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Tensar TriAx (TX) and Tensar Geogrids
Tensar TriAx (TX) and Biaxial (BX)
Biaxial (BX) Geogrids Geogrids stand the test of time,
offering outstanding performance
provide soil reinforcement due to their stiff interlocking capability.
For more information, visit
that offers a predictable, www.tensar-international.com.
cost-effective solution.
Introduction >
When weak subgrade, heavy loads, thick fill layers, The subgrade improvement and base reinforcement
high structural fill costs, contaminated subgrades or applications, and their primary mechanisms, are
shallow utilities disrupt your construction schedule predetermined by ground or foundation support.
or budget, Tensar TriAx (TX) or Biaxial (BX) Geogrids Proper geogrid installation is also based on
can provide the best solution. subgrade strength. We use California Bearing
Ratio (CBR) to quantify this important variable.
Not only does this system allow access and construction
for less than ideal situations, it also offers a predictable Tensar TriAx and BX Geogrids are used to minimize
engineered solution. This solution relies on Tensar TriAx aggregate fill requirements, reduce or eliminate undercut,
and BX Geogrids and crushed aggregate base acting improve compaction, serve as a construction platform
together to create a stronger composite structure, which and extend service life. These features depend upon
increases the performance of the underlying subgrade or proper installation as put forth in this guide.*
aggregate base course. *This guide cannot account for every possible construction scenario,
but it does cover most applications. If you have questions regarding a
Tensar TriAx and BX Geogrids have proven their specific project, call 800-TENSAR-1 or visit www.tensar-international.com.
performance and cost-efficiency in thousands of
applications. Over soft ground, TriAx and BX Geogrids
improve the soils effective bearing capacity by
distributing applied loads more widely, similar to the way
a snowshoe supports a mans weight over soft snow
(Image 1). Over firmer ground, geogrids stiffen and
interlock with fill materials by confining aggregate
particles within its apertures, thus yielding a stronger
component for increased serviceability and durability.
Image 1 The Snowshoe Effect Tensar TriAx and BX Geogrids distribute heavy
loads over soft soils just like a snowshoe supports the weight of a man over soft snow.
1. Getting Started >
When placing an order, communicate all pertinent Store Tensar Geogrid rolls in a manner that prevents
project and/or application criteria, including excessive mud, wet concrete, epoxy or other
certification requirements, if any, to your Tensar deleterious materials from coming in contact with and
International (TI) representative. It is normally affixing to the geogrid. Store geogrids above 20F
advisable to schedule a pre-construction meeting (29C) and avoid handling below 14F (10C) the
with this representative and any other appropriate glass-transition temperature for polypropylene used
parties at this time. in BX and TX Geogrids. Tensar Geogrids may be
stored uncovered for up to six months in direct
Upon delivery, check the geogrid roll labels to verify
exposure to sunlight without any loss in certifiable
that the intended product has been received. For
structural properties (contact TI if longer exposure is
instance, BXTYPE1 and BXTYPE2 Geogrids have
anticipated). Tensar Geogrids may be stored vertically
a similar appearance, but different structural
(rolls stood on end) or, typically, horizontally in stacks
characteristics so their distinction is important.
not exceeding five rolls high (Image 2).
Inspect the geogrid to ensure it is free of any flaws
or damage that may have occurred during shipping Anticipate potential issues and resolve them with
or handling. If variable roll widths are supplied, TI prior to construction. To contact the local TI
please confirm that the correct quantities have representative for your area, call 800-TENSAR-1.
been delivered. Tensar Geogrid rolls are assigned
distinct nomenclature to distinguish wide rolls from
narrow rolls:*
Image 4 Geogrid should overlap in the Image 5 Placing Geogrid Image 6 Cutting Tensar TriAx Geogrid
direction of advancing fill. to accommodate curves. is easily achieved.
5
4. Tensioning and Pinning >
Tensar Geogrids may be anchored in place to maintain When aggregate fill is spread by pushing it
overlaps and alignment over the coverage area. over the Tensar Geogrid with heavy equipment,
such as bulldozers, the shoving action may
Before fully unrolling the geogrid, anchor the
create a wave in the sheet of geogrid ahead of
beginning of the roll, in the center and at the
the advancing fill. Shoveled fill or pins can trap this
corners, to the underlying surface.
wave and force the geogrid up into the aggregate
Anchor the Tensar Geogrid with small piles of layer where it can be damaged by the spreading
aggregate fill or a washer and pin (Image 7a). equipment. Pulling the geogrid taut will mitigate
Large, heavy-gauge staples (Image 7b) may laydown slack, thereby removing waving. If
also be used by driving them into the subsoil significant waving occurs, the pins or shoveled
through the apertures of the grid. material should be removed to allow the waves
to dissipate at the ends and edges of the roll.
Unroll the Tensar Geogrid. Align it and pull it
taut to remove wrinkles and laydown slack with
hand tension, then secure in place. Because of
the unique manufacturing process of Tensar Geogrid,
maneuvering an unrolled sheet of geogrid is very
easy. Gloves should be worn when handling and
cutting Tensar Geogrids.
Image 7a Anchoring geogrid with piles of aggregate. Image 7b Staples for anchoring BX Geogrid (optional).
Image 8 Dumping
aggregate fill on top
of Tensar Geogrid over
competent subgrade.
Image 9a End dumping aggregate fill on top of Tensar Geogrid Image 9b Spreading aggregate fill over Tensar Geogrid.
over soft subgrade.
7
Image 11
Compacting the
aggregate fill.
6. Compacting >
Standard compaction methods may be used Compact aggregate fill to project specifications,
unless the soils are very soft. In these cases, after it has been graded smooth and before it
static instead of vibratory compaction is prudent, is subject to accumulated traffic (Image 11).
particularly over fine-grained, noncohesive soils Inadequate compaction will result in surface
such as silt. Compaction is then achieved using a rutting under wheel loads. This rutting reduces
light roller. Keeping the moisture content of the fill the total effective thickness of the fill and
material near optimum will make compaction more increases stress on the subgrade. Compaction
efficient. Water spray is most effective with sand fill equipment and methods should be appropriate
(Image 10). For construction over very soft soils, for the type of fill being used, its thickness and
compaction requirements are normally reduced for the underlying subgrade conditions.
the initial lift as the primary intent of the initial lift is
If the aggregate fill thickness is insufficient to
to achieve a suitable working surface.
support imposed load(s) when constructing over
If rutting or severe pumping occurs under truck soft soil, excessive subgrade and surface rutting
or dozer traffic, fill should be added immediately will result. Measures should be taken to ensure
to strengthen the section. Silty subgrades are the proper thickness of granular fill is placed atop
particularly prone to pumping. In some cases, the geogrid to maximize support and minimize
it may be prudent to cease operations for a period movement at the surface.
of time, allowing pore pressures to dissipate and
the subgrade to stabilize. Otherwise, de-watering
measures such as bleeder ditches should be
considered to reduce the moisture content of the
uppermost silty subgrade layer. Please contact
a Tensar representative for more information.
1 in. 100
in. 50100
#4 2550
#40 1020
#100 515
analysis is recommended to guard against potential The moisture content of the fill should not exceed
contamination from the underlying subgrade (see optimum. Wet fill is not easy to compact and will rut
Table 1 on pg. 4). If the aggregate fill does not meet under wheel loading.
the requirement(s) of a graded filter over soft and
saturated clays and silts it is recommended that a Preferred Equipment
sand filter layer be placed at a minimum depth of
Soft Ground the preferred equipment imposes low
6 in. on top of the geogrid layer. This sand fill may
contact pressure on the ground surface. This may be
need to be increased in the event the design fill
done with smaller machinery, wide tires and/or LGP
thickness requires a thicker initial lift. It is not
tracks. Equipment that concentrates heavy loads over
recommended that a non-woven geotextile be used
relatively small contacts, such as front-end loaders,
when constructing over saturated silts. However, non-
are not recommended. In all soft ground cases, fill
woven geotextiles are recommended in conjunction
must be sufficiently thick to avoid overstressing the
with Tensar TriAx and BX Geogrids when:
underlying soils and Tensar Geogrid.
1. The filter criteria of the fill when compared to the
Competent Ground the preferred equipment
subgrade soil does not pass the piping ratio
maximizes productivity for specific construction
requirement, and
requirements. Over competent ground, geogrids
2. Significant clay content is present that will limit the can be trafficked directly by rubber-tired equipment,
mobilization of fine particles with excessive stress making hauling equipment (i.e., dump trucks) and
and moisture. spreading equipment (i.e., motor graders) ideal
(Image 12). Spreader boxes are not recommended
Do not use uniformly sized coarse fill as it does not
wrinkling in the geogrid between the screed and
compact well and will rut under wheel loading,
wheels of the box and dump trucks can cause slack
despite the improved stability brought about by
to become trapped, raising the geogrid up into the
Tensar Geogrids.
aggregate layer.
800-TENSAR-1
www.tensar-international.com
Distributed by:
2010, Tensar International Corporation. Certain products and/or applications described or illustrated herein are protected
under one or more U.S. patents. Other U.S. patents are pending, and certain foreign patents and patent applications may
also exist. Trademark rights also apply as indicated herein. Final determination of the suitability of any information or
material for the use contemplated, and its manner of use, is the sole responsibility of the user. Printed in the U.S.A.
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