3D geocell system as innovative ground reinforcement

A concept originally conceived for military purposes to move troops over unstable ground is now enjoying worldwide acclaim in a variety of applications in the infrastructure sector. Since 2015, the PRS-Neoloy^® 3D geocell system also available in the Netherlands via Intercodam Infra. An interview with technical consultant Anton van den Broek about the many possibilities of this innovative ground reinforcement solution.

The original concept consisted of aluminum components, lightweight and therefore easy to transport, Van den Broek knows. "The stability is achieved from the specific 3D honeycomb structure. The company PRS from Israel started working with that concept and later further developed it into PRS-Neoloy^®: a plastic (polymer) coated with polyester using nanotechnology to resist elongation. This makes PRS-Neoloy^® precisely so unique. In soil reinforcement application, a maximum elongation of 3% is calculated. HDPE reaches that percentage even before the second year of life, while with PRS-Neoloy^® barely 1 to 1.5% strain is observed after 75 years, in accordance with test ASTM D6992."

Preventing shear

Worldwide, PRS-Neoloy^® has been used as ground reinforcement for more than forty years. "One of the best-known examples is Mexico's airport, which was constructed on 'thick water' and relies on a mattress of PRS-Neoloy for stability," he said.^®", says Van den Broek. "Even on Dutch soil types, we know how to achieve great results with the innovative soil reinforcement. After all, the material is extremely suitable for application on unstable substrates such as clay and peat. For example, the geocel mats can offer a permanent solution for subsided rails on railroad embankments in particular. But also in regions where you would not expect it, PRS-Neoloy^® applied. In addition to providing stability, the material has another important function and that is to retain material that is applied to it. Ideal for application on embankments or other slopes to prevent shear."

International expertise

Neoloy is produced in Israel by PRS Geo-Technologies^®. Intercodam Infra is importer for the Dutch market. "We accompany projects from A to Z, provide on-site calculations and training if required. In doing so, we use the international expertise of the manufacturer's own engineering office in Israel. For large projects, it is even possible to have experts come over from the factory to support the start-up of a project. In the field, the geocell mat is then stretched using pickets and replenished with raw materials. This need not always be rubble aggregate, but may also be very low-grade raw materials or released materials. In the reconstruction of the N351 in Overijssel, for example, the removed asphalt was returned as granulate to PRS-Neoloy after it was crushed^®. Such an application leads to significant environmental benefits."

Intercodam Infra has now been on the road for more than six years as an importer of PRS-Neoloy^® on the Dutch market. "Introducing a new product always takes some time," Van den Broek acknowledges. However, there is now no question of a start-up phase. "Many dozens of projects rely on the strength of PRS-Neoloy^®, both as a foundation solution for roads but also, for example, to absorb point loads at container terminals in the Port of Rotterdam. There are many possibilities within the program of PRS-Neoloy^® which is available in various heights and mesh sizes and will soon be included in the MKI database."