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Usage and Function of Geocell Without Wire Mesh

In some road construction conditions, workers use wire mesh to reinforce the soil base. Wire mesh itself is a series of steel or iron bars arranged in a crisscross pattern and welded at their intersections.

Its function is as reinforcement or strengthening for the road base. However, wire mesh has drawbacks such as being too rigid and prone to rust, making it inflexible during use.

Meanwhile, the advantages of using geocells as an alternative to wire mesh in road construction include:

Accelerating the Road Construction Process

Because geocell installation is easier, it offers flexibility and high tensile strength across various soil contours. The wire mesh structure, composed of a series of steel bars, is not suitable for constructing roads with uneven and curved contours.

Geocells address this issue with strength levels not too far from those of wire mesh, thereby reducing installation time by approximately 50%.

Cost Savings

Installation does not require additional materials such as wire mesh or steel reinforcement. This can reduce costs by at least 15–30% compared to using wire mesh. The savings can be allocated to other material needs.

Reducing Base Course Thickness or Lightening Load

The base course layer (upper foundation layer) is the layer located between the surface course and the sub-base course.

This layer functions in road construction, providing strength, soil stability, and load distribution. Geocells already provide additional reinforcement to the base soil.

Resistance to Erosion, Deformation, and Corrosion (Rusting)

Especially in road areas with soft soil contours and on slopes. Geocells also prevent rusting, which is commonly found in wire mesh.

High Environmental Resistance and Durability

The HDPE geocell used is resistant to weathering, chemical degradation, and UV rays, making it ideal for long-term solutions.

How to Build a Road Using Geocell Without Wire Mesh?

Here’s how to install geocell in road construction projects without using wire mesh, along with best practices (practical tips).

Site Preparation

First, level the ground and remove rocks, tree roots, and debris. Then, perform initial compaction using a compactor (roller) to make the soil base more stable, using a roller to smooth and level it.

Measurement and Geocell Layout Determination

Conduct measurements to determine the geocell layout. This design aims to precisely determine the relationship between the site conditions and the geocell to be installed.

Geocell Assembly and Installation

First, try to stretch out the geocell sheets or modules/units. Connect them to other units using special fasteners such as cell clips, U-pins, weather-resistant cable ties, industrial staples, or similar items.

The goal is to create a stronger geocell connection and prevent shifting during the filling of materials such as rocks, gravel, and others.

The determination of cell size and geocell height should be adjusted according to the type of vehicle, the load being transported, and road traffic usage. For example, a geocell height of at least 10–15 cm is recommended for light vehicles and 20 cm for heavy vehicles like trucks. It is recommended to use HDPE geocells that meet quality standards and are resistant to various environmental conditions, including weathering and UV rays.

The standard geocell size is typically 4 x 6 m, with varying heights. These include 7.5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm, with varying geocell prices. As an example outlined by Urban Plastic, for a height of 75 mm / 0.7 cm, the geocell price per square meter is Rp 33,777. The price per roll is Rp 810,638. Note that all prices are subject to change over time and do not include VAT.

Filling the Geocell Cells or Panels

Filling is done using materials such as soil, gravel, a mixture of cement and sand, or a combination thereof. The filling must be done evenly across the entire area.

The installation of non-woven geotextile serves to prevent the mixing of the subgrade soil with the road fill or material and as a drainage system.

Drainage is designed to prevent water accumulation within the geocell panels. The surface is sloped at least 2–2.5% to direct water toward the drainage system.

Surface Course Finishing

The final step is to add paving blocks or a thin layer of asphalt to the surface and level the geocell surface.

The subsequent step involves regularly monitoring the road conditions. This can be done after the geocell installation, typically within the first few weeks to months, especially after rainy conditions.

Road construction using geocell without wire mesh offers numerous advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, corrosion resistance, lightweight design, and applicability to various soil types, including soft soil and sloped terrain. Its application is suitable for road construction in residential areas, temporary roads in construction projects, soft soil roads such as access to gardens, and rural roads. However, it is not suitable for roads with heavy vehicle traffic.