What is a geogrid?

It is a three-dimensional construction consisting of cells-honeycombs, which are formed from a polymer tape fastened in a special way. The dimensions of the cells are determined by the purpose of the material. Moreover, it is sufficiently resistant to various types of influences — chemical and mechanical, as well as the influence of atmospheric factors.

The geogrid device allows mounting on the ground as quickly as possible and without special skills. As a result, the developer receives a strong reinforcing frame. It is effective in construction work, since the cells are easily filled with crushed stone, sand or ordinary soil.

The advantage is not only the ease of fastening, but also the convenience of transportation to the installation site.

Where and what can be used

This device is used for reinforcing the soil, when construction work is underway on a summer cottage or during the construction of roads and access roads. Also, soil strengthening using a geogrid is carried out during landscape activities. Additionally, it creates the possibility of effective filtration and arrangement of high-quality drainage.

The honeycomb principle of construction of the structure ensures the formation of a solid fixed slab on the ground. It can be created from a variety of fillers, such as sand, concrete, quartz or crushed stone.

At the same time, this slab will correspond in height to the dimensions of the polymer geogrid. Its application allows to significantly reduce the thickness of the soil layer of the embankment without reducing the strength of the surface and maintaining the basic operational parameters.

Varieties of geogrid

When arranging suburban areas and access roads, various types of structures can be used. The effectiveness of one or another option is determined by a specific area of ​​application.

Volumetric lattices

Thanks to the three-dimensional cellular structure, the volumetric geogrid has become an indispensable tool in strengthening weak soils. To form combs that are convenient for filling, the elements are fastened in a checkerboard pattern. The resulting frame is very strong in two planes. It is believed that the strength of the connection can be about 70% of the base strength of the synthetic tapes themselves.

To connect the individual elements of the module, you can use anchors or metal brackets. In the construction of country houses, gratings with a mesh size of 210×210 mm are often used. However, the height of the cells can be different — from 50 to 300 mm.

A geogrid of a volumetric type is very durable — it can last 50 years or more, withstands both static and dynamic loads, as well as temperature fluctuations from -60 to +60 ° С. Therefore, it is an excellent reinforcing layer.

In addition to modern polymer gratings, varieties made of concrete or textile geotextile are sometimes used. The construction of the first type has elements made of concrete with a void inside for soil. The use of this option is limited by the large mass of blocks, the complexity of installation, and additional transportation costs.

Geotextile gratings are used not only to reinforce loose soils, but also to reduce the negative impact on the surface from groundwater and soil heaving under the influence of frost.

Flat gratings

They are a cellular material twisted into a roll, having a very rigid mesh structure. It is used to strengthen the roadbed, access roads, garden paths, embankments and slopes, in the arrangement of fences. There are two types of construction that can be seen on numerous photos of the geogrid:

Single-axle — produced in the form of rectangular sections of an oblong shape. If the area of ​​the web is subjected to deformation, then the material provides the required rigidity. Withstands high loads in the longitudinal direction.

The biaxial structure is more durable and reliable, as it provides resistance to discontinuous loads acting in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The material is indispensable in landscape design and arrangement of slopes.

The use of geogrids in construction

The owners of country houses are constantly making efforts to make the landscape in the garden as original as possible. For these purposes, it is required not only to equip paths or driveways, but also to strengthen the slopes to create comfortable recreation areas.

Arrangement of paths in the country

At the initial stage of the work, it is necessary to mark the future garden path. To do this, you need to place pegs around the perimeter, taking into account the possibility of mounting a curb, which will help you protect the track from deformations of various origins. After that, it is necessary to remove the soil to a depth of 200-250 mm. With the prevalence of soils of clay or peat type, you can go deep by 300-400 mm.

The base of the track should be well tamped and, if necessary, lay insulating material, for example, polypropylene or polyester geofabric. Next comes the laying of the geogrid. This sequence of work allows not only to produce reliable reinforcement, but also to protect the base from erosion.

Fastening is carried out with anchors. Crushed stone or gravel should be poured into the cells. Moreover, it is important to do this in excess so that after subsidence the filler does not fall below the tape. And the curb must be placed before you fix the honeycombs at the bottom of the trench.

Strengthening the parking lot

The geogrid helps to create a reliable, strong and durable platform for placing vehicles on it. You can use both a flat biaxial design and a three-dimensional one.

At the same time, the site can be given aesthetic appeal. For example, modern eco-parkings are popular, which do not require you to asphalt or concrete the site.

The procedure for laying the material is as follows. First, a layer of soil with a thickness of 100-150 mm is removed. Then, at the bottom, a drainage cushion is formed from a layer of sand and gravel 30-50 mm.

The reinforcing material in question is laid on top. The geogrid is fixed using special locks or self-tapping screws. You can also use a pneumatic stapler.

The cells are filled with both gravel and soil or substrate. If you want to sow grass in the combs, you will have to water the surface regularly, but at this time you can not park the car.

Arrangement of slopes

If you have slopes on your site, then do not be discouraged. You can securely strengthen them and decorate them elegantly. Moreover, it is possible to reinforce both gentle and steep slopes.

Remember, for steep slopes, you need to use a grid with wider side elements. The geogrid for slope reinforcement is characterized by reliability and has a high degree of extensibility. Thanks to this material, you will solve the problem of complex terrain on the site.

Reinforcing work on the slope is carried out in several stages. First, the slope must be leveled, and then its boundaries must be marked. At the next stage, a layer of geotextile is carefully laid.

Strong anchors are fixed for fastening the grating. Reinforcing material is stretched over them. You need to start the installation process of the gerrete from the top of the slope. Then it is additionally fixed with L-shaped anchors in increments of 1-2 m. At the end of the work, the cells are filled with filler with a slide of 3-5 cm.

The considered material for strengthening the surface of the site is widely used in suburban construction. Ease of attachment and reliability in operation make it indispensable for high-quality arrangement of the country landscape.

Photo geogrid