Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Geogrids Manufactured ...

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the sustainable use of recycled plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), in the manufacture of geogrids for geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Plastics were collected from a recycling center, specifically targeting containers used for food, cleaning products, and other domestic packaging items. These plastics were sorted according to the Möbius triangle classification system, with HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) being the primary categories of interest. The research methodologically evaluates the mechanical properties of PP/HDPE (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0% w/w) composites through tensile and flexural tests, exploring various compositions and configurations of geogrids. The results highlight the superiority of pure recycled HDPE processed into 1.3 mm thick laminated yarns and hot air welded for 20 to 30 s, exhibiting a deformation exceeding 60% in comparison to the PP/HDPE composites. Through SolidWorks® Simulation, it was shown that the adoption of a trigonal geogrid geometry optimizes force distribution and tensile strength, significantly improving slope stabilization efficiency. Based on the results obtained, a laboratory-scale prototype geogrid was developed using an extrusion process. The results underscore the importance of careful composite design and yarn configuration selection to achieve the desired mechanical properties and performance in geogrid applications. It emphasizes the potential of recycled plastics as a viable and environmentally friendly solution for stabilizing slopes, contributing to the reduction in plastic waste and promoting sustainable construction practices.

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Keywords: geogrids, recycled plastics, slope stabilization, HDPE, PP, mechanical properties, SolidWorks, sustainability

1. Introduction

Slope stabilization is a crucial area of interest in geotechnical engineering, focusing on the reinforcement of earth structures to prevent landslides and structural failures [1]. In this context, artificial reinforcement techniques have gained importance due to their efficacy and versatility [2]. According to the literature, the use of geosynthetics, particularly geogrids, has established itself as an efficient solution for strengthening slopes and mitigating the effects of external disruptions [3,4].

Geogrids, consisting of solid networks of synthetic material, play multiple roles in slope stabilization, including reinforcement, separation, drainage, filtration, protection, and containment [5,6]. Each of these functions is fundamental to improving the overall stability of slopes and optimizing their performance under various environmental and load conditions.

The use of geogrids contributes significantly to the optimization of the use of available land in construction projects, resulting in a notable reduction in costs associated with the transportation and handling of selected fill materials, as well as the management of inadequate fills [7]. Additionally, as part of strategies to improve environmental sustainability, vegetation cover is often implemented on land surfaces stabilized with geogrids. In this way, geosynthetics play a vital role as soil surface stabilizers, while vegetation not only provides aesthetic benefits with its green appearance, but also offers protection against surface erosion [8]. The synergy between geosynthetics and vegetation is vital, as both elements integrate to provide combined benefits essential for the long-term sustainability and conservation of land surfaces. This interaction between geosynthetic and biological components is a key area of study in environmental geotechnical engineering, underscoring its importance for the stability and ecological resilience of construction and land rehabilitation projects [9,10].

The incorporation of recycled materials in geotechnical engineering, especially in the manufacturing of geogrids from recycled plastics, is a practice that has gained relevance in the field of environmental sustainability [11,12]. This strategy addresses several critical aspects related to sustainability, including the reduction in the demand for virgin materials, the minimization of solid waste generation, and the decrease in carbon dioxide emissions associated with the manufacturing of new polymeric materials [13,14,15]. Furthermore, the use of recycled materials in geotechnical engineering is noted for its cost-effectiveness, as it allows the use of inferior quality soils that would otherwise require costly improvement or replacement processes [16,17,18].

The effectiveness of geogrids made from recycled plastic for slope stabilization is well documented through various experimental investigations [19,20,21,22,23]. In fact, many studies have demonstrated that recycled plastics used in geogrids maintain mechanical properties and performance comparable to virgin plastics [24,25]. This is essential, as it ensures that the structural integrity and functionality of the geogrids are not compromised, despite using recycled materials. Thus, geogrids made from recycled plastics are not only viable from a technical perspective but also represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution [26].

Recent research has explored the potential of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in the manufacturing of geogrids for slope stabilization [27,28]. Various researchers have highlighted the favorable properties of these materials, such as their high tensile stiffness and resistance to elongation [29,30]. These characteristics allow the geogrids to support large tensile loads, contributing significantly to the stability of slopes. Furthermore, the open structure design enables efficient interlocking with natural fill material, forming a structurally stable embankment, comparable in function to a gravity wall [31,32,33,34].

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are polymers widely used in the plastics industry, each with unique characteristics that define their applications and impact on the environment. This structure gives it exceptional chemical resistance, low water absorption, good tensile strength, and a stiffness that grants durability and impact resistance [35]. HDPE is found in a variety of applications, from food and beverage containers to water and gas pipes, as well as in geomembranes. However, HDPE waste represents a significant environmental problem due to its resistance to degradation, contributing to accumulation in landfills and environmental pollution [36].

On the other hand, PP, formed by the polymerization of propylene, has a lower density compared to HDPE, making it lighter. This polymer is known for its heat resistance, which allows its use in applications requiring sterilization, and is also resistant to fatigue [37]. PP is used in a variety of products, including food containers, automotive components, and textiles. Like HDPE, PP is resistant to degradation, posing challenges in waste management and its environmental impact [30].

The use of recycled HDPE and PP in the manufacturing of geogrids is a technical innovation that leverages the desirable properties of these materials while maintaining their tensile strength, durability, and chemical stability. This application is not only technically and structurally beneficial in geotechnical engineering projects, but also environmentally advantageous. Recycling these plastics helps minimize the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and the environment, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the overall environmental impact of the products [38,39].

Efforts to use recycled plastics in the manufacture of geogrids are supported by numerous studies that emphasize the feasibility and environmental benefits of this practice [40,41,42]. Therefore, recent advances in geogrid technology represent an important step towards improving slope stabilization techniques in geotechnical engineering [43,44,45,46,47]. These advancements refer not only to the incorporation of new materials, but also to the adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques. Among these, 3D printing and high-frequency plastic welding stand out for their ability to drive efficiency in the production process of geogrids, especially those made from recycled plastics [48,49]. The use of geogrids made from recycled plastics is proving to be promising in the field of slope stabilization. These materials have shown remarkable ability to reduce the deformability of the cover soil, which is crucial for structural stability in geotechnical applications. However, despite these advancements, more research and monitoring are needed to comprehensively assess the long-term durability and effectiveness of these geogrids. It is crucial to compare them with traditional materials, not only in terms of technical performance, but also considering cost-effectiveness and environmental impact [50].

Initial studies are encouraging, as they suggest that recycled plastic geogrids can maintain their mechanical properties and performance similarly to geogrids made with virgin plastics. Nonetheless, deeper analysis is required to confirm the viability of recycled HDPE and PP geogrids in slope stabilization applications. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to design, develop, and evaluate a geogrid prototype manufactured from recycled thermoplastic materials, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), for slope stabilization. This encompasses the formulation and design of the geogrid, the physical and mechanical evaluation of its load-bearing capacities, both materials and the geometric composition of the geogrid, and the verification of its effective geomechanical interaction with the soil, taking this study towards a comprehensive understanding of the performance and applicability of these recycled thermoplastic geogrids in slope stabilization.

This study presents, for the first time, a well-detailed comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of five types of recycled PP/HDPE composites, showcasing their potential for several applications. The material exhibiting superior deformation capacity was pure recycled HDPE. It was selected for designing various mesh geometries (with rhombohedral- and trigonal-shaped apertures), structural thread configurations (braid, filament, and sheet), and welding techniques. Furthermore, using SolidWorks® Simulation (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, Francia), we evaluated the suitability of this material for a specific case study involving slope stabilization. Subsequently, a laboratory-scale prototype geogrid was successfully constructed by the extrusion process. In summary, this study offers a perspective to reducing the dependence on new plastic materials and taking advantage of existing waste, promoting the use of environmentally friendly practices in geotechnical engineering.

2. Materials and Methods

In this study, a methodology previously described by other authors was adopted, with some adaptations [51]. The recycling process of PP (polypropylene) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastics to create sustainable geogrids included several stages: collection, pretreatment, and transformation of thermoplastic containers. The PP and HDPE containers (e.g., food, cleaning products, and other domestic packaging items) were collected at a recycling center, and identified and classified according to the Möbius triangle, with number 2 for HDPE and number 5 for PP [52]. Once classified, the plastics underwent a cleaning process that included the removal of labels and caps, followed by washing and rinsing to remove dirt and organic matter. They were then air dried for 2 to 3 days on a cloth or adsorbent paper. The next step was to crush the plastics in a shear mill, thus reducing the size of the material to facilitate its handling in the extrusion process. Each ground polymer was mixed separately until a homogeneous mixture was achieved using a high-speed mixer.

The recycled plastics treatment stage involved preparing five types of PP/HDPE combinations (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 100/0% w/w), with a total mass of 300 g for each combination. These mixtures were then subjected to an extrusion process in a 25 mm diameter and 400 mm length single-screw extruder with an INVT frequency inverter, Model GOODDRIVE 10, laboratory type, where an average operating temperature of 195 °C was established, with a processing speed of 20&#;23.5 rpm.

To evaluate the mechanical properties of the resulting PP/HDPE polymer composites, tensile and flexural tests were performed using a SHIMADZU AGX-V universal testing machine with a 5 kN load cell, following ASTM D638-03 [53] (Type IV) and ASTM 790 [54] standards [55]. The tests allowed us to determine mechanical properties of the composites, such as elastic modulus, maximum stress, and maximum deformation. To better understand the mechanical properties of the resulting PP/HDPE polymer composites, five specimens were tested under controlled conditions. This included tensile and flexural tests performed using a SHIMADZU AGX-V universal testing machine with a 5 kN load cell, following ASTM D638-03 (Type IV) and ASTM 790 standards [55]. Each specimen was securely positioned within the grips of the testing machine to ensure uniform application of force and to prevent slippage. The data acquired from these tests included tensile stress, load, strain, displacement, and the elastic (Young&#;s) modulus, all of which were meticulously recorded in an experimental database.

Furthermore, the flexural properties of each composite variant were assessed using the same universal testing machine, although employing a different fixture/template designed for flexural testing. Preparation and testing of the specimens adhered to a three-point bending methodology as prescribed by ASTM D790-03 [54]. The tests utilized a span-to-depth ratio of 16:1. Following the determination of specimen length, alignment on the three-point bending apparatus was executed. The flexural tests proceeded at an average speed of 1.35 mm/min, with the support span adjusted to range from 45.10 to 55.06 mm.

The ratio of crosshead speed and deflection were quantitatively analyzed using the following equations [56]:

where R signifies the crosshead speed, L denotes the length of the specimen in millimeters, d represents the depth of the beam in millimeters, Z indicates the rate of deformation of the specimens (0.01 mm/mm/min), and r is the deformation (0.05 mm/mm).

In the geogrid design phase, a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of the five PP/HDPE composites was carried out to determine the most suitable material for the formation of the geogrid. Likewise, different mesh geometries (with a rhombohedral- and trigonal-shaped aperture), configurations of the structural threads (braid, filament, and sheet), and types of welding were evaluated. The selected designs were chosen based on their performance in preliminary mechanical tests and their potential for effective soil interaction.

Hot air welding was carried out for joining the polymeric strands due to its adaptability and efficiency in producing strong reliable joints. The welding parameters were carefully optimized by conducting a series of experiments that varied both the temperature and the duration of the welding process. Temperatures were set at 320, 330, 350, and 360 °C to determine the optimal conditions that yielded the strongest welds without compromising the integrity of the PP/HDPE composite material. The duration of the welding process was also varied, ranging from 15 to 80 s, to evaluate the effect of time on the quality and resistance of the welded joints.

Additionally, the determination of the melting point of the polymer composites was conducted using the Fisher-Johns melting point apparatus, serial . To ensure consistency and reproducibility of the results, the heating rate of the apparatus was set to 2 °C per minute.

Stability criteria for slopes were established in accordance with the Ecuadorian Construction Standard (NEC-15) [57], and mechanical models of slope strips were created using the Morgenstern&#;Price and Spencer methods [58,59]. The analysis was performed with GeoStru 4 software (GeoStru Company, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), comparing the mechanical properties of different types of geogrids. In addition, SolidWorks Simulation software SP2.1 (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France) was used for linear static finite element analysis of the mechanical behavior of geogrids.

Finally, different analyses and tests were conducted to evaluate the resistance and behavior of the geogrid, using a universal testing machine. For tensile tests, standards such as ASTM D and ASTM D [60] were considered, recording load and displacement data with Bluehill 2 software (Instron Corporation, Norwood, MA, USA). Through these tests, aspects such as the rigidity and elastic behavior of the geogrid were evaluated.

The data were obtained directly in Excel spreadsheet format and migrated to SPSS (Statistics Package for the Social Sciences, version 21, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), as needed. The SPSS statistical program was used to compare the different variables using ANOVA and Tukey tests. In retrospective comparisons of paired data, it is preferred to use Tukey&#;s HSD (honestly significant difference) test [61].

4. Discussion

4.1. Preparation of Evaluation Specimens

The results obtained from the tensile and flexural tests of polypropylene/high-density polyethylene (PP/HDPE) composites demonstrate an interesting interaction between the composition of the materials and their mechanical properties, which is important for understanding the behavior of these composites in geotechnical and civil engineering applications. The data from this study reveal that the incorporation of PP improves the elastic modulus but decreases the tensile strength and plasticity of the composites, reflecting a balance between stiffness and ductility. This effect is attributed to the fact that PP, when added to HDPE, increases the material&#;s stiffness, making it less susceptible to deformation under tensile loads while also making it more brittle, decreasing its ability to elongate without fracture. These results are consistent with previous studies that have shown that the incorporation of PP could act as a reinforcement in polymer matrices, thus modifying the mechanical properties of the final composites. The decrease in maximum deformation with the increase in PP content in the composites can be attributed to the more rigid nature of PP compared to HDPE, which limits the material&#;s deformation capacity.

Furthermore, in the flexural test, it is evident that the interaction between PP and HDPE within the composite matrix significantly affects the material&#;s ductility, with the addition of PP reducing the plasticity of the HDPE matrix and making it more brittle. The improvement in the flexural modulus and strength with the increase in PP content in the composites suggests that PP can strengthen the intermolecular bonds and increase the material&#;s resistance to flexural forces. These results are consistent with previous research that has demonstrated that the incorporation of PP can improve the mechanical properties of HDPE composites, especially in terms of flexural resistance.

As can be seen, the interaction between PP and HDPE within the composite matrix has a significant impact on the material&#;s mechanical properties. The addition of PP in the HDPE matrix results in an increase in stiffness and a reduction in the propensity for deformation under tensile loads. These results suggest a trade-off between stiffness and ductility in the PP/HDPE composites. This behavior underscores the complexity of the relationship between both polymers and the material compatibility challenges that must be addressed for the development of PP/HDPE composites with specific mechanical properties. Therefore, the results of this study highlight the importance of careful composite design to balance the properties of individual components to meet specific application requirements, considering polymer interaction and material compatibility challenges.

In addition to mechanical properties, this study also examined other factors such as the strand configuration in polypropylene/high-density polyethylene (PP/HDPE) composites, with special attention paid to its influence on the properties of geogrids. The strand configuration refers to the arrangement and geometry of the structural filaments in the geogrid, which can adopt various patterns such as square, hexagonal, or triangular. It was found that this configuration significantly impacts the overall performance of the geogrid.

In this study, three strand configurations were evaluated&#;braided, filament, and sheet&#;to determine their impact on the tensile and flexural properties. Therefore, the findings suggest that both the strength and deformability of the geogrids could be conditioned by the strand configuration used in their manufacture. Specifically, the braided configuration confers superior stiffness and tensile strength compared to the other arrangements. These results, consistent with observations in tensile properties, emphasize the predominant influence of the strand structure on the mechanical properties of the composites, both tensile and flexural. Additionally, it was found that the thickness of the sheet affects the mechanical properties, showing a more uniform behavior in sheets of 1.3 mm compared to those of 1.2 mm. This difference is attributed to the distribution of stresses along the strands in each configuration, where the braided arrangement increases the number of contact points between the strands, thus facilitating load transfer and improving the stiffness and flexural resistance of the geogrids.

The analysis extended to the study of geogrid welding, evaluating the effectiveness of external heating through hot air. Tests were conducted at various temperatures and durations, determining that welding times between 20 and 30 s at 350 °C provide an optimal balance between efficiency and the mechanical integrity of the joints. This suggests that the duration and temperature of welding has a significant impact on the strength and quality of the welded joints in polymer geotextiles. The force&#;displacement curve (Figure 5) shows how different welding conditions affect the strength and integrity of the welded joints, highlighting the importance of appropriately selecting welding parameters to ensure the quality of the joints in geogrids.

Comparing our findings with the existing literature reveals congruence with prior studies. For instance, Zou et al. () investigated the creep behavior of high-density polyethylene geogrids and highlighted the significance of geogrid properties in reinforced soil retaining walls. Our study complements this by elucidating the influence of PP/HDPE composite composition and geogrid design on mechanical behavior [71]. Similarly, Wang et al. () explored the properties of glass fiber-reinforced plastic geogrids, emphasizing their mechanical strength and stability. While our study focuses on PP/HDPE composites, both investigations underscore the importance of material properties in geogrid performance [72]. Additionally, Ezzein et al. () developed models to predict the load&#;deformation behavior of polypropylene geogrids under constant rate-of-strain loading. Our findings corroborate the importance of understanding geogrid mechanical behavior, albeit in the context of PP/HDPE [73].

4.2. Geogrid Prototypes

Slope stability analysis is an important aspect of geotechnical engineering that requires a detailed understanding of the mechanical properties of geogrids and the characteristics of the surrounding soil. Among these properties, the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength are fundamental for assessing the ability of geogrids to resist elastic deformations and support the stresses generated by the soil, ensuring their structural integrity.

Bending resistance also becomes important, as slopes are exposed to forces in both horizontal and vertical directions, requiring an effective distribution of these loads by the geogrid. Additionally, the geogrid&#;soil interaction, influenced by the friction angle between them and the load transfer capacity, is essential in slope stability analysis. This approach allows for the determination of the suitability of the geogrid to strengthen slope stability and prevent landslides or collapses. The results of this analysis enable determining of whether the geogrid can resist soil forces and maintain slope stability, which is fundamental for the successful design and implementation of stabilization measures in geotechnical projects.

In this study, a linear static finite element analysis of the mechanical behavior of geogrids in SolidWorks Simulation software SP2.1 using the von Mises maximum stress method was conducted. This analysis allowed the evaluation of the strength and load-bearing capacity of geogrids under simulated conditions, which is essential for understanding their performance in geotechnical applications.

In this study, the safety factor for the geogrids was greater than one, indicating that the material designed from extruded HDPE reaches its maximum load-bearing capacity right at the threshold where it begins to deform permanently, suggesting it can fully utilize its elasticity without permanent deformations.

A detailed comparison of the results between simulations and experimental tests reveals significant differences in the maximum strength of the geogrids, suggesting possible divergences in predicting the mechanical behavior of these materials. These disparities can be attributed to factors such as node design in simulation software and buckling.

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The simulation indicated that the maximum strength of the rhombohedral geogrid is 26% lower than the strength measured experimentally in universal testing machine (UTM) tests, while for the trigonal geometry geogrid, the error in simulated strength compared to real tests was 10%. These discrepancies highlight the importance of validating simulations with experimental tests to improve the accuracy of simulation models.

Strength, load-bearing capacity, and modulus of elasticity are key elements in the geotechnical performance of geogrids. Thus, the geogrid made from extruded HDPE was shown to be capable of supporting applied loads without incurring significant permanent deformations, maintaining adequate elastic recovery. The flexural resistance of this material is also crucial, indicating its ability to resist bending without fractures or excessive deformations.

5. Conclusions

This study reveals how the incorporation of polypropylene (PP) into high-density polyethylene (HDPE) compounds significantly improves mechanical properties such as elasticity and tensile strength, highlighting the viability of using recycled materials in critical engineering applications. This approach not only reduces the consumption of virgin resources, but also promotes more sustainable construction practices, aligning with global efforts to combat the accumulation of plastic waste and mitigate climate change.

The manuscript emphasizes how increasing the PP content in HDPE compounds significantly alters both the modulus and tensile strength, which is crucial for geonet applications where mechanical strength is paramount. The mixture of PP with HDPE results in a composite material that offers a more efficient stress distribution and better resistance to deformation, which are essential qualities for soil stabilization and reinforcement. However, the research highlights the selection of pure recycled HDPE for the manufacture of geogrids, which was justified by its final results. The extrusion process used to create 1.3 mm thick laminated threads, welded with hot air, results in a geonet with excellent force distribution and tensile strength. The choice of a trigonal geometry for the geogrid is based on its superior mechanical behavior, offering improved stiffness, uniformity, and resistance, making it optimal for applications requiring high strength and stability.

The study addresses the importance of geometric and manufacturing configurations in the performance of geogrids, indicating how the trigonal-shaped aperture design surpasses the rhombohedral due to its advanced load distribution capabilities. It also emphasizes the relevance of selecting optimal welding conditions and thread configurations based on mechanical performance to enhance the durability and effectiveness of geonets in practical applications.

The implications of this study for the practice of geotechnical engineering are profound, providing a basis for the development of more effective, reliable, and customizable geosynthetics. This work underscores the possibility of adjusting materials and geonet designs to specifically meet environmental and load requirements, offering promising solutions to sustainable infrastructure challenges in the context of climate change.

Moreover, the research suggests that optimizing the proportions of PP and HDPE and geogrid configurations could achieve an optimal balance between stiffness and ductility, which is crucial for designing effective stabilization solutions. However, the need for further research to explore the long-term performance of these geonets under various environmental conditions, including their resistance to chemical and biological degradation and their behavior under cyclic and dynamic loads, is recognized.

Finally, this study not only enhances our understanding of PP/HDPE compounds and their application in geogrid technology, but also opens new avenues for the use of geosynthetics in the development of sustainable infrastructure. By integrating materials science with geotechnical engineering, it promotes the development of innovative solutions that improve the resilience and sustainability of built environments, marking a step forward toward more sustainable and responsible construction practices, and demonstrating the potential of recycled plastics in mitigating the negative environmental impacts associated with plastic production and waste.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10./polym/s1, Table S1: ANOVA table for tensile properties of PP/HDPE composites; Table S2: Tukey test table for tensile properties of PP/HDPE composites; Table S3: ANOVA table for flexural properties of PP/HDPE composites; Table S4: Tukey test table for flexural properties of PP/HDPE composites; Table S5: ANOVA table for tensile properties of braid and filament configurations; Table S6: Tukey test table for tensile properties of braid and filament configurations; Table S7: ANOVA table for tensile properties of sheet configuration; Table S8: ANOVA table for tensile properties of rhombohedral and trigonal geogrids; Table S9: ANOVA table for tensile properties of rhombohedral and trigonal geogrids.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, L.V. and J.D.I.-L.; methodology, P.E.C. and B.G.-P.; software, L.V., J.L.C.T. and J.D.F.; validation, L.V., J.D.F. and J.D.I.-L.; formal analysis, L.V., X.J.-F., D.G. and J.F.G.; investigation, L.V., X.J.-F., J.D.I.-L. and J.F.G.; resources, L.V., J.D.F. and J.L.C.T.; data curation, L.V., J.D.I.-L., J.D.F. and J.L.C.T.; writing&#;original draft preparation, X.J.-F.; writing&#;review and editing, L.V., D.G. and J.D.I.-L.; visualization, L.V., P.E.C. and B.G.-P.; supervision, L.V. and J.D.F.; project administration, L.V. and J.D.F.; funding acquisition, J.D.F. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Funding Statement

This research was funded by Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja.

Footnotes

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Data Availability Statement

Data are contained within the article.

Geogrid is a type of geotechnical material used for soil reinforcement and protection. Common types of geogrid materials include the following:

High density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE is a commonly used geogrid material. It has high tensile strength and chemical corrosion resistance, suitable for various soil conditions.

Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene is also a commonly used geogrid material. It has high tensile strength and durability, and has good resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Polyester (PET): Polyester geogrids have high tensile strength and stiffness, and can withstand large loads. It also has good chemical resistance.

Glass fiber: Glass fiber geogrids are usually woven from glass fiber yarn. It has high strength and stiffness, and is suitable for engineering projects that require high load capacity and durability.

Steel wire: The steel wire geogrid is woven or welded with metal steel wire. It has extremely high strength and rigidity, suitable for engineering projects that require super strong load capacity.

5 advantages of geogrids

Strengthening soil stability: Geogrids can effectively increase the tensile strength and shear resistance of the soil, improving its stability. It can withstand large loads and disperse them to a wider area, reducing soil settlement and deformation.

Provide soil filtration and drainage functions: the geogrid has certain water permeability, which can filter the particles in the soil, and remove excess water to prevent ponding and Soil liquefaction. This helps to maintain good drainage performance of the soil and prevent soil erosion and landslides.

Preventing soil erosion: Geogrids can be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes, river banks, lake embankments, and other areas. It can effectively resist the impact of water currents and waves, slow down the erosion rate of rivers and oceans, and protect the integrity of soil.

Improving engineering construction efficiency: The use of geogrids can simplify the construction process, reduce the amount of earthwork excavation and filling, and save labor and time costs. It can also be constructed under complex terrain conditions, improving the efficiency of engineering construction.

Durability and sustainability: Geogrids typically have a long service life and can withstand long-term natural and environmental erosion. It has properties of UV resistance and chemical corrosion resistance, and can maintain stability under different climate and soil conditions.

Geogrids, a kind of geosynthetic product that can be applied in the reinforcement of soft soil, are usually made of high-molecular materials. Thanks to the strong tensive power as well as heavy loading ability, Tinhy&#;s Geogrids are widely used in many construction projects, including soil reinforcement, retaining walls construction, and pavement designing, etc. Our Geogirds with the features of strong tensive capacity, great loading ability, simple application, erosion control for soil, reasonable maintenance cost, are mainly divided into Warp Knitting Polyester Geogrids, Fiberglass Geogrids, Steel Plastic Geogrids, and Plastic Geogrids.

Tinhy Geosynthetic Co.,ltd conforms to the latest trend in the Geogrids industry and has been applying advanced technology in the production of our geogrid products. Knitting skills are used during the manufacturing process and combined with a complicated, franchised way of PVC impregnation that penetrates into the high tenacity polyester yarns. Tinhy provides super resistance to creep under constant pressure, abrasion resistance, great temperature stability, and marvelous chemical stability.

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