• semi-rigid slabs
• lateral load distribution
• reduced subgrade pressures, and
• reduced base thickness

TerraCell provides confinement throughout the depth of the aggregate layer, not just at the interface between the aggregate and the subgrade. The ability of the aggregate to spread surface forces and reduce pressures on the subgrade is no longer dependent solely upon the properties of the aggregate itself. TerraCell can be filled with soil or sand, small rock, concrete, etc. The cells confine the fill material and protect it from being moved by wind and water. Each cell in the system acts as a small dam that allows water or wind to pass over the top while holding the fill in place. The cell walls inhibit formation of rills, thus preventing the erosion process from developing. Lastly, a soil-filled TerraCell slope can be seeded without worry that the system will interfere with mowing operations.

Suitable Application and Installation

Ground Stabilization
During construction of roads, parking lots, sewer lines, etc. pockets of soft, poor soils are sometimes encountered. Typically, soil is removed to a significant depth and replaced with expensive fill materials. This procedure can be costly and time consuming. Alternatively, a stabilization fabric with TerraCell can be placed directly on the prepared subgrade. Cells are filled with readily available granular materials and compacted.

Slope Protection
For some difficult erosion control situations, TerraCell can be substituted for a more conventional "hard" system of expensive, heavy materials such as riprap, armor stone, gabions, etc. depending upon the severity of the erosive forces encountered.

TerraCell used in erosion control and slope protection applications is installed in the same manner as in ground stabilization projects. (See illustration.)

For areas subjected to substantial erosives forces such as shorelines, bends along river banks, outflow pipes, etc. concrete might be the most effective material selected to prevent erosion. When filled with concrete, TerraCell becomes an articulated concrete mat that conforms to possible differential settlement while protecting the underlying soil from either wind or water erosion.

Gravity Walls
Installation of the bottom section of TerraCell is similar to how it is applied to ground stabilization. In most applications, place the second and subsequent sections such that the front of each panel is slightly offset back from the front on the panel below. Also, stagger the sections in brick laying fashion so that the panels are not directly on top of each other. As the wall increases, keep heavy compaction equipment off the face and sides. Insure that any internal or external drainage materials or procedures required are properly installed.

The Benefits

Slope protection using heavy armor stone tends to be costly in terms of materials and time-consuming installation. Slope protection using TerraCell filled with locally available soils, small rocks, or concrete can be more effective than expensive alternatives and is usually less costly to maintain. There is also a similar economic benefit when using TerraCell and locally available soils and/or aggregates to construct a gravity retaining wall versus a poured-in-place concrete wall or a wall composed of costly materials such as timber, steel, concrete block or gabions.