Civil Engineering & Building
Erosion Control
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TERRAM Geocells be used to form retaining walls?
Yes, TERRAM geocells can be used to form retaining structures although this is not an application area that we actively promote in the UK market due to historic lack of demand. Different grades of TERRAM Geocells can be manufactured specifically for retaining structure applications but are made to order and there is a minimum order quantity.
What are the benefits of a TERRAM non-woven geotextile Geocell vs HDPE strips?
TERRAM Geocells are much more flexible and easier to handle than cells made from HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) strips. TERRAM Geocell panels easily match the ground contours ensuring continuous erosion protection rather than bridging over depressions in the surface. The fully permeable fabric of TERRAM geocells ensures fill within the cells remain well drained reducing the risk of soil saturation & erosion. The non-woven geotextile material does not crack or split unlike stiff & brittle HDPE strips.
What grade of Geocell do I need on a slope?
Generally for slopes up to 30 degrees grades 35/10 & 35/15, for slopes between 30 and 45 degrees grades 25/10, 25/15, 22/20. Please see the TERRAM Geocell erosion control SDI (specification, design and installation) guide for more details.
What grade of Geocell do I need for Tree Root Protection?
25/10, 25/15 or 22/20 depending upon the strength of the underlying ground and the loading conditions. Please refer to the TERRAM Geocell Tree Root Protection SDI guide for more details.
What is the maximum slope?
Up to 45 degrees (1:1 slope) depending upon the stability of the underlying soils.
Are TERRAM Geocells permeable?
Yes, TERRAM Geocells are manufactured from 100% permeable nonwoven geotextile fabric allowing ground water to pass through the cell walls rather than cascading over or underneath causing soil erosion.
Can I cut Geocell panels?
TERRAM Geocells are manufactured from strips of stiff but flexible nonwoven geotextile material chemically bonded at the joints to form honeycomb panels with cells ranging in diameters from 220mm to 350mm and strip widths (panel depths) of 100mm to 200mm. Single layers can be easily cut by hand with safety knives or sharp scissors with a downward action close to the joints. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection.
Can I staple Geocells together?
Geocells can be stapled together using heavy duty galvanised metal staples, UV stabilised nylon cable ties or steel u-bars. Minimum 3 staples per joint at 25mm spacings. Please refer to the Geocell erosion control SDI for further details.
How do I fix the Geocell panels?
The standard fixing method for a TERRAM Geocell on a slope is using an array of 500mm long 8mm diameter mild steel u-bars in soft to firm ground conditions. Installing a Geocell panel on an impermeable surface, hard or soft & loose sandy ground may require alternative fixings. The panels should also be fixed in anchor trenches at the top and bottom of the slope prior to filling.
How are Geocells delivered?
Flat packed, palletised and strapped.
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