Replacing the traditional slope reinforcement method with Geocell
I received an inquiry from a customer in Kyrgyz Republic, and my customer wants to reinforce their slope with Geocell, I checked all their requirements and answered all their questions. More details, please check them in below:
We are implementing the reconstruction project of highway. As part of this project, we are considering replacing the traditional slope reinforcement method (riprap) with more modern and efficient solutions, such as geocells.
Request for a Commercial Proposal
We are interested in obtaining the following information about your products:
- Technical specifications of the proposed geocells suitable for slope reinforcement using standard bulk material.
- Prices for the specified geocells.
- Delivery terms to the Kyrgyz Republic, including delivery timeframes and possible supply volumes.
- Our estimated volume is 7,400 m2. For this volume, should we consider an additional reserve when placing an order? If so, what percentage of extra stock do you recommend?
I checked all your requirements, please check my answers as follows:
- Technical specifications of the proposed geocells suitable for slope reinforcement using standard bulk material.
#Answer: For application of slope protection, the most popular Geocell type is height 100mm or 150mm, welding distance 445mm.
As for the height to use 100mm or 150mm, it mainly depends on the slope angle and project budget. So what’s the slope angle of your project, could you please check and let us know? Then we can recommend you the most suitable Geocell type.
- Prices for the specified geocells.
#Answer: As I said in the first question, we recommend to use Geocell height 100mm or 150mm and welding distance 445mm.
So I quoted you our best prices for HF100-445 and HF150-445, both GB standard and ASTM standard for your reference. The offer sheet will be sent in next email separately.
- Delivery terms to the Kyrgyz Republic, including delivery timeframes and possible supply volumes.
#Answer: May I know where your project is? Generally we ship to our border, Turgart port or Irkeshtam port. Which port is much more near your project site? Please check and advise, then I will check the freight cost and quote you FOB price accrodingly. Currently, I quote you EXW price first.
- Our estimated volume is 7,400 m2. For this volume, should we consider an additional reserve when placing an order? If so, what percentage of extra stock do you recommend?
#Answer: If you can tell us the exact slope width and length, then we can calculate and produce the best suitable expanded cell size for your projec.
In this way, the panel width and length are suitable for your project, easy for installation, then you don’t need to add the extra quantity.
Dear Claire,
Thank you for your prompt response and the provided quotation. We apologize for the delay in our reply. Below are our comments and additional questions:
- Slope Angle: The slope angle we will specify the exact value and inform you additionally.
#Answer: I have checked your drawing, the slope is 1:1.5= slope angle 33.69°. For slope angle 33.69°, 100mm or 150mm height both are suitable, you can choose depends on your project budget.
2. Quotation: We appreciate the provided prices for geocell types HF100-445 and HF150-445 according to GB and ASTM standards.
#Answer: HF100-445 and HF150-445 are the most suitable and popular Geocell types for slope protection, we did a lot of slope projects with them all over the world.
Geocell for channel protection
3. Delivery Terms: Our project is located in the xxx region; therefore, we request the delivery cost to the Torugart port.
#Answer: Ok, I’m checking the freight cost from our factory to Torugart port with our logistics, once get the cost, I will quote you FOB Torugart price accordingly.
4. Slope Dimensions: We will specify the exact length and width of the slope and inform you additionally.
#Answer: Ok, no problem, after get your exact slope length and width, then we can calculate and produce the most suitable expanded panel width and length that are best for your project.
5. Especially thanks for the photos and additional information regarding the geocells
As previously mentioned, any project modifications require approval from the consulting engineer. As the general contractor, we await their positive response, after which they will coordinate the changes with the design institute. This process is necessary to ensure all modifications comply with the project’s specifications and standards. We understand that the approval process can take time and may not always proceed swiftly, so we have to wait.
#Answer: I fully understand what you said and the project’s real situation, you don’t need to hurry and worry about me. I have full patience, because I have many customers get an order need 1 year, some big projects even need 2-3 years. Especially for Geocell, it is not easy to get a project, it needs complicated processes and procedures.
Good things take time, we do what we can, and let time do the rest : )
In continuation of our discussion, we are sending you section 9.11 of the project documentation, which describes the current methods of slope reinforcement using riprap. Due to difficulties in obtaining the required volume of stone, we propose considering the use of your geocells as an alternative solution.
#Answer: Yes, Geocell fill with soil, then grass on the surface is more and more popular for slope protection projects. I will share you more projects that we did on WhatsApp.
Below is the relevant section of the project documentation for your reference:
#Answer: Thanks for sharing, I will check it carefully.
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9.11. Reinforcement Works, Drainage.
‘The embankment slopes, to prevent material from spilling into the riverbed, are supported by reinforced concrete retaining walls. The geometric dimensions and reinforcement of these walls are determined by calculations, with their length based on the bridge height.
Since the bridges are designed over mudflow channels, where mudflows periodically occur, to allow unobstructed passage of mudflows under the bridge and facilitate maintenance (channel clearing), the riverbed under the bridge and within the retaining walls is reinforced with 16 cm thick monolithic concrete over a metal mesh made of AI class reinforcement with a diameter of 8 mm and a mesh size of 200×200 mm.
The bottom and slopes of the artificial channel before and after the bridge are reinforced with stones of 0.5 m diameter, laid in a single layer with voids filled with smaller stones. (Here, we propose using geocells instead of riprap for reinforcing the bottom and slopes of the artificial channel.)
Drawings of the artificial channel structure and reinforcement lengths for each bridge are attached to the project.
Water drainage from the bridge deck is achieved through longitudinal and transverse slopes; water flows into concrete drainage trays leading to absorption wells.’
We hope this proposal is helpful and are ready to discuss possible project modifications to optimize the construction process.
We understand the importance of timely communication and assure you that any delays in our responses are not intentional. The current circumstances require careful coordination among all participants to maintain the project’s integrity and quality.
Once again, thank you for your understanding and continued support.
