ACEGrid® GDP

Good solution for ground stabilization

ACEGrid^® GDP geogrids have very high modulus, which makes the grids exhibit extremely low elongation and excellent creep performance. The deformation characteristics of the geogrid are critical to its performance, as they determine how the material responds under load and during stretching. Performance metrics such as modulus and junction strength are calculated based on material tests, including measurements of elongation over the length of the grid.

Biaxial geogrids are designed to provide the same strength in both the machine and cross machine directions, even though the actual strength values may not be identical.

In comparison to woven geogrids, the formation of ACEGrid^® GDP provides higher product integrity with uniform and stable open apertures, key features that improve the interlocking between the rigid square ribs and soil. These structural features, such as the consistent aperture size and robust rib design, significantly contribute to the mechanical performance of the grids.

Additionally, ACEGrid^® GDP geogrids can have higher junction strength and connection strength, which are also beneficial to performing the functions of confinement and reinforcement.

High quality and durability

The material of ACEGrid^® GDP geogrids, polypropylene, has excellent resistance against chemicals including acid and alkali, which are normally contained in soils. The integral formation of ACEGrid^® GDP geogrids strengthens its ability to resist installation damage. Through the quality assurance process certified with ISO 9001, ACEGrid^® GDP are provided with high quality to all customers. For decades, biaxial geogrids have been widely utilized in infrastructure projects around the world, with the biaxial geogrid’s primary application being base stabilization. They have shown their benefits in extending pavement life by reinforcing base and subbase layers, increasing bearing capacity, and reducing aggregate thickness and construction costs. When placed within a gravel base, geogrids enhance interlocking and load distribution, improving performance in paved areas. Geogrids limit aggregate punching and lateral movement but aren’t a filter. Use a geotextile separator if soil–aggregate separation is needed. During installation, it is important to handle the edges of the geogrid carefully to avoid wrinkles or waves, as this ensures proper load transfer and performance. Sufficient overlap between geogrid rolls should be provided to prevent separation and maintain the integrity of the system.

Biaxial geogrids such as ACEGrid^® GDP, have become an indispensable solution in modern construction and civil engineering, thanks to their exceptional tensile strength, durability, and ability to resist UV degradation. The primary application of biaxial geogrids is in base stabilization for pavement structures, where their unique design—featuring ribs running in both longitudinal and transverse directions—enables them to provide uniform support and distribute heavy loads efficiently. This balanced reinforcement is especially valuable when working with weak subgrade soils, as it increases the bearing capacity of the pavement, reduces deformation, and extends the overall pavement life.

In pavement construction, extruded biaxial geogrids made from polypropylene are particularly effective. These geogrids are utilized to stabilize the gravel base, minimizing erosion and allowing for a significant reduction in aggregate thickness without compromising stability. By decreasing the total amount of aggregate needed, projects benefit from lower material costs and a reduced environmental footprint, while still achieving a robust and long-lasting road surface.

Beyond paved roads, biaxial geogrids are widely utilized in unpaved roads, steep slopes, and other challenging environments where soil stabilization is critical. Their ability to provide support in both directions helps prevent soil movement and deformation under heavy loads, making them ideal for reinforcing slopes and embankments. ACEGrid^® GDP confines and interlocks the aggregate, limiting lateral movement and punching into the subgrade—improving stability and extending service life.

In actual application, biaxial geogrids are installed in a grid pattern, with the ribs aligned to maximize support in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. After placement, the geogrid is covered with a layer of aggregate, which not only protects the geogrid from damage but also ensures a strong connection between the geogrid and the surrounding materials. This connection is crucial for effective load transfer and maintaining the stability of the entire structure.

Overall, the use of extruded biaxial geogrids in construction projects offers a reliable method for stabilizing soils, reducing aggregate requirements, and extending the service life of infrastructure. Their versatility and proven performance make them a preferred choice for engineers and contractors seeking to enhance the durability and efficiency of pavement structures, unpaved roads, and steep slopes. As construction demands continue to evolve, the applications of biaxial geogrids are expected to expand, providing innovative solutions for a wide range of soil reinforcement challenges.

Manufacturing Process

The production of biaxial geogrids begins with the careful selection of high-quality raw materials, most commonly polypropylene (PP). To enhance the geogrid’s ability to resist UV degradation is incorporated into the polypropylene. The material is then plasticized and extruded into flat sheets, which are precisely punched to create a regular grid pattern. Following this, the sheets undergo a controlled heating process and are first stretched longitudinally, then stretched transversely—a technique known as biaxial stretching. This critical step imparts high tensile strength to the geogrid in both directions, resulting in a product with uniform ribs and nodes that ensure excellent aperture stability. The final biaxial geogrid is characterized by its consistent thickness, width, and structural integrity, making it suitable for demanding applications such as pavement construction, unpaved roads, and steep slope reinforcement. The manufacturing process can be adjusted to produce geogrids with specific properties tailored to the requirements of different projects, ensuring optimal performance and durability in a variety of construction environments.

The benefits of using ACEGrid^® GDP include:

• Increase the bearing capacity of the road/pavement structure, extending service life and lengthening maintenance intervals.
• Strengthen base layers to resist heavy wheel loads, limit rutting, and reduce differential settlement under traffic and cyclic/seismic loading.
• Reduce required base thickness, lowering material and construction costs.