Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

Geocellular Confinement Systems 

Geocellular confinement systems (GCS) are 

3-dimensional honeycomb-like structures filled 

with soil, rock or concrete. The GCS structure, 

often called a geocell, is made of strips of 

polymer sheet or geotextile connected at 

staggered points so that, when the strips are 

pulled apart, a large honey-comb mat is formed. 

The GCS provides both a physical containment 

of a depth of soil and a transfer of load through 

the GCS.  

 

 

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                                                                              Introduction to Geosynthetics                                                                          9 

 

 

For more information please contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association at www.gmanow.com. 

 

 

Geocellular Confinement Systems  

 

Silt Fence 

A well-designed silt fence is made of a durable 

geotextile attached to support posts with the 

bottom edge securely buried.  It performs as 

follows:  

• 

It initially screens silt and sand particles 

from runoff.  

• 

A soil filter is formed adjacent to the silt 

fence and reduces the ability of water to 

flow through the fence.  

• 

This leads to the creation of a pond behind 

the fence, which serves as a sedimentation 

basin to collect suspended soils from runoff 

water. 

 

 

Silt Fence