Earth Retention

Earth retention applications usually require highly durable and reliable solutions, especially in regards to its stability and external facia. With this factored into the equation, Tough Cell creates reinforced geocell slopes with proven resistance to degradation caused from extreme temperatures, UV radiation, oxidation and load stresses.

Earth retention walls constructed from Tough Cell are strong, long lasting, easily installed, green solutions, utilized for steep slopes (up to 81⁰) with complex topography; they are available in stepped or vertical designs. The use of Tough Cell provides structural integrity even over soft subgrades and by using locally available soils as backfill material.

Several reasons for slope failure include heavy rain, flooding and seismic activity. Reinforced geocell slopes – using Tough Cell – are designed to be flexible enough to dissipate energy from ground movements and act like a shock absorber, therefore make them more resistant to earthquakes. Tough Cell retention walls were tested at the National Seismic Research Institute
in Japan in 2009. Results illustrated great performance in retaining structural stability, with a very low seismic reduction factor (0.3-0.4 times PGA). In the same study, it was found that HDPE geocells are not sustainable for long-lasting applications.

With this innovative, green construction method, every Tough Cell can be an individual planter that contains vegetation, with its roots retaining soil substrate. Excellent drainage due to Tough Cell perforation along with dense vegetation provides a green landscape and environmental aesthetics.

There are three types of Tough Cell based retention walls suitable for different project types:

  • Gravity retaining walls – steep walls for earth erosion control, durable for external loads and self-weight.
  • Reinforced walls – earth stabilization for high retaining walls, reinforced with horizontal geogrids.
  • Integrated earth stabilization – a solution combining Tough Cell retaining walls and back slope cover protection.

Benefits

Cost Effective

Less project life cycle costs are encouraged by diminishing maintenance
needs and reducing construction complexity. This is particularly true when compared to
other stone and concrete alternatives.

Drainage

Tough Cell perforations enhance drainage capabilities and maximize
infiltration, while, in correlation, vegetation provides plant-root interlock, limiting the
impact of hydrostatic forces.

Erosion Protection

Non-degradable Tough Cells form a composite structure that offers
stiffness and low creep. In addition, it is resistant to wear caused by extreme
temperatures, water, ground seismic movements and other harsh environmental
conditions.

Installation

Fast and simple construction that enables forms of curing instead of
pouring concrete. There’s no need for heavy machinery or hauling expensive or specific
aggregate.

Environmental

As a green solution, the wall encourages the growth of vegetation,
creating a green and aesthetic landscape.