Geocell for Embankment Construction on Soft Soil

Building an embankment (dike) is a type of construction that requires a firm soil foundation. However, in some cases an embankment must still be built on soft soil. To overcome this and minimise soil movement, geosynthetic products can be used, and one option is geocell for embankment foundations. Geocell can be filled with soil, aggregate and so on.

With geocell, the embankment foundation can be completed faster than with concrete (figure 2.1). HDPE geocell generally has good durability when used in mining tailings areas. Geogrid can be added to improve aggregate interlock, and woven geotextile can be used to reinforce the embankment structure.

There are 5 effects at work in earth structures built with geosynthetics (geogrid, geotextile, geocell and geonet):

1. Membrane effect, which occurs when geotextile and geogrid deflect under load. This curvature generates a force that resists vertical loading.
2. Confinement effect, which occurs when geogrid confines the aggregate, only while the geogrid does not deflect and elongation < 3%.
3. Interlocking effect, which occurs when geogrid confines the aggregate; above the confined aggregate the effect fades with distance from the geogrid (≥ 80 cm).
4. Friction effect, which occurs with geotextile and geogrid, where friction between the geosynthetic and soil prevents soil from shifting.
5. Full confinement effect, which occurs with geogrid, geocell and geonet through lateral resistance.