In modern civil engineering and construction, materials that offer strength, durability, and cost-efficiency are in high demand. Among such innovations, biaxial geomalla stands out as a powerful solution for ground reinforcement and soil stabilization. Widely used in roads, railways, retaining walls, and embankments, biaxial geomalla plays a crucial role in improving structural performance and extending the life of infrastructure.
This article explores what biaxial geomalla is, how it works, where it is applied, and why it has become indispensable in the field of geotechnical engineering.
What Is Biaxial Geomalla?
The term “geomalla” is the Spanish word for geogrid, a synthetic mesh-like material designed to reinforce soil and similar materials. When we use the term “biaxial geomalla,” we refer to a specific type of geogrid that has equal strength in two directions — both longitudinal (machine direction) and transverse (cross-machine direction).
The key feature of biaxial geomalla is its square or rectangular apertures that allow soil or aggregate to interlock within the grid structure, increasing stability and preventing displacement.
How Does Biaxial Geomalla Work?
The primary function of biaxial geomalla is soil reinforcement. When laid beneath a road or embankment, the geogrid distributes loads more evenly, reducing stress on the subgrade and minimizing deformation. The process can be explained in the following steps:
- Load Transfer: When a vehicle moves over a surface reinforced with biaxial geomalla, the load is distributed in two directions across the grid, reducing point pressure.
- Interlock Mechanism: The open grid structure allows soil or aggregate particles to enter the openings and lock in place, improving confinement and friction.
- Resistance to Shear Forces: The two-directional strength resists lateral movement, maintaining structural integrity under repeated loads.
- Reduction of Rutting: Biaxial geomalla helps prevent ruts and surface deformation, particularly on unpaved roads and parking lots.
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Applications of Biaxial Geomalla
Biaxial geomalla is a versatile material that has been adopted in numerous infrastructure projects around the world. Here are the most common applications:
1. Road Construction
Whether for highways, rural roads, or haul roads biaxial geomalla is widely used beneath base and sub-base layers. It improves pavement performance, reduces maintenance needs, and extends road lifespan.
2. Parking Areas and Airfields
These surfaces are subject to heavy, repeated loads. Incorporating biaxial geomalla improves their ability to withstand deformation and minimizes costly repairs.
3. Retaining Walls
Biaxial geogrids are used as horizontal reinforcements in retaining wall systems. They provide lateral support and reduce the pressure on the retaining structure.
4. Embankments on Soft Soil
Soft and compressible soils can lead to settlement issues.
5. Railways
Railway tracks must maintain precise alignment under high-speed, high-load conditions. Biaxial geomalla strengthens the sub-ballast layer and ensures long-term stability.
Advantages of Using Biaxial Geomalla
The increasing adoption of biaxial geomalla in infrastructure is due to its numerous engineering and economic benefits:
Cost-Effective
By increasing the efficiency of load distribution, biaxial geomalla reduces the need for thick layers of expensive aggregate or asphalt, leading to material and transportation savings.
Environmentally Friendly
Less excavation and fewer materials mean lower carbon emissions. Many geomallas are also made from recyclable polymers.
Enhanced Durability
Biaxial geomalla helps reduce cracking, rutting, and settlement, increasing the overall life of roads and other infrastructure.
Water Resistance
Many geogrids are chemically inert and unaffected by water, ensuring long-term performance even in wet or chemically aggressive environments.
Key Properties to Consider
When selecting a biaxial geomalla, several key properties must be evaluated to ensure the material matches the project requirements:
- Tensile Strength: The force the geogrid can withstand in both directions before failure.
- Aperture Size: Determines the compatibility with different types of soil or aggregate.
- Junction Strength: The ability of the nodes (cross points) to resist separation under stress.
- UV Resistance: For applications exposed to sunlight, UV resistance ensures the geomalla won’t degrade.
- Creep Resistance: Long-term load retention without permanent deformation.
Comparison with Uniaxial Geomallas
Understanding the difference between biaxial and uniaxial geomallas is essential for proper application:
- Biaxial Geomalla has equal strength in both directions, ideal for surface reinforcement.
- Uniaxial Geomalla is stronger in one direction and is better suited for vertical applications like tall retaining walls.
While uniaxial geogrids provide directional strength, biaxial geomalla ensures balanced performance across a plane — a critical distinction when choosing materials for roads and railways.
Installation Guidelines
A typical installation process includes:
- Site Preparation: Level and compact the subgrade to remove sharp objects and soft spots.
- Laying the Geomalla: Roll out the geogrid in the direction of travel, ensuring minimal overlaps.
- Overlapping and Anchoring: Overlap adjacent rolls by at least 30–45 cm and pin them securely to prevent movement.
- Aggregate Placement: Place the base course material carefully to avoid disturbing the geomalla.
Conclusion
Biaxial geomalla has emerged as a crucial tool in modern civil and geotechnical engineering. From roads to railways and retaining walls to embankments, its ability to reinforce soil, distribute loads, and reduce deformation makes it indispensable in construction projects worldwide.
As infrastructure ages and environmental demands increase, the use of biaxial geomalla will continue to grow. Its balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental benefits makes it a foundation for building stronger, longer-lasting, and more sustainable infrastructure for future generations.
