APPLICATION OF NATURAL MATERIAL IN GEOGRIDS

Authors: Milenko Jovanović1, Miroslava Maksimović1, Miomir Mikić1, Radmilo Rajković1, Danijela Urošević1
IRMB – Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Bor 1, Zeleni Bulevar 35, 19210 Bor, Serbia
Abstract
Geogrids are most often used for strengthening and stabilizing the weak-leaved soil (surface). In some cases, the material whose fraction size is larger than the mesh of the
mesh is embedded on the geogrids, and the material falls into the openings of the geogrid, and a system is created that is resistant to the action of external forces. In addition
to stabilizing and strengthening the weak-leaved soil, geogrids are used (in mining) to reinforce and stabilize landfills and (in construction) for the reinforcement of asphalt.
Organic geogrids have unique characteristics, consisting of biological and chemical photo degradable natural fibers. They are designed to keep land in place until vegetation
is established.
Key words: Geosynthetics, geogrids, natural fibers

1. Introduction [Organic Geogrids and Their Applications] 2. Types of material - fibers

Organic geogrids have unique characteristics, consisting of biologically and chemically photo degradable
natural fibers. They are designed to keep the land in place until vegetation is restored.
The organic geogrid plays the following roles:
• To absorb kinetic energy of erosive elements (rain, wind)
• To facilitate the penetration of rain into the ground
• Keep moisture from the rain: In addition to being eco-compliant, they can absorb water about five times
its dry weight
• Allows to avoid loss or dispersion of seeds necessary for revegetation
• Ensures the root establishment of plant species
• Provides control of soil temperature by mitigating its natural oscillations: so that they can mitigate
extreme temperatures and create a comfortable micro-climate for vegetation growth.
• Allows to reduce soil moisture loss
Organic geogrids are more flexible than most types of synthetic geogrids. This allows them to easily follow
the contour of the land surface. The ability to make direct contact between the fibers and the soil and allow
it to develop a connection between them, allows land loss to be reduced by 90% or more. In addition,
organic geogrids act as a "mulch" and thus improve vegetation establishment. After degradation, they leave
no toxic material. [1,2,7]
“Geo-Juta” - Jute network
Primary properties of fibers
In order for fibers to be further processed into more complex textiles (materials) and for such products to
meet their intended purpose, the fibers must meet certain requirements (conditions). Some characteristics
reflect the behavior of fibers when exposed to external forces and impacts. Thus, mechanical properties are
described for the behavior of fibers under the action of various types of forces and loads. Physical
properties represent the response of fibers to various external physical influences, such as the action of heat,
various types of radiation, atmospheres and the like. Another type of feature is related to the appearance of
the fiber, its dimensions and surface characteristics. These properties are very specific to fibers - as a form
of material, but also different and characteristic of particular types of fibers. The characteristics
(properties) of this group are also significant for workability, so they result in many differences in the
behavior of textile products in application. The behavior of chemical agents is important for carrying out
various physicochemical processes, and resistance to certain chemicals is an important useful feature. It is
common for many of the fiber characteristics on which the ability to process them and their suitability for a
particular purpose depend fall into two groups: primary and secondary properties. [6,7]
Fiber fineness
Fineness is a measure of the fiber cross-sectional area (Tab. 1). The smaller the surface, the finer the fiber,
which means it is thinner. Therefore, in determining the fineness it would be correct to determine the size of
the cross-section. However, the fibers are very fine, so these surfaces are very small and difficult to measure,
and in addition different fibers have cross-sections of different shapes that are unsuitable for measurement.
Due to this difficulty in determining the size of the fiber cross-section, the fineness is expressed by the length
mass, i. the mass contained in the unit length of the fiber.
Table 1 - Classification of textile fibers
Fiber fineness [dtex] Fiber group designation - fineness

More than 7 Medium fine fibers

2,4 - 7 Fine fibers

1 - 2,4 High Fiber Fibers

0,3 - 1 Microfiber

0.4 and less Medium fine fibers

Fiber strength
Figure 1 - Jute geogrid The strength reflects the behavior of the fibers under the action of various forces and loads. The firmer the
fibers, the higher the load capacity. The strength must be such as to allow the fibers to be processed without
Jute is an annual plant that requires a very warm climate and lots of moisture. Jute trees are processed in a
interruption into various more complex textile products (by purpose) and to ensure sufficient durability of
manner similar to flax. It is grown in India, Pakistan, Algeria, China and the tropical regions of America.
those products during their use. In order to find out the strength of the fiber, the maximum force that the
The Jutane Geogrid (Fig. 1) is used to cover slopes and protect against erosion. Jute yarns are thick with fiber can withstand the so-called so-called load is measured. breaking force [cN]. Different types of fibers
pronounced 3D characteristics and provide a number of barrier barriers, thus reducing the rate of water differ significantly in strength as can be seen from the above data (Tab. 2). It should be noted that there are
runoff. The openings of the nets keep the land clearing moving. different types of strengths within one type of fiber. This (mainly) applies to synthetic fibers from which
The jute net has an excellent ability to shape and follow the contours of the land on which it is laid. It high strength fiber types are manufactured for various technical applications. [6,7]
absorbs water up to almost 4-5 times its dry weight, storing water from rain and preventing soil separation. Table 2 - Fiber strength under normal conditions
In humid conditions, its flexibility increases due to the absorption of water.
Fiber Strength [cN/ Fiber Strength [cN/
The Jutana grid provides surface stability on steep slopes and slopes with an angle of about 45 degrees. dtex] dtex]
When the vegetation begins to grow, it assumes the role of the net of the net. It takes about 2 years for Raw 3 - 4.9 Ramia 5.5
Cotton
biodegradation of the morning net.
Linen 2.6 - 7.7 Linen 2.6 - 7.7
Jute network has factor “C” = Land loss of protected area divided by land loss of unprotected area of 0.005
And with growth of dense vegetative cover it can protect 99.0 to 99.9% of land loss with “C” factor of 0.001 Hemp 5.8 - 6.8 Viscous (standard 0.7 - 3.2
type)
to 0.01. [4,5,7] Juta 3 - 5.8 Viscous - HWM 2.5 - 5
Coconut Geogrid type

Organic material (coconut) geotextile is a natural and 100% biodegradable erosion control solution using a
coconut fiber geotextile mat. Permeable geotextile provides a natural aid system (feature enhancement) to
soil (soil) and vegetation.
Coconut fibers are obtained from the coconut shell. They are naturally strong, durable and biodegradable.
Figure 2 - Coconut Geogrid
The coconut geogrid (Fig. 2) is a very strong and durable network. Open weaving allows the planting of
seeds and vegetation both before and after the mat is installed, and offers strong support for vegetation.
The life span of a coconut mat is four to six years. During this period, the country itself is strengthening by
consolidation. After this time, the mat is slowly biodegraded.
This geogrid has high tensile strength (35 kn / m) and elasticity and can be installed even on very steep
slopes of about 70 degrees.
On steep slopes that are more prone to erosion, organic geogrids can be installed in combination with metal
grids. Organic geogrids are better for protecting against erosion through vegetative growth (once vegetation
is established). The metal mesh remains permanently active or passive slope protection. Geogrids can be set
up to 60 degrees with metal mesh support, while coconut geogrids in combination with metal can also be
placed on vertical slopes. As shown, organic geotextiles are a very useful means of protecting a steep slope
until vegetation takes on that role and is permanent. [4,5,7]
3. Conclusion
Geosynthetics (the use of synthetic and natural materials) has been used for many years at many
construction sites and mining sites in the world. Its implementation can make it cheaper and safer to build
roads, railways, drainage systems, firewalls, landfills, etc. The structural and physical mechanical
characteristics of geotextile materials are determined in accordance with
the purpose. Geosynthetics can be divided into: geotextiles (woven and non-woven), geogrids,
geomembranes, geosynthetic clays and geocomposites.
Geosynthetics have proven to be very effective in widespread use. Its building blocks ensure high quality
and multi-purpose use in construction, mining, environmental protection ... Regardless of the high price of
the product, their use is necessary and fully justified.
Geogrids and geotextiles made of organic material (coconut, jute) are a natural and 100% biodegradable
solution for erosion control and soil reinforcement by using geogrids or a geotextile coconut fiber mat.
Geogrids or permeable geotextiles provide a natural aid system (feature enhancements) to land (soil,
landfill…) and vegetation.
Today, the use of geosynthetics (of its types) in various mining and construction solutions is large, with a
tendency to increase further due to its positive effects, which are reflected in their efficiency, economy and
environmental safety.
Particular attention in the further development should be given to the use of natural materials. [7]
Literature
[1] Zidar, M. (2009 '): Methods for landslide remediation, Faculty of Geotechnical Engineering, University
of Zagreb, Varaždin
[2] Mladen Bogicevic - Gradjevinarstvo.rs (03.12.2008.)
[3] SRPS EN ISO 10318: 2015- Geosynthetics - Terms and definitions (ISO 10318: 2015)
[4] Sandra Lence; Finishing work: Application of geosynthetics in landscaping; - k 3 6.
[5] Mihaela Juras (2017 '): Application of geosynthetics in landfill, Final thesis; Faculty of Geotechnical
Engineering, University of Zagreb, Varaždin.
[6] Biljana M. Pejić (2009 '): Effect of various physico-chemical modification factors on the structure and
properties of hemp fiber; University of Belgrade, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy.
[7] Milenko Jovanovic (2019 '), Study Research III (Doctoral Dissertation): “Organic Geogrids”, University
of Belgrade, Faculty of Engineering, Bor.