Planar Geogrid With Compressible Cellular Layer for Aggregate Locking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integral geogrids face limitations in engaging with a variety of aggregate types and soils, leading to increased costs and environmental impact, while traditional methods like over-excavation and cement blending are costly and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A substantially planar geogrid with primary and secondary nodes, non-continuous and continuous ribs, and a compressible cellular layer that traps and locks in aggregate, enhancing interaction and stabilization through increased surface energy and roughness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods like over-excavation and cement blending are used to improve geotechnical stability, then stabilization performance is improved, but material costs and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeotechnical stabilization performanceVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential stabilization function from heavy material-intensive methods (over-excavation, cement blending) and concentrates it into a lightweight geogrid structure with engineered discontinuities, eliminating the need for excessive materials while maintaining stabilization performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the geogrid by introducing engineered discontinuities (varying rib heights, thicknesses, and configurations) that optimize soil interaction and mechanical interlocking, achieving better stabilization with reduced material quantity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing integral geogrids are used, then geotechnical stabilization is provided, but engagement with varied aggregate types and soils is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeotechnical stabilizationVSAvoidengagement with aggregate types and soils

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating zones of varying rib heights, thicknesses, and configurations within the geogrid structure, allowing different regions to engage with different soil and aggregate types simultaneously, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining overall stabilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the geogrid into distinct regions with engineered discontinuities (different rib patterns, heights, and densities) that can independently interact with various soil types, improving adaptability across diverse geotechnical conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If pavement systems are designed for increased traffic loading and environmental resistance, then durability is improved, but material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepavement lifecycleVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes geogrid parameters (rib dimensions, discontinuity patterns, material distribution) to maximize structural efficiency and load distribution, extending pavement lifecycle through improved mechanical performance without proportionally increasing material usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The geogrid design improves geotechnical stabilization by reducing material usage, lowering costs, and extending the lifecycle of pavement systems while accommodating varied aggregate types, offering better resistance to trafficking and environmental stresses.

Implementation Method 1

compressing by the varied aggregate, the compressible cellular layer, wherein compressing locks in aggregate by embedding into the compressible cellular layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

trapping varied aggregate in confinement elements, wherein the confinement elements include the primary and secondary nodes and the non-continuous and continuous ribs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical confinement: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250237032A1Methods for stabilizing geotechnical environments with a substantially planar geogrid

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 TENSAR INTERNATIONAL CORP

AI summary

Aspects of a method for stabilizing geotechnical environments involves the use of a substantially planar geogrid featuring primary and secondary nodes, non-continuous ribs terminating at secondary nodes, continuous ribs intersecting at primary nodes, and a compressible cellular layer. The method includes trapping varied aggregate within confinement elements formed by the nodes and ribs, and compressing the aggregate against the compressible cellular layer. This compression embeds the aggregate into the cellular layer, effectively locking it in place and enhancing the stability of the geotechnical environment. The design of the geogrid and the interaction between the aggregate and the compressible layer provide improved load distribution and resistance to environmental stresses and trafficking.