Metallic faced – wire mesh – retaining wall solution: Geotrel®
Geotrel® is a solution used for the construction of mechanically stabilised earth walls (MSE). It consists of stacked welded wire elements that serve as the facing of an engineered soil volume. Geotrel® is otherwise known as a wire mesh retaining wall solution.
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.
The GeoTrel® system is one of the most cost-effective solutions for reinforced soil structures. This is due to the fact that the wire mesh retaining wall facing panels are lightweight and do not require any lifting or bracing equipment. They require less lead time for delivery, so construction can begin sooner. They can be easily trimmed or modified in the field to quickly fit any geometric situation. No concrete levelling pad is needed. The material and soil reinforcement connections provide superior durability against differential settlement, erosion, impact, and seismic activity.
Technical Features
The GeoTrel™ system is composed of geosynthetic reinforcing strips attached by patented connectors to a wire mesh retaining wall panel facing.
The reinforcing strips are available in two types, either with regular or high adherence edges, chosen according to the pH condition of the intended backfill:
- GeoStrap® reinforcing strip (coated polyester – PET) when the backfill has a pH lower than 9
- EcoStrap™ reinforcing strip (coated polyvinyl alcohol – PVA) when the backfill has a pH higher than 9
The connectors between the strips and the facing have been designed to provide high durability and easy installation. The minimum diameter of the mesh wire is 6mm, which provides high performance of our structures during the intended service life. The GeoTrel™ system is subject to rigorous specifications and quality control. Friction between the soil and the geosynthetic strip was verified through both in-situ and laboratory tests using calibrated extraction systems.
As with all Reinforced Earth® structures, the GeoTrel™ system is designed according to the governing international standard for its location. Our professional engineers work with you in analysing 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 optimise 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 optimised in terms of variable bar diameters and grid spacings. Engineers can select between galvanised facings and hardware or ungalvanised 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 stabilisation 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 stabilised reinforced soil embankments needed to induce accelerated settlements of foundations.
Contact us to find out more about all of Reinforced Earth’s metallic faced retaining walls and wire mesh retaining wall facing panel solutions.
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.
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