (75mm) or ¼ the length of the blocks. Take the geogrid and pull to remove any slack and then stake in place before installation of the wall rock and the approved infill soil. Never run the compaction equipment on to the geogrid.

Patterned Walls:

If you'd like to give a unique look to your landscape, try applying a patterned wall. You can blend the different sizes of blocks together into the wall and create a hand-laid stone look. Choose from an array of pre-set patterns to create your wall or design your own. If you have walls that need reinforcement or are curved, you will have to construct with a two procedure pattern.

Creating A Patterned Retaining Wall:

In order to create a wall that looks like a hand-laid wall requires a good amount of craftsmanship and detail. This will require a certain amount of custom fitting of the blocks. You should allow for extra time to create this wall especially if you are doing this for the first time.

You can use either the AB Europa or the AB Collection to create a pattern that is pre-set or irregular. A preset pattern is repeated every 2 or 3 sets of blocks. See the Pattern Chart for further details.

A single procedure of one full-sized block should be around 8 inches (200mm) high. A level surface is required on the reinforced wall for an irregular pattern in order to properly install the geogrid. Always refer to your approved plan before the placement of geogrid.

Walls with curves should always use the 2 procedure pattern to cut back on fitting and cutting. This also applies to wall requiring geogrid in order to ensure proper placement of the geogrid.

Biaxial Geogrid 101: Common Applications and Typical Uses

Stability is a key component in creating landscapes that last and won’t deteriorate or erode over time. As anyone who has worked on a failing road, or building a retaining wall knows, soil erosion can wreak havoc sloped hillsides or retention areas. Many wonder how what biaxial geogrids are and how they can help with retaining wall and road construction?

Geogrid is composite or plastic lattice structures used to reinforce roads, retaining walls, and prevent against soil erosion. A Biaxial geogrid provides the same stabilizing strength in both the latitudinal and longitudinal (X & Y) directions. This geogrid is durable and made from sheet punched or extruded polymers.
Using a biaxial grid is a great preventative measure against the forces of erosion. Read on to learn the basics of this tool and what makes it so useful for both wall and roadway constuction.

What are Geogrids?
Before covering the unique features that make geogrids useful, let's understand geogrids in a general sense.

Geogrid Definition
Geogrid – A synthetic material used to reinforce soils as a part of the construction process.
Builders use geogrids to increase the structural integrity of soils. They accomplish this by laying the geogrid across the soil or embedding the geogrid into the soil in layers.

Geogrid Materials
These grids are made from polymers. Some common polymeric materials used to create geogrids include the following:
• Polyester
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene

Geogrid Classifications
Geogrids can have many applications and come in many forms. Often, geogrid classifications are based on their woven pattern. Two of the most common classifications are below.
1. Uniaxial geogrids (provide strength in a single longitudinal direction)
2. Biaxial geogrids (provide strength in both latitude and longitudinal directions)


Geogrid Components
Three geometrical components comprise each pattern:
1. Ribs – Strips of the polymer material which cross each other forming apertures
2. Junction – The point at which the ribs cross
3. Aperture – The space, or grid cell, created by the crossing ribs

Uniaxial geogrids have apertures that are narrow in one direction and long in the other. This leads them to have a high level of strength in only one direction.

Geogrids look more like a traditional grid. The ribs appear at regular increments in both directions, thereby creating rectangular apertures.

Each type of geogrid has its own unique characteristics and applications. But geogrids also share common traits that make them useful in a general sense.

Useful Properties of Geogrids
We have established that geogrids are useful in preventing erosion. But how exactly do they accomplish this?

Some of the useful properties of geogrids include:

• Tensile Strength – Resistance to breaking when placed under tension
• Radial Stiffness – Distribution of loads in all directions
• Confinement – Prevention of granular material, such as soil, from shifting

Using a geogrid usually involves laying large sheets of the geogrid on the soil then covering it with more soil. As the soil covers the geogrid, the ribs lock the soil particles in place.

It's the ribs' strength that allows the soil particles to stay in place, making for a longer-lasting erosion-resistant soil.

Reduced Need for Maintenance
Because geogrids do such an admirable job of holding soil in place, there is little likelihood that a foundation containing geogrids will ever need maintenance or repair and, subsequently, neither will the structures that rest on a geogrid-lined foundation.

Additionally, geogrids retain their tensile strength and soil-holding properties and not break down over time. They are highly resistant to the soil microorganisms, chemicals, UV rays, and mechanical damage known to break down many of the earth’s compounds.

What Makes Geogrid Useful?
The reason that biaxial grids are useful is related to their pattern.

Recall that this type of geogrid has ribs at an equal interval in both directions. This contributes to tensile strength in both directions.
Biaxial grids are a reinforcement feature.

They are long-lasting and respond well when weight is placed on them.

The shape of biaxial apertures allows soils poured over them to interlock with the soils beneath. This enhances the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
Due to these benefits, there are many applications for biaxial grids. Read on to learn about them.

Common Geogrid Applications
Being such a reliable reinforcing agent, builders have found many ways to incorporate geogrid into the construction process. Here are some of the most common applications:
• Roads
• Retaining walls
• Slope and soil stabilization

In the following sections, you'll see how biaxial grids benefit the construction of the elements listed above. You'll also learn a little bit about how to use biaxial grids in these applications.
 
Geogrid in Road Construction
Incorporating a geogrid is now a common practice in road construction. Biaxial geogrids are an especially useful option.
Below is a basic outline of a road construction process. We'll focus on the part of the process where the geogrid comes into play:

1. Excavate the road exposing the subgrade
2. Compact the subgrade
3. Roll the geogrid over the compacted subgrade
4. Connect the geogrid via heavy-duty zip ties
5. Pour aggregate over the geogrid
6. Compact the aggregate on top of the geogrid
7. Complete paving for the base and wearing courses as required

Using the geogrid increases the roadway's lifespan. It does so by increasing the strength of the subgrade. It also more evenly distributes the weight of vehicles as they travel along the road. (for additional reinforcement options see our 3-D grid products)

This reduces the amount of cracking that commonly occurs in paved roads.

Geogrids in Retaining Wall Construction
Retaining walls are constantly holding the static force of soil and water that builds up behind them. When this hydrostatic force exceeds the amount the wall can handle, the wall will fail.

Retaining wall failures are a serious safety risk. As such, builders should take every possible precaution to prevent failure.

One of the best ways to do this is to use a biaxial grid. While retaining walls are often made of heavy stones, these stones alone are often not structurally sufficient.
Adding a geogrid to your retaining wall is relatively simple. Here are some basic steps for using a geogrid in your retaining wall construction:

1. As you layer courses of stone, lay layers of geogrid as well
2. The geogrid should run perpendicular to the face of the wall
3. The geogrid should extend a few feet behind the wall
4. Backfill as you add courses and geogrid layers

The layers of geogrid reinforce the mass of soil behind the wall. This reduces the pressure placed on the wall itself and can reduce the possibility of failure to a significant degree.

Different Geogrids for Different Designs
When talking about construction projects and laying foundations, the tendency is to think in terms of flat, level surfaces. While these are desirable conditions for building, there will be times when the earth needs to be held in place in a conspicuously angled manner. Some situations in which soil will need to be held at odd angles include:

• When building retaining walls in hilly or terraced subdivisions to ensure that the hill's edge does not crumble and cause erosion in the area
  • It should be noted that this was the initial use of geogrids, as architects soon found out that geogrids were more effective and versatile (not to mention more affordable) than concrete retaining walls.
• In the construction of manmade ponds that will be used as a receptacle for storm runoff
• When laying roadways through mountain passes. Not only will the underlying road foundation need to be adequately secured, but there will also need to be some kind of retention in place on the mountainside to prevent falling rock and other debris from making its way onto the highway and putting traffic at risk

Because there are many ways soil needs to be held in place, the best geogrid for one project may not be the best geogrid for another.
Fortunately, there are three distinct types of geogrids engineered with properties that can serve projects in several conditions. Each time is designed and fabricated for specific construction applications with various tensile strengths:

Uniaxial Geogrid
This is arguably the most common type of geogrid used in construction, designed to withstand forces coming from one direction. During manufacturing, these geogrids have their ribs stretched in a longitudinal direction, while their tensile strength is pushed in another direction.
This type of geogrid is ideal for various purposes, such as retaining walls and steep slopes, landfill liners, and embankments over soft soils.

Biaxial Geogrid
These geogrids have equal strength in two directions; this allows the geogrid to distribute weight over a vast area, which increases its effectiveness in base stabilization projects.

Geogrids are ideal for foundation work, such as preparing the ground to lay roads, building airport runways, parking lots, working platforms on weak subgrades, and railroads.

Biaxial Geogrid Performs Well in All Weather
A primary concern for some users may center around how geogrid performs across the seasons and its capabilities in different climates. Does extreme heat and humidity cause the material to rot and breakdown? Will freezing and thawing cause geogrids to expand and crack? Do dry, arid climates make it difficult for geogrid to perform as intended when dealing with coarse, sandy soil?

The answer to all these questions is that geogrids perform exceptionally well across all types of weather. They do not break down or lose their abilities in the presence of extreme heat or cold, so you can feel just as good about using geogrid to hold the ground in place along the sunny beaches of Florida as you can in the frozen tundra of a Midwest winter.

Geogrid in Slope and Soil Stabilization
The process for stabilizing a constructed slope with geogrid is similar to that of the retaining wall described above.

The difference is that the slope is not steep enough to require a full retaining wall. However, the slope is steep enough to cause an erosion concern.

When building a slope, lay the soil in layers. Add geogrid at even increments as separations between layers of soil.

As with the retaining wall, the geogrid should lay horizontal to the ground. You can vary the depth of the geogrid to improve stability.

This method allows you to build slopes that are steeper than those that would occur naturally. As slopes become steeper, the speed of the water running across their surface also increases. This amplifies the erosion effect.

Including geogrids is a great way to build when steep slopes are needed. Some common scenarios include the following:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Aquaculture Net. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

• Landfills
• Highway embankments
• Privacy berms