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Article Sheds Light on the Power of Geocells in Load Support Applications

Article Sheds Light on the Power of Geocells in Load Support Applications

Geocells are one of the most valuable tools in the civil engineering and construction industries today. When constructing
roadways over soft soils and weak subgrades, geocells can make a significant impact. However, some engineers may be
uncertain about using geocells due to a lack of understanding. A recent article aims to clear up any confusion and show
the power of geocells in load support applications.

The article focuses on the concept of lateral confinement and how it relates to hoop stress in geocells. Through the
process of lateral confinement, horizontal earth pressures are converted into upward resisting shear forces, making it
possible to construct over weak subgrade materials with the use of suitable base reinforcement. The article also explains
the relationship between hoop stress and lateral confinement in geocells, including how hoop stress develops and can
be estimated.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of geocells, the article includes a summary of estimated hoop stresses under standard
AASHTO load conditions. As the article shows, the tensile forces that develop under working loads are relatively modest
and well within the elastic region of the material. This means that even after repeat traffic loads over many years, no
permanent deformation or “creep” is expected to occur.

In conclusion, this article is a must-read for engineers looking to deepen their understanding of the power of geocells in
load support applications. The article provides valuable insights into the relationship between lateral confinement and
hoop stress, making it an important resource for anyone in the civil engineering and construction industries.

You can find the article here: https://www.prestogeo.com/blog/understanding-hoop-stress-in-geocells/.