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For geogrid, lateral confinement is the primary mechanism among the three mechanisms discussed. So, what exactly is it, and why is it so important? Lateral confinement is the ability to restrict aggregate particles within the plane of the geogrid. Once the aggregate passes through the holes of the geogrid, its movement is restricted. This increases the stiffness of the stabilized aggregate layer. In other words, when geogrids are used in the design of paved or unpaved structures, your structure becomes more effective at managing the stresses imposed by heavy loads because the aggregate moves very little.
Geogrids improve bearing capacity. As the subgrade soil becomes weaker, improving bearing capacity (also known as the snowshoe effect) becomes an important mechanism. Just like snowshoes distribute your weight over soft snow, a hard aggregate and geogrid layer can better distribute the load over a soft subgrade. The improvement in subgrade bearing capacity stems from pressure dissipation at the geogrid-subgrade interface. Typically, this mechanism applies to unpaved applications that require stabilization to produce a stable working surface. However, it also applies to pavement structures, especially flexible pavements stabilized with geogrids at the aggregate-subgrade interface.
Using geogrids under major roads can extend pavement life and reduce long-term maintenance and repairs. As a value engineering alternative to traditional materials and practices, multiple geogrid solutions are utilized to achieve mechanical ground stabilization in various infrastructure applications. And provide optimal in-service stress transfer from the aggregate to the stabilizing geogrid. This unique geosynthetic material improves the performance of pavement materials and shortens construction time. Geogrid products improve load distribution on weak subgrades, reduce uneven settlement, restrict and lock road aggregate, creating a mechanically stabilized layer for various applications.
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