When customers choose HDPE Geocell for load support, slope protection, and erosion control projects, they always have a query: whether to use a geotextile under the Geocell? Currently, a customer from Rwanda will buy our Geocell for the erosion control project, and the slope angle is 2H:1V. Their engineer asked me the same question: Do you recommend us to use geotextile under the Geocells?

Here I’d like to answer this question in detail as below. If you have a professional engineer to design your project, then following their design is ok.

Whether to use a geotextile under the Geocell is dependent on the subgrade and fill material.

When the infill and subgrade are different, or if the subgrade is very soft or wet, a geotextile can provide a useful separation function by keeping the infill from migrating out from under the Geocells.

A geotextile is also beneficial in protecting the subgrade under the Geocell system.

However, using a geotextile can reduce significantly the friction along the plane at the bottom of the Geocell system, thus increasing the net sliding force.

Thus the decision whether or not to use a geotextile should be made carefully, after evaluating the benefits and costs.

Any further questions, let Claire know freely. I’m the Geocell expert to answer any of your questions.

Based on my 14 years of experience in the Geocell field.