Geotrel® is a solution used for the construction of mechanically stabilized earth walls (MSE). It consists of stacked welded wire elements that serve as the facing of an engineered soil volume.
The soil volume consists of a layered matrix of high strength geosynthetic “strip” soil reinforcements and compacted select backfill. The cornerstone of Reinforced Earth’s innovation and R&D lies in our wide selection of industry-certified geosynthetic soil strip reinforcements, welded wire facing elements and connections. Our professional engineers work with you in analyzing your specific project details to develop the optimal design to meet your requirements.
For instance, based on the characteristics of the intended backfill to be used, load factors, required service life and other considerations, engineers select from our four main categories of geosynthetic soil reinforcing strips:
> GeoStrap™: coated polyester (PET) strips without high-adherence edges, best for low pH backfill
> HA GeoStrap™: coated polyester (PET) strips with high-adherence edges, best for low pH backfill
> EcoStrap™: coated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) strips without high-adherence edges, best for high pH backfill
> HA EcoStrap™: coated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) strips with high-adherence edges, best for high pH backfill
From the four reinforcing strip categories listed above, engineers optimize the design even further by selecting among various intermediate grades in terms of strip strength (25kN to 100kN), and density (5mm to 9mm).
The welded wire facing elements are also optimized in terms of variable bar diameters and grid spacings. Engineers can select between galvanized facings and hardware or ungalvanized steel based on the required service life and environmental conditions.
Applications for GeoTrel®
Geotrel® is used to build both permanent and temporary civil structures. Some examples of common applications:
> Natural risks protection: Geotrel® barriers are well known for constructing rock fall and avalanche protection. These are reliable structures that permit both high energy levels and multiple impacts to be controlled.
> Industrial environment: used widely for building crusher pocket walls, haul roads and bridges, industrial platforms, and tunnel collars walls.
> Landscaping and terraces: Geotrel® offers owners and developers an attractive alternative to concrete for building permanent residential or urban retaining walls and vegetated slope applications.
> Temporary retaining walls: nearly all applications that involve temporary earth retention and embankment stabilization can be carried out with GeoTrel® solutions. In case of phased construction, the temporary Geotrel™ structure can remain in place and be buried after functioning as a stable retaining wall during the first phase of construction.
Preload embankments
Builders have found Geotrel® to be an excellent solution for building temporary stabilized reinforced soil embankments needed to induce accelerated settlements of foundations.
Benefits
Design optimization
Design optimization
Our design approach provides material choice selections that result in cost savings for engineers and builders.
Quick availability
Quick availability
Our design approach provides material choice selections that result in cost savings for engineers and builders.
Installation and deconstruction
Installation and deconstruction
Installation and dismantling (for temporary structures) is fast and straightforward due to lightweight materials and less hardware required.