PRS-NEOWEB™

Base Reinforcement in
Load Support Applications

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 Ver. 13.01

T E C H N I C A L OV E RV I E W

© 2013 Copyright and Proprietary of PRS. Certain products and/or applications described or illustrated are
protected under international patents. Final suitability of any information or material for use and its manner of
use is the sole responsibility of the authorized user.
Contents
PRS-NEOWEBtm OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION – THE TOUGH CELL .......................................................................................................... 3

FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF PRS-NEOWEB.............................................................................................. 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 5

REINFORCEMENT MECHANISM................................................................................................................. 5
NEOLOY® ADVANCED POLYMERIC ALLOY .................................................................................................. 6
HDPE VS. NEOLOY BASED GEOCELLS ......................................................................................................... 6
REINFORCE BASE LAYER TO LOWER COSTS ............................................................................................... 8
USE NON-COHESIVE GRANULAR INFILL .................................................................................................... 8
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION ......................................................................................................................... 10
INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 10
PRS – THE LEADER IN GEOCELL TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................ 10
EXAMPLES OF PRS-NEOWEB LOAD SUPPORT SOLUTIONS ..................................................................... 11

PRS-NEOWEB REINFORCEMENT PROPERTIES ............................................................................................. 12

HOW REINFORCEMENT WORKS .............................................................................................................. 12

MODULUS IMPROVEMENT FACTOR (MIF) .............................................................................................. 12
PRS-NEOWEB BEAM EFFECT ................................................................................................................... 13
BREAKING AREAS OF PRS-NEOWEB REINFORCED INFILL ........................................................................ 14
STRESSES ON THE CELL WALLS ................................................................................................................ 14
PASSIVE EARTH RESISTANCE ................................................................................................................... 14
INTERFACE FRICTION RESISTANCE .......................................................................................................... 15
THREE DIMENSIONAL HOOP STRENGTH ................................................................................................. 15
BENDING MOMENT RESISTANCE ............................................................................................................ 15
APPARENT COHESION ............................................................................................................................. 16
AGGREGATE ABRASION ........................................................................................................................... 16
CONFINED DRAINAGE SYSTEM................................................................................................................ 16

DESIGN THEORY .......................................................................................................................................... 17

Modification of Design Methodology for Unpaved Roads ...................................................................... 17

Layered Elastic Model for Paved Roads .................................................................................................. 17

PRS-NEOWEB BENEFITS FOR STRUCTURAL PAVEMENTS ............................................................................ 18

Appendix II - PUBLISHED TECHNICAL PAPERS ............................................................................................. 19

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 2/23 Ver. 13.01

PRS-NEOWEB™ OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION – THE TOUGH CELL
PRS-Neoweb™ is the cellular confinement system (geocell) created, manufactured and distributed by PRS
Mediterranean Ltd. Made from unique Neoloy® polymeric alloy strips, PRS-Neoweb is expanded on-site
to form a honeycomb-like structure, which is filled with granular infill, topsoil or recycled materials. The
complex interaction of cell wall, cell geometry and infill material on three planes creates a unique cellular
confinement system. PRS-Neoweb is used for soil confinement, stabilization and reinforcement in a wide
variety of load support and civil engineering applications, such as base reinforcement in paved and
unpaved roads.

PRS-Neoweb is manufactured from Neoloy, a novel polymeric alloy developed by PRS, based on
polyester nano-fibers in a polyolefin matrix. The properties of this alloy enable a strong and stiff geocell
with high durability, higher tensile strength, resistance to creep and high temperatures, and dimensional
stability than commonly-used HDPE-based geocells.

Neoloy based PRS-Neoweb placed in the base layer of asphalt pavements, enables the replacement of
quality aggregate in the base layer with local, poor strength and less expensive granular infill. This is due
to the increased modulus and bearing material of granular infill by the PRS-Neoweb cellular
confinement. Pavement thickness of the structural layers may be reduced and/or the life-span of
structural pavements increased.

The result is significantly reduced road repair, rehabilitation and maintenance, as well as reduced use of
raw materials, making road construction more sustainable and more economic. Initial capital as well as
operational costs are reduced. These parameters make PRS-Neoweb a suitable and sustainable solution
for structural reinforcement of motorways, railways and multi-modal ports.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 3/23 Ver. 13.01

FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF PRS-NEOWEB
PRS-Neoweb meets the basic goals of civil engineering construction solutions – high performance, fast
installation and lower costs, particularly in problematic soils, difficult locations and where aggregate
resources are limited.

 Improve layer modulus with low strength fill – PRS-Neoweb enables use of local non-cohesive fill,
granular soils and recycled material instead of expensive base layer aggregate. This lowers initial
capital costs as well as the hauling and environmental impacts of importing aggregates; the long-
term confinement prevents aggregate degradation and extends the road life.

 Reduce layer thickness – High-strength Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb cell hoop strength, wall stiffness
and passive resistance enable a reduction in the thickness of structural support elements – both in
the substrata and the wearing course.

 Long-term performance – PRS-Neoweb dimensional stability and fatigue resistance under loading,
stress and extreme environmental conditions aligns product life-span life with long-term road
engineering standards.

 Easy and fast deployment – PRS-Neoweb folded sections are economic to deliver to site, installation
can be performed by inexperience work crews and deployment is easy and fast in all-weather
conditions.

 Cost effective – PRS-Neoweb installation, reduced infill requirements and extended life-span result
in savings in time, equipment, manpower and costs during construction phases, while roads that last
longer and require less operating and maintenance costs over the project life-span.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 4/23 Ver. 13.01

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
REINFORCEMENT MECHANISM
PRS-Neoweb improves the performance of infill materials, due to the stiffness of the infill and cell, which
is increased by the hoop stresses developed on the cell wall as well as by passive resistance from
surrounding cells. The 3D confinement prevents movement and shearing of soil infill under cyclic loading,
while reducing aggregate attrition. The confinement system also maintains soil compaction, thereby
providing long term soil reinforcement and structural strength.

PRS-Neoweb cellular confinement improves the moduli of infill materials, while increasing the bearing
capacity of structural pavement layers for load support. Infill stiffness is increased by transferring vertical
forces to hoop stresses on the geocell walls and by passive resistance from surrounding geocells (as
shown in the illustration below).

Extensive research of the reinforcement mechanisms in geocells shows that the stiffness of the geocell
material is the most important confinement parameter. Neoloy-based geocells exhibit high tensile
strength, resistance to creep and dimensional stability greater than conventional geocells. This
significantly increases the strength of confined infill as well as the pavement layer elastic modulus.

Infill stiffness is increased by transferring vertical forces to hoop stresses on the geocell walls and by
passive resistance from surrounding geocells. 3D confinement prevents movement and shearing of the
layer under cyclic loading, while reducing aggregate abrasion. The confinement also maintains
compaction to retain the long-term structural reinforcement. Confinement by PRS-Neoweb geocells
upgrades the modulus of inferior materials. This enables replacement of high-quality aggregate with
lower cost infill. No longer 'confined' to solving problems in weak subgrades, PRS-Neoweb geocells can
be deployed in the upper base layer of any structural pavements, and thereby lower project costs.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 5/23 Ver. 13.01

NEOLOY® ADVANCED POLYMERIC ALLOY
Neoloy® is an innovative high-strength polymeric alloy developed by PRS for the PRS-Neoweb™ cellular
confinement system. Based on nano-fibers in a polyolefin matrix, Neoloy combines the ductility of HDPE
with the dimensional stability and creep resistance of polyester. This unique material provides PRS-
Neoweb geocells with unrivaled long-term resistance to: creep, fatigue, stress-cracking, temperature
extremes, oxidation and UV light.
The result is a strong and stiff
confinement system with
unmatched durability.

Neoloy enables the use of PRS-

Neoweb for long-term load support
infrastructure projects such as
paved roads, railways and multi-
modal ports. PRS-Neoweb with
Neoloy maintains its engineering
characteristics and geometry for the
project lifespan, even under
dynamic loading, thermal cycling
and high temperatures.

Confinement by PRS-Neoweb
geocells upgrades the modulus of
inferior materials. This enables
replacement of high-quality aggregate with lower cost infill. No longer 'confined' to solving problems in
weak subgrades, Tough PRS-Neoweb geocells can be deployed in the upper base layer of any structural
pavements, and thereby lower infill and project costs.

HDPE VS. NEOLOY BASED GEOCELLS

Recent research has broadened our understanding of cellular confinement systems and the influencing
factors of the reinforcement. The research demonstrates that not all geocells are equal. PRS-Neoweb
geocells with a higher elastic modulus produced greater improvement in terms of stiffness, bearing
capacity, stress distribution and reduced deformation, when compared with conventional HDPE geocells.
(See Pokharel, et al 2011 and 2009))

While HDPE geocells are typically used for soil erosion control for slope and channel protection, as well
as low earth retention structures, their use in ground improvement applications is often limited to low
volume roads and temporary pavement structures, due to concerns about stiffness and durability. Dr.
Dov Leshchinsky in ground-breaking research of geocell reinforcement of retaining walls used HDPE
geocells which were sufficient for short-term performance and testing:

“However, without improvement, HDPE geocells are not suitable for long-term applications.
Problems of durability related to leaching of additives, oxidation, and to UV exposed facing should
be addressed. Large thermal contraction and expansion of outer cells due to daily and seasonal
temperature changes combined with high intrinsic thermal coefficient of the geocell material could
lead to progressive failure initiating at the outer cells. Stress cracking of exposed facing could
occur in low temperature. Low stiffness and strength may lead to significant creep having poor
long-term dimensional stability.” (See Leshchinsky D., 2009, Research and innovation...)

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 6/23 Ver. 13.01

Neoloy, a new polymeric alloy, is the only high-modulus geocell available that was specifically designed
for very heavy road reinforcement and ground stabilization. Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb geocells have a
higher tensile stiffness and strength, and are more durable over time and under elevated temperatures
than HDPE geocells (See Han, “Unpaved Roads: Tough Cells,” Roads and Bridges):

“Two types of geocell materials were used in this research:

The NPA (Neoloy) geocell is characterized by flexibility at low temperatures similar to HDPE with
elastic behavior similar to engineering thermoplastic. The NPA geocells have a lower thermal
expansion coefficient and higher tensile stiffness and strength than HDPE geocells. .... The HDPE
geocell had a tensile strength of 12.5 MPa, while the NPA geocell had tensile strengths ranging
from 19.1 to 21.3 MPa .... “

The laboratory experimental studies, full-scale moving wheel tests and field demonstration in this
comprehensive research have demonstrated clear benefits of NPA geocell reinforcement in terms
of increased stiffness and bearing capacity, wider stress distribution and reduced permanent
deformation, which all contribute to prolonged roadway life. The field demonstration has shown
NPA geocell as a viable option to reinforce silty sand in roadway construction. The design methods
developed in this research can help engineers design geocells for future roadway applications.”

COMPARISON WITH OTHER REINFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS

PRS-Neoweb creates a reinforced mattress with a beam effect with unbounded base material. Compared
to 2D geosynthetic products, such as geogrids and geotextiles, geocell confinement in three dimensions
better minimizes the lateral movement of soil particles. This results in a higher locked-in confining stress
and thus a higher modulus of the base.

Conventional ground stabilization solutions (soil replacement, additives, or thicker base layers) either do
not provide sufficient long-term stability and strength for transportation engineering and/or entail higher
costs and environmental impacts.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 7/23 Ver. 13.01

REINFORCE BASE LAYER TO LOWER COSTS
Neoloy®-based PRS-Neoweb™ geocells were specifically developed by PRS for the upper structural
reinforcement of load support applications. PRS-Neoweb cellular confinement systems improve the layer
moduli of the structural layers. This enables costly high-quality aggregate to be replaced with less
expensive locally-available granular (non-cohesive) infill materials. The result – lower costs for every
square meter of infill. PRS-Neoweb is the only geocell that breaks the subgrade barrier. No longer
confined to weak subgrade soils with low CBR, PRS-Neoweb tough cells add value to each layer of the
structural pavement, even to a base with high CBR.

The upper base layer, for example, is subjected to hundreds of millions of repeated dynamic & cyclical
loadings, as well as elevated temperatures and thermal cycling. Only Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb cellular
confinement systems have the high dimensional stability to maintain long-term confinement /
compaction directly under the asphalt. In addition the increased strength and bearing capacity of PRS-
Neoweb geocells enables a reduction in the layer thickness of the asphalt, base and subgrade layers. The
result – save even more in project and life-cycle costs.

USE NON-COHESIVE GRANULAR INFILL

PRS-Neoweb has the ability to utilize poorly graded and fine granular materials for infill that are unusable
by 2D planar geosynthetics. Non-cohesive material such as sand attains sufficient strength and stiffness
when confined in PRS-Neoweb encased soils. The 3D vertical zone of influence enables the use of poorly
graded and fine granular materials, including local native soils, quarry sands, and recycled asphalt or
concrete/cement rubble for heavy load support applications such as heavy traffic pavements and railway
substructures.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 8/23 Ver. 13.01

USING RAP INFILL IN BASE LAYER REINFORCEMENT
Although the use of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in the wearing course is increasing in road
construction, its use as aggregate infill for the base course of rehabilitated roads is limited. This is due to
RAP’s creep under sustained loading as a result of the asphalt binder. However, recent studies have
confirmed that PRS-Neoweb confinement of RAP, not only reduces creep significantly. It also improves
the pavement modulus, performance and lifespan.

The PRS-Neoweb confinement and reinforcement mechanism (MIF – Modulus Improvement Factor) can
strengthen the modulus of poorly graded RAP or RAP with low bearing capacity by x5. This eliminates the
need for processing the RAP either on-site or at reprocessing facilities where it is mixed with virgin
aggregate to increase strength and stiffness. The end result is significant savings in hauling, energy and
aggregate.

The improved strength also permits a reduction in the bituminous wearing course, typically reducing the
amount (and costs) of
bituminous/asphalt
concrete/binder from 5-25%.
For example, in the design
below, a 250 mm pavement
structure with high-quality
aggregate was replaced by 125
mm layer of RAP with
Neoweb, due to the reinforcement.

The testing also showed that PRS-Neoweb reinforcement significantly reduced the permanent
deformation of the flexible pavement and increased the pavement life by a factor of 10. The PRS-
Neoweb geocell-reinforced base acted as a semi-rigid mattress foundation, which distributed the applied
load to a wider area with higher stress distribution angle and resulted in lower compression of subgrade,
RAP base, and HMA surface layers as compared with unreinforced base sections (Han et al, 2012).

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 9/23 Ver. 13.01

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
As a green and sustainable construction method PRS-Neoweb minimizes environmental impacts and
extends project life-spans. The ability to use inferior quality soil – including recycled asphalt, fly ash and
recycled concrete – for infill saves aggregate resources and reduces the number of haul vehicles and use
of virgin aggregate resources. This in turn, lowers fuel usage, the carbon footprint and reduces project
costs.

In addition to the favorable impact on the environment, the PRS-Neoweb solution also results in a
reduction and savings in construction vehicles, manpower and project costs. The enhanced service life of
PRS-Neoweb roads meets another goal of sustainability, for long term durability. Resources, manpower
and costs, are all reduced in the long term, as the use of PRS-Neoweb technology significantly reduces
long term road operations and maintenance.

INTEGRATED
SOLUTIONS
PRS-Neoweb is a unique geosynthetic
solution because it can be utilized for a
wide range of applications, typical in
large infrastructure projects. In
addition to ground stabilization and
reinforcement for flexible pavements
and rails, the same PRS-Neoweb
cellular confinement system can be
utilized for: embankments, drainage
channels, erosion control and slope
protection, earth retaining structures,
flyover slopes and stream channel
diversions.

PRS – THE LEADER IN GEOCELL TECHNOLOGY

PRS – Professional Reinforcement Solutions (est. 1996) – is a leading provider of geocell soil
reinforcement solutions for infrastructure and transportation. Unlike plastics’ manufacturers, PRS is an
engineering and technology company that focuses on one single product – geocells (cellular confinement
systems).

As evidence of its leadership, PRS committed itself to develop a new generation of advanced geocell
technology in a multi-year cooperative research, development and testing program with academia
leaders in the world of geosynthetics. PRS also holds 10 patents and 6 patents pending for its geocell
technology, polymeric alloys, and high-performance geosynthetics.

With a global network of regional offices and distribution, PRS provides a full range of end-to-end
services, from consulting design to on-site installation training. PRS-Neoweb performance has been
proven in geotechnical, environmental engineering, energy development, civil infrastructure and
transportation projects in over 45 countries around the world.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 10/23 Ver. 13.01

EXAMPLES OF PRS-NEOWEB LOAD SUPPORT SOLUTIONS
APPLICATION SOLUTIONS

PAVED ROADS  Asphalt flexible pavement structures

(sub-base layer)  Road rehabilitation
 Roadway widening and shoulder improvement
 Road embankments
 Trench and road drainage
 Porous pavements

UNPAVED ROADS  Access, haul and service roads

(base layer)  Roads from granular material, grass, sand
 Temporary roads for construction sites
 Roads through natural preserves
 Green roads and emergency access
 Patrol roads and roads for heavy military traffic

RAILWAY TRACKS  Sub-ballast confinement for new track

(sub-ballast layer)  Track repair and rehabilitation
 Railway embankments and overpasses
 Train station facilities and parking

PLATFORMS, PORTS,  Intermodal port facilities

PIPELINE PROTECTION  Airport runways, parking, storage terminals
(base reinforcement)  Parking lots
 Container platforms, terminals, depots and storage yards
 Pipeline/storage tank protection
 Boat ramps
 Retaining wall footings

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 11/23 Ver. 13.01

PRS-NEOWEB™ REINFORCEMENT PROPERTIES
HOW REINFORCEMENT WORKS
When PRS-Neoweb is deployed and compacted with soil/aggregate a cellular confinement composite
structure is created from the geotechnical interaction of the material, soil and shape. Soil confinement
retains and protects infill materials in three dimensions, providing high tensile strength on each axis.
Exceptionally strong reinforcement is achieved by the cellular structure and unique polymeric alloy.

Under loading, PRS-Neoweb generates powerful lateral confinement while soil-to-cell wall friction
reduces vertical movement. The high hoop strength of the cell walls, together with the passive earth and
friction resistance of adjacent cells, also increases soil strength and stiffness. Aggregate abrasion is
minimized by the cell confinement, thereby reducing attrition of the base material.

The cellular honeycomb sections distribute loads over a wider area, creating a 3D geocell mattress (beam
effect) with high flexural strength and stiffness. This mattress decreases vertical differential settlement
into soft subgrades, which improves shear strength, and enhances load-bearing capacity.

The net result of the three dimensional PRS-Neoweb system is enhanced performance of infill materials,
reduced long-term deformation, and reductions in the thickness of structural support elements (such
sub-base, base layers, asphalt/concrete layers). PRS-Neoweb increases the long-term stability of the
substratum under significant cyclical dynamic loads.

These forces – active earth pressure within the loaded cells, passive earth resistance in the adjacent cells
and hoop stresses in the cell walls provide the main reinforcement mechanism. The following sections
describe the various geotechnical reinforcement mechanisms from the PRS-Neoweb cellular
confinement system.

MODULUS IMPROVEMENT FACTOR (MIF)

The layered elastic model is a conventional design method that analyzes the modulus of each structural
layer separately. The structural strength is the accumulated sum of each layer. This method is commonly
used for stable base and subgrades.

It was well accepted that confinement increases the resilient modulus values of granular materials used
in pavement structures; and especially of inferior fill, such as fine granular soils and recycled materials. In
research and testing of PRS-Neoweb with various infill types and calibration (Professor Jie Han, Univ. of
Kansas, USA; Professors N. Meyer and A. Emersleben of Clausthal Univ. of Technology: Germany,
Professor K. Rajagopal of IIT, Madras, India) the modulus improvement factor for the affected layer over
soft subgrades was larger than 2.5.

The modulus improvement factor If of the base

layer relates to the improvement of the modulus
of the base by the PRS-Neoweb, as shown by the
following formula:

The general MIF obtained from field tests, laboratory tests and finite element studies in PRS-Neoweb-
based projects 1.5 to 5.0 dependent on material of infill, subgrade and location of reinforced layer.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 12/23 Ver. 13.01

PRS-NEOWEB BEAM EFFECT
Vertical loading on PRS-Neoweb infilled with compacted granular material creates a semi-rigid slab or
“beam effect” over soft soils. This distributes the load evenly and effectively over a wider area, thereby
increasing bearing capacity and decreasing differential settlement. As shown in the diagrams below, the
beam exhibits elastic behavior for the entire PRS-Neoweb reinforced layer, thereby reducing stresses to
the subgrade.

The beam effect was verified by extensive testing at Kansas State University (KSU) and the Indian
Institute of Technology (ITT) Chennai, India. The zone of influence created by the geocell is slightly higher
than the cell wall height – and applicable to any structural layer.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 13/23 Ver. 13.01

BREAKING AREAS OF PRS-NEOWEB REINFORCED INFILL
The PRS-Neoweb System reduces punching of
soft soil and increases the shear resistance of
the confined soil, thus increasing the bearing
capacity. When applying a vertical load on the
infill contained in a cell, high horizontal
confining stress develop by the walls of the cell.
These stresses increase the shear strength of
the confined soil, thus creating a stiff mattress,
which distributes the load over a large area.
The result is a decrease in punching, increase in
bearing capacity and smaller peak settlement.

STRESSES ON THE CELL WALLS

When the soil contained within the PRS-Neoweb cell is subjected to pressure, it causes lateral stresses
on perimeter cell walls. This prevents the movement and shearing of infill under loading.

PASSIVE EARTH RESISTANCE

In addition to the confinement by the stiff cell
walls, soil contained in adjacent cells provides
additional resistance against the loaded cell
through passive resistance. This provides a
stiffer mattress for higher road bearing
capacity.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 14/23 Ver. 13.01

INTERFACE FRICTION RESISTANCE
The horizontal stresses applied on walls of the
loaded cell increase the interface friction
resistance between soil infill and the perforated
and textured cell walls. This increased vertical
frictional resistance diminishes the stress
reaching the subgrade.

THREE DIMENSIONAL HOOP STRENGTH

The three-dimensional PRS-Neoweb structure
confines the infill soil, limiting the lateral
deformation. Lateral expansion of the infill is
restricted by high hoop strength. The result is
less deformation and increased durability.

BENDING MOMENT RESISTANCE

The confining and retaining the soil integrity
within a high tensile strength structure (with
volume) provides a layer with an increased
bending moment resistance. The structural
resistance is also increased providing better
performance, especially under concentrated
loads.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 15/23 Ver. 13.01

APPARENT COHESION
The applied pressure activates hoop forces in the
PRS-Neoweb, which confines the infill soil.
Hence, the soil strength increases. Using triaxial
tests, this strength increase of the soil is often
expressed by an apparent cohesion. Due to the
apparent cohesion and confinement, the
composite PRS-Neoweb with soil presents
greater stiffness as compared to unreinforced
soil. The stiffness of a stratum reinforced with
PRS-Neoweb is approximately double as
compared to an unreinforced bearing stratum.

AGGREGATE ABRASION
Dynamic repeated loads cause abrasion of aggregates resulting in degradation of the base material.
Unreinforced granular soil suffers from abrasion with time, thus losing the functionality of the coarse
base material. Abrasion of base material contained within the PRS-Neoweb system degrade at a slowly
and therefore retains its initial properties longer than unreinforced base material.

CONFINED DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The three-dimensional soil reinforcement is also
a lateral confined drainage system. As water
seeps through the cells system, soil particles are
retained, thus the functionality of the system is
maintained. This enables a quick drainage of
pavement runoff through the PRS-Neoweb base
confined system for unpaved pavements.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 16/23 Ver. 13.01

DESIGN THEORY
Studies of cellular confinement reinforcement mechanisms, numerical modeling and field trials by Han
(2011), Pokharel (2010) and Wang (2010), included the development and calibration of design methods
that could incorporate 3D NPA geocells. For unstable subgrades, the Giroud and Han (2004) method for
design with geosynthetics was modified for PRS-Neoweb-reinforced bases (Han, 2011). For roads with
stable base and subgrade, the design method for incorporating PRS-Neoweb uses the elastic behavior of
pavement structures and follows the Mechanistic-Empirical design procedure.

Modification of Design Methodology for Unpaved Roads

The Giroud and Han (2004) design methodology for geosynthetic (geotextile and geogrid) reinforcement
of unpaved roads was modified for reinforcement with PRS-Neoweb (high-strength) geocells. The
modifications include changing geogrid dependent parameters (such as aperture modulus) to geocell
dependent parameters. These were, calibrated by the laboratory cyclic plate loading tests and full-scale
moving wheel tests on PRS-Neoweb geocell-reinforced granular bases over weak subgrade. The second
modification is the inclusion of the modulus improvement factor (MIF) in the calculations to define the
increased modulus of the base course. The design formula was verified by the test data (Pokharel, 2010,
Wang 2010).

Layered Elastic Model for Paved Roads

The layered elastic model allows for the evaluation of strains, stresses and deflections. It is based on an
evaluation of the elastic multi-layer response to specific loading configurations. A mechanistic model of
each pavement layer is created including its thickness, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Then the
typical load configuration is applied, using a commercially available layered-elastic analysis programs for
pavements.

The design methodology is based on replacing an unreinforced pavement design with one based on
reinforcement. The improved performance of the structure due to the NPA reinforcement is expressed
by improving the modulus of (typically) the base layer utilizing the MIF.

Implementation of the elastic response in transfer functions provides the ESAL’s performance for
reinforced pavement structure. This is then validated for the critical failure modes: fatigue (asphalt layer)
and rutting (subgrade bearing capacity). An iterative process is used to optimize the cost savings in terms
of the layer thickness and infill type with an equal or greater performance compared to the unreinforced
design.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 17/23 Ver. 13.01

PRS-NEOWEB BENEFITS FOR STRUCTURAL PAVEMENTS
ENGINEERING
 Stiff and Strong – very high tensile strength (24 kN/m) prevents fatigue
 Confinement – increases pavement layer strength (modulus) regardless of CBR
 Reinforcement – reduces layer thickness & wearing course by up to 50%
 Beam effect – improves load transfer and bearing capacity by up to 50%
 Improves elastic modulus – by factor of 2-5x for heavier traffic and longer pavement lifespan

ECONOMIC
 Simple logistics – fast all-weather installation
 Lower costs – for infill, compaction, construction
 Reduce maintenance – less repairs, maintenance cycles and downtime
 Extended lifespan – lowers life cycle costs and advances perpetual pavements

ENVIRONMENTAL
 Lower grade infill – Use locally available, ungraded or recycled materials for infill
 Reduce pollution – quarrying, hauling, fuel, carbon footprint
 Green – sustainable construction method

NOVEL NEOLOY POLYMER ALLOY

 Patented technology – provides very high stiffness, dimensional stability, creep resistance
 Durable – long-term performance under heavy dynamic loading
 Advanced engineering – suitable for very perpetual pavements
 High performance– outperforms any other HDPE geocell

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 18/23 Ver. 13.01

 Appendix I - PUBLISHED TECHNICAL PAPERS
I PRS-Neoweb Reinforcement Research and Full Scale Trafficking Testing
(Han J., et al, University of Kansas, USA)

Han J., Acharya, B., Thakur, J.K., and Parsons, R. (2012), Onsite Use of Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Materials and Geocells to Reconstruct Pavements Damaged by Heavy Trucks, Mid-America
Transportation Center Report-462.

Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Yang, X. and Thakur, J. (2011). “Unpaved Roads: Tough Cell – Geosynthetic
Reinforcement Shows Strong Promise.” Roads and Bridges. July, 49 (7), 40-43

Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Yang, X., Manandhar, C., Leshchinsky, D., Halahmi, I., and Parsons, R.L. (2011).
“Performance of geocell-reinforced RAP bases over weak subgrade under full-scale moving wheel
loads.” Invited for a special issue, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, accepted.

Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Parsons, R. L., Leshchinsky, D., and Halahmi, I. (2010). Effect of Infill Material on
the Performance of Geocell-reinforced Bases, 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics, ICG
2010, Brazil, May 23-27.

Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Yang, X., Manandhar, C., Leshchinsky, D., Halahmi, I., and Parsons, R. L. (2010).
“Performance of geocell-reinforced RAP bases over weak subgrade under Full-Scale Moving Wheel
Loads.” 9th International Conference on Geosynthetics, ICG 2010, Brazil, May 23-27.

Han J., X.M. Yang, D. Leshchinsky, R.L. Parsons, and A. Rosen (2008). “Numerical Analysis for
Mechanisms of a Geocell-Reinforced Base Under a Vertical Load”, Geosynthetics in Civil and
Environmental Engineering, (Eds. G.X. Li, Y.M Chen, and X.U. Tang), Proceedings of Geosynthetics
Asia, June 17-20, Shanghai, China. Springer, pp. 741-746.

Han, J., Yang, X.M., Leshchinsky, D., and Parsons, R.L. (2008). “Behavior of Geocell-Reinforced Sand
under a Vertical Load,” Journal of Transportation Research Board, 2045, 95-101.
Pokharel, S.K., Han, J., Manandhar, C., Yang, X.M., Leshchinsky, D., Halahmi, I., and Parsons, R.L.
(2011). “Accelerated pavement testing of geocell-reinforced unpaved roads over weak subgrade.”
Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 10th International Conference on Low-Volume Roads,
July 24–27, Lake Buena Vista, 2 (2204), 67-75

Pokharel, S.K., J. Han, D. Leshchinsky, R.L. Parsons, and I. Halahmi (2010). Investigation of Factors
Influencing Behavior of Single Geocell-reinforced Bases under Static Loading. Geotextiles and
Geomembranes, 28(6), 570-578

Pokharel, S.K. (2010). Experimental Study on Geocell-Reinforced Bases under Static and Dynamic
Loading, PhD dissertation, Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering and Graduate Faculty of
the University of Kansas.

Pokharel, S.K. , Han J., Leshchinsky, D., Parsons, R.L., Halahmi, I. (2009). “Experimental Evaluation of
Influence Factors for Single Geocell-Reinforced Sand, Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual
Meeting, Washington, D.C., January 11-15.
Pokharel, S.K. , Han J., Leshchinsky, D., Parsons, R.L., Halahmi, I. (2009). “Behavior of Geocell-
Reinforced Granular Bases Under Static and Repeated Loads”, Contemporary Topics in Ground
Modification, Problem Soils, and Geo‐Support, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 187, Proceedings

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 19/23 Ver. 13.01

of Selected Papers of the 2009 International Foundation Congress and Equipment Expo Iskander, M.,
Laefer, D.F., and Hussein, M.H., (editors) Orlando, Florida, March 15-19, 409-406
Pokharel, S.K., J. Han, R.L. Parsons, Qian, Y., D. Leshchinsky, and I. Halahmi (2009). “Experimental
Study on Bearing Capacity of Geocell-Reinforced Bases,” 8th International Conference on Bearing
Capacity of Roads, Railways and Airfields, Champaign, Illinois, June 29 - July 2.

Thakur, J. (2011). Experimental Study of Geocell-reinforced Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Bases
under Static and Cyclic Loads, M.S. thesis, Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering and
Graduate Faculty of the University of Kansas.
Thakur, J.K., Han, J., Leshchinsky D., Halahmi, I., and Parsons, R.L. (2010), “Creep Deformation of
Unreinforced and Geocell-reinforced Recycled Asphalt Pavements.” Advances in Geotechnical
Engineering, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 211, Proceedings of GeoFrontiers 2011, Han J. and
Alzomora, D.E. (editors), Dallas, Texas, March 13-16, 4723-4732.
Yang, X., Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Manandhar, C., Parsons, R.L., Leshchinsky, D., and Halahmi, I. (2011).”
Accelerated Pavement Testing of Unpaved Roads with Geocell-Reinforced Sand Bases”, Transportation
Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., January 23-27.

Yang X.M., Han, J., Parsons, R.L., and Leshchinsky, D. (2010). “Three-dimensional Numerical Modeling
of Single Geocell-Reinforced Sand.” Frontiers of Architecture and Civil Engineering in China, 4(2), 233-
240.

Yang, X., Han, J., Pokharel, S.K., Manandhar, C., Parsons, R.L., Leshchinsky, D., and Halahmi, I. (2011).”
Accelerated Pavement Testing of Unpaved Roads with Geocell-Reinforced Sand Bases”, Transportation
Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C., January 23-27.

Yang, X.M. (2010). Numerical Analyses of Geocell-Reinforced Granular Soils under Static and Repeated
Loads, PhD dissertation, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering Faculty, University of Kansas.

Yuu, J., Han, J., Rosen, A., Parsons, R. L., Leshchinsky, D. (2008) “Technical Review of Geocell-
Reinforced Base Courses over Weak Subgrade,” The First Pan American Geosynthetics Conference &
Exhibition proceedings (GeoAmericas), Appendix VII, Cancun, Mexico.

II Contribution to Pavement Reinforcement (Rajagopal, et al, Indian Institute

of Technology, Madras, India and Kief, PRS-Israel)
Kief, O., and Rajagopal, K. (2011) “Modulus Improvement Factor for Geocell-Reinforced Bases.”
Geosynthetics India 2011, Chennai, India.
Kief, O. and Toan, T.D., (2011) “PRS-Neoweb 3D Cellular Confinement System for Structural Pavement
Reinforcement of Roads & Railways.” Geotec Hanoi 2011, Vietnam.
Kief, O., and Rajagopal, K. (2008) “Three Dimensional Cellular Confinement System Contribution to
Structural Pavement Reinforcement.” Geosynthetics India ’08, Hyderabad, India.
Galloway, E. (2011) Discussion of “Report on the Plate Load Tests at Govind Dairy Factory, Phaltan,
India - Modulus Improvement Factor”, Technical Document, PRS.
Rajagopal, K., Veeraragavan, A., Chandramouli, S. (2011) Report on Plate Load Tests at Govind Dairy
Factory, Phaltan and Interpretation - Modulus Improvement Factor, Technical Report, Indian Institute
of Technology Madras, Chennai.
Unni, A., Rajagopal, K., Veeragavan, A. (2010) Some Observations from Laboratory Plate Load Tests on
Pavement Structures with and without PRS-Neoweb Geocell Layers”, Preliminary Report Submitted to
PRS, Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, India.

PRS-EN-TD-LS-2001 22/23 Ver. 13.01

III Geogrid Trial Road Base (Van Gurp, Westeral, KOAC-NPC, Holland)
Van Gurp, C.A.P.M., Westera, G.E. (2008) “Geogrid Trial Road Base NL 2008”, KOAC-NPC, Netherlands,
Final Report.

IV Earth Retention – Seismic Research (Leshchinsky, D., U. of Delaware, USA)

Leshchinsky, D. (2009) “Research and Innovation: Seismic Performance of Various Geocell Earth-
retention Systems,” Geosynthetics, No. 27, No. 4, 46-52.

V Railway Embankments (Leshchinsky, B., Ling, H., et al, Columbia U., USA)
Leshchinksy, B., Ling H., Leshchinksy, D., Liming L. (2010) “Summary of Reinforced Embankment Tests
for PRS Mediterranean Ltd.”, Research Paper, Columbia University, January 5.

Leshchinksy, B., (2011) “Enhancing Ballast Performance using Geocell Confinement,” Advances in
Geotechnical Engineering, Geo-Frontiers 2011, Dallas, Texas, USA, March 13-16, 4693-4702

VI Bearing Capacity Improvement in Road Constructions (Meyer, N., et al,

Clausthal University, Germany)
Emersleben A., Meyer M. (2010). The influence of Hoop Stresses and Earth Resistance on the
Reinforcement Mechnism of Single and Multiple Geocells, 9th Internationational Conference on
Geosynthetics, Brazil, May 23 – 27.
Emersleben A., Meyer M. (2010). Verification of Load Transfer Mechanism of Geocell Reinforced Soil
in Large Scale Model Tests and In-Situ Test Fields. GeoFlorida 2010: Advances in Analysis, Modeling
and Design, Geotechnical Special Publications No. 199, Vol 2/4.
Emersleben A., Meyer M. (2009). Interaction Between Hoop Stresses and Passive Earth Resistance in
Single and Multiple Geocell Structures, GIGSA GeoAfrica 2009 Conference, Cape Town, South Africa,
September 2-5.
Emersleben, A. and Meyer, N. (2008). “Bearing Capacity Improvement of Asphalt Paved Road
Constructions due to the Use of Geocells – Falling Weight Deflectometer and Vertical Stress
Measurements”, Geosynthetics in Civil and Environmental Engineering, (Eds. G.X. Li, Y.M Chen, and
X.U. Tang), Proceedings of Geosynthetics Asia, June 17-20, Shanghai, China. Springer, pp. 747-756.

Emersleben, A. and Meyer, N. (2008). “Bearing Capacity Improvement of Gravel Base Layers in Road
Constructions using Geocells,” International Association for Computer Methods and Advances in
Geomechanics (IACMAG), Goa, India.
Emersleben, A. and Meyer, N. (2008). “Bearing Capacity Improvement of Asphalt Paved Road
Construction Due to the Use of Geocells – Falling Weight Deflectometer and Vertical Stress
Measurements,” Proceedings of the 4th Asian Regional Conference on Geosynthetics, Shanghai, China,
June 17-20.
Emersleben, A. and Meyer, N. (2008). “The Use of Geocells in Road constructions over Soft Soil:
Vertical Stress and Falling Weight Deflectometer Measurements,” EuroGeo4 - 4th European
Geosynthetics Conference, Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 7-10.

Meyer, N. (2005). "Plate Load Tests and Stress Distribution Measurements During the Reconstruction
of the Road K 27", Institute of Geotechnical Engineering and Mine Surveying, Technical University
Clausthal, December

Meyer, N. and Emersleben, A. (2005). “Mechanical Behavior of Geocell Reinforced Soils,” Synthetic
Materials in Geotechnics, Technical University, Munich, Germany, Sept 2.

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