Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Common Geogrid Installation Mistakes

There are some very simple mistakes that contractors and/or homeowners sometimes make when installing geogrid. It is very important to properly install the geogrid because incorrect installation can result in unnecessary movements of the wall after construction. I will outline these common mistakes below.

  1. Biggest mistake, installing the geogrid with the strength direction PARALLEL to the wall. This occurs when the geogrid is rolled parallel to the wall face. Most geogrids are uniaxial geogrids and designed to take strength in the roll direction. Geogrid should be rolled out perpendicular to the wall the design length, trimmed, then moved over the width of the roll with a new layer. The strength direction is usually indicated with arrows on the geogrid. This installation method is recommended for a biaxial geogrid to be consistent in the installation procedures. Biaxial geogrid can take strength in both directions.

  1. Pull the geogrid taught and stake it down at the ends. Backfill and compact over the geogrid in thin lifts, 8” max.

  1. Do not use large compaction equipment within 3’ from the back of the wall face. This will push out the wall.

  1. Push the block forward to engage the connection device between units. If this is not done a consistent setback will likely not be established.

I also recommend that contractors review the construction portion of the specifications or installation handbooks. Construction requires lots of checking for setback and levelness of the block or blocks, adjusting as required. A 10' level is recommended.

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