Zharoli Village, Gujarat, India | Mistry Associates
Galva Decoparts Private Limited at Zharoli Village, Gujarat, approached Mistry Associates for a pavement stabilization solution for the unpaved road connecting their production unit to the main road. The stretch had weak sub-soils that heaved under heavy truck loading, and repeated overlaying of earthen material failed to prevent recurring heaving and subsidence, especially during the rainy season. An all-weather road capable of sustaining repeated heavy loading from container trucks was needed, along with a pavement stabilization solution that would enhance pavement life and performance. This case study describes the improvement of the unpaved road at Zharoli Village using TechCell Geocell to enhance the performance and life of the flexible pavement over weak and soft soils.
The key challenges on this project included:
The road was unpaved, with no plan for a bituminous pavement in the near future.
The road was constructed on weak subgrade soil, so the sub-base needed to be strong enough to absorb traffic loads while allowing drainage.
As the only access road to the production unit, diverting traffic was very difficult, leaving a very limited working period each day.
Considering the challenging ground conditions and expected traffic loading, a solution was needed that would perform well with marginal fill, resist sub-base degradation, and be executed within a short period without major disruption to traffic.
Rutting, potholes and pavement degradation can be dramatically reduced by using the TechCell Geocell system in the granular layers. TechCell can also sustain heavy loads even without a bituminous layer — acting as a semi-rigid beam, the Geocell system spreads loads over soft sub-base soils, significantly reducing the deflection and settlement that cause pavement deterioration, while allowing a reduced cross-section. The Geocell also improves the quality of the infill, since good-quality granular fill material was not readily available at the project site.
The design solution included rehabilitation and stabilization of the unpaved road over weak ground using TechCell Geocell (356 x 150) filled with marginal granular material. TechCell improves the modulus of the marginal fill material and transfers load pressure over a wider area, reducing strains to permissible limits.
In addition to TechCell Geocell, TechGeo PP Nonwoven Geotextile (PR20) was used below the Geocell layers as a separation and filter layer. The geotextile provided a barrier between the soft ground and the infill material, preventing intermixing and helping to prevent erosion of fines from either layer.
The road was completed by the contractor before the monsoon and is presently in excellent condition with good riding quality. The client is satisfied with the performance of TechCell Geocell in stabilizing the industrial access road.
The unpaved road connecting the production unit had weak sub-soils that heaved under heavy truck loads. Repeated overlaying of earthen materials failed, especially during monsoons, causing subsidence, rutting, and poor riding quality. A durable, all-weather solution was needed.
Road constructed on weak subgrade soil.
No plan for bituminous pavement in the near future.
Limited working hours due to traffic diversion constraints.
Poor availability of quality granular fill material.
TechFab India proposed TechCell Geocell (356 x 150) filled with marginal granular material, combined with TechGeo PP Nonwoven Geotextile PR20 as a separation and filter layer.
Geocell acted as a semi-rigid beam, distributing heavy truck loads over weak soils.
PR20 prevented intermixing of soil and infill, improving drainage and erosion resistance.
Provides three-dimensional confinement of infill material.
Enhances load distribution and reduces settlement.
Allows use of marginal fill materials without compromising strength.
Reduces rutting, potholes, and pavement degradation.
PR20 acted as a separation and filtration layer, preventing soil-fines migration and ensuring long-term stability. It also improved drainage and protected the structural layers from erosion.
Road completed before monsoon season.
Currently in excellent condition with smooth riding quality.
Client satisfaction achieved due to durability and performance of TechCell Geocell.
TechCell Geocell (356 x 150)
TechGeo PP Nonwoven Geotextile PR20
