Soil reinforced structures

The need to limit the road embankment footprint, together with the requirement to re-use on-site soils with geotechnical characteristics that do not conform to design specifications, have encouraged the development of reinforced structures using high elastic modulus geosynthetic materials such as geogrids and woven geotextiles.

These materials provide tensile strength to the geotechnical system, as soil is initially only capable of withstanding compressive and shear forces. Geosynthetics typically used for reinforcement — Edilgrid® W, Geodren® W-PP, Geodren® W-PES — allow the use of soils with poor geotechnical performance, while maintaining the mechanical properties required by the design over time.

Since reinforced earth structures have both structural and aesthetic requirements, erosion protection and revegetation are advisable for structures with inclinations up to 70°–75°. Slopes are typically protected from erosion using biodegradable or erosion control mats such as JuteNet, StrawMat® and SintexMat®.

Reinforced earth structures are preferable to concrete retaining walls in high-seismicity areas, as they are flexible structures. Where water flow on the structure's backfill needs to be managed, it is advisable to collect and drain it rapidly using a drainage geocomposite such as SintexDrain® or NewDrain®.

In this application as well, Edilfloor is able to provide adequate technical support both at the design stage and during construction.