Geocell
Table of Contents
What is a geocell?
A geocell is a three-dimensional cellular confinement system used in geotechnical engineering to improve soil stability and load-bearing capacity. It consists of a network of interconnected honeycomb-like cells made from geosynthetic materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyester. These cells are expanded on site to form a mattress-like layer and are filled with infill materials such as soil, sand, aggregate, or clay.
Once filled and compacted, the geocell layer integrates with the underlying soil to create a stable, reinforced structure. Geocells are commonly placed on the subgrade or within base layers, depending on the application, to provide ground improvement and long-term soil reinforcement.
Working principle of geocells
The performance of a geocell is based on the principle of three-dimensional confinement. When infill material is placed inside the geocell pockets, the cell walls restrict the lateral movement of soil particles. As a result, any vertical load applied to the surface is redistributed over a wider area.
This confinement mechanism significantly reduces horizontal deformation and improves the shear strength of the infill material. The interaction between adjacent cells creates passive resistance, while the hoop strength of the geocell walls further enhances load transfer. Together, these effects form a stiff, semi-rigid mattress that distributes loads efficiently and limits settlement.
By maintaining the density and integrity of the compacted infill, geocells improve the overall bearing capacity of weak or loose soils and reduce rutting, erosion, and long-term deformation.
Why geocells are necessary in geotechnical engineering
Many construction projects encounter weak subgrades, expansive soils, steep slopes, or erosion-prone areas where conventional soil stabilization methods become expensive or impractical. Geocells provide an effective solution by creating an additional reinforced layer that enhances soil performance without excessive excavation or replacement.
Their ability to confine locally available infill materials reduces the need for high-quality aggregates and thick pavement layers. This leads to material savings, faster construction, and lower environmental impact. In slope and embankment applications, geocells enable the construction of steeper, stable slopes while resisting lateral forces from traffic, water flow, or seismic activity.
Because of these advantages, geocells are widely used for subgrade improvement, erosion control, slope stabilization, and load support in areas where soil strength and durability are critical.
Common applications of geocells
Geocells are used across a wide range of geotechnical and civil engineering applications. On horizontal surfaces, they are employed for pavement reinforcement, rail tracks, industrial yards, and load-bearing platforms where they reduce aggregate thickness and improve performance under repeated loads. In these applications, geocells help distribute traffic loads evenly and prevent lateral spreading of infill material.
On sloped or inclined surfaces, geocells are used for slope protection, embankment stabilization, and earth retention systems. Their cellular structure allows for the use of vegetated or granular infill, making them effective for both erosion control and structural stability. Compared to conventional methods such as stone pitching or rigid retaining systems, geocells are faster to install and easier to adapt to steep or irregular terrain.
Industries that commonly use geocells include highways, paved roads & railways, mining and logistics yards, ports and container terminals, and infrastructure projects in challenging soil conditions.
Examples of geocell implementation in infrastructure projects
Strata Geosystems has implemented geocell-based ground improvement solutions using its StrataWeb® geocell across infrastructure projects involving weak subgrades, high embankments, and load-intensive conditions. One example includes the construction of reinforced soil walls reaching heights of up to 32 metres along a 111-kilometre stretch in Manipur, where geocells were used as the facing system.
Additional applications include reinforced soil wall works along a 42-kilometre section of the NH-363 corridor from Mancherial to Repallewada in Telangana, and subgrade improvement for a container freight station in Kolar, Karnataka, where low bearing capacity soils required structural reinforcement.
These projects demonstrate how geocell confinement systems can enhance load-bearing performance, improve California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values, and limit long-term deformation in challenging ground conditions, while optimising material usage and construction efficiency.
Frequently asked questions about geocells
Geocells are three-dimensional, honeycomb-shaped cells employed to restrain and stabilize granular materials or soil. They primarily serve to enhance the mechanical performance of poor subgrade soils by laterally distributing loads, increasing bearing capacity, and stopping lateral soil movement.
Geocells are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a tough and flexible plastic resistance to chemicals, and long lifespan.
Geocells find their place in a variety of applications, including soil stabilization, load support, slope protection, channel lining, and reinforcing retaining walls.