Geogrid performance and design

How a geogrid performs, rather than its physical properties, is the crucial factor in designing mechanically stabilised granular layers in road pavements and platforms.

As we have discussed over the past few weeks, stabilisation geogrid performance should always be considered as part of an overall system—the benefits a geogrid brings depend upon how it interacts with the layers around it, rather than its physical properties.

TensarPave7, the latest iteration of our design software, allows designers to take advantage of 35 years of full-scale trafficking research carried out by a number of world-leading institutions, which has quantified the stabilisation effect of our geogrids.

In this 'Keeping you in the know' video, Jonathan Cook explains how TensarPave software considers the overall performance of a mechanically stabilised layer in roads and working platforms.

The performance-based designs produced are applicable to both paved and unpaved roads and platforms, catering for both construction phase and in-service loading. The aim is to either reduce surface deformation of a road under dynamic traffic load, or achieve bearing capacity targets under constant load (such as a piling rig operating on a temporary working platform).

The approach considers the project-specific requirements – including ground conditions, traffic load cases and available granular fill – and models the effect of the geogrid using stabilisation factors specific to Tensar geogrids. This gives the most efficient mechanically stabilised layer design, in terms of thickness, fill material and appropriate geogrid grade.

TensarPave is available free-of-charge to design engineers attending one of our training workshops or seminars. Our Design and Technical Support team is also available to give advice and offers a design checking service too. Email us to find out more.