Geogrid Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Geogrid installation consists of 5 stages: installation preparation, geogrid preparation, laying the geogrid, joining, and spreading and compacting the embankment fill.
Installation Preparation
- Site Preparation
The geogrid installation site must be clean and at the design elevation. Uneven cover areas need to be stripped and grass needs to be cut.
- If the geogrid is damaged before installation, it must be replaced in accordance with the specifications set out in the design. Where geogrid is used against embankment failure, the subgrade must be level and compacted.
- If soft soil is found on site, the subgrade must be improved according to the Bina Marga (Directorate General of Highways) 2010 General Specification, Revision 3.
- On slopes reinforced with geogrid, benches must be cut into the slope before the geogrid is laid.
Geogrid Preparation
The geogrid must have passed testing in accordance with the requirements set out in the design.
Laying the Geogrid
- The geogrid must be placed so that the roll length runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the embankment. Joints must not run parallel to the longitudinal direction of the embankment.
- The geogrid must be laid flat and pulled taut before filling begins.
- Tracked heavy equipment is not allowed to drive over the geogrid until a 15 cm layer of fill has been spread.
- The geogrid must be inspected before and after installation to make sure it is not damaged.
Joining the Geogrid
- Geogrid can be joined with mechanical connections or structurally (by overlapping or with construction aids). For structurally joined geogrid, the connecting material must have the same or greater strength than the geogrid.
- The minimum overlap width is 3 apertures in the roll direction.
- Geogrid is joined in the roll direction using a bodkin joint for HDPE geogrid and an overlap technique for PET geogrid.
Spreading and Compacting the Embankment Fill
- Fill material must be spread and compacted over the geogrid immediately after it is laid, to ensure the geogrid does not shift out of position.
- During compaction, the geogrid must be secured with pins so that it does not shift.
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