Geocells are cellular systems that are indispensable for soil stabilisation and load distribution. They also offer many additional benefits.
Explanation of Geocells
Geocells are three-dimensional, honeycomb-shaped cellular structures typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are installed across the ground and filled with soil or gravel, and then are sometimes covered with grass. They form an interconnected Geocell grid.
Once the Geocell grid is filled, the cellular confinement prevents any lateral movement. The cell walls increase the load support while allowing grass to grow as normal on top.
Our Terram Geocells are constructed from UV-stabilised HDPE. Similar to our grass mats, they are a cost-effective and sustainable solution for load support and erosion control issues. With a hard-wearing design, our Geocells are quick to install and have a strong structure, reducing the risk of cracking and structural deformation. This reduces maintenance costs and provides long-term stability.
What Is a Geocell Used For?
With their load distribution and ground reinforcement capabilities, there are several Geocell uses. They serve a number of engineering, environmental, and load-support purposes, particularly regarding green infrastructure.
Geocells act as a source of soil stabilisation, turning weak or soft ground into a stable layer. The retaining walls provide a cellular confinement system, so when a vehicle load or foot traffic is applied, the pressure spreads laterally across the cells rather than just downwards. This helps to support frequent vehicle traffic on grassed areas and assists in the building of natural-looking parking areas or access roads without having to use paving.
Geocell products are often used for erosion control, as they prevent the movement of soil on slopes and other areas that are vulnerable to soil erosion. As the cell walls serve as a retaining structure that traps soil, the surface runoff loses energy as water flows across the Geocell. This prevents soil displacement and encourages the growth of roots within the cells.
The Benefits of Geocells
The installation of Geocells has a number of benefits for sloped or vertical gardens, soil quality and much more.
Load Distribution and Soil Reinforcement
Geocells spread heavy loads vertically and horizontally across interconnected cells, helping to prevent rutting, sinking and soil deformation. As a result, grass-covered surfaces can support traffic without becoming muddy, ensuring a stronger and more stable surface.
Reduced Soil Compaction
Grass root zones require loose, aerated soil structures, and are sensitive to reduced oxygen and compact spaces. Geocells create a load-bearing layer above the turf-root so that pressure is absorbed by the Geocell structure and retaining walls. It ensures that only a minimal amount of force can reach the depth where the roots grow. This reduced vertical pressure on the root zone improves grass health, helping it to grow stronger and deeper.
Environmentally Sustainable
Applying Geocells to your green space allows for the use of local soils, reducing the need for imported infill materials. It also helps to maintain permeable, green surfaces as an alternative to paved options, which lack environmental benefits.
Strong Erosion Control
When the product is installed, the cells lock the soil in place, preventing movement caused by water, wind or gravity. This provides slope stabilisation for areas that might otherwise have been vulnerable to erosion. As Geocells enable vegetation growth within the cells, the soil is further anchored, which in turn adds long-term slope stability and protection from surface erosion.
Overview of Geocell Uses
Geocells can be used for anything from infrastructure development and retention, to grass reinforcement and load support for parking areas and paths. This versatility is derived from their ability to confine and stabilise soil in three dimensions. Significantly improving the soil performance while using only lightweight materials.
To stabilise grass slopes, limit soil erosion, and make grass maintenance easier, Geocells are the perfect way to improve and maximise your ground stability and grassy aesthetic.
For information about our Geocells and the installation process, get in touch with a member of our team, and we’ll help get you started.
