ANNEXURE - I

T ENSAR TRIAX
T RIAX GEOGRIDS

Ref: P-02/2018/01_DD_R1
Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

Tensar TriAx® Geogrid

Introduction :

Tensar International has over 30 years of experience in analysing and optimising the
performance of geogrids. Drawing on this technical knowledge and expertise, Tensar has
radically re-engineered the fundamental structure of geogrids to create a revolutionary new
product.

The unique TriAx structure incorporates several characteristics which combine to create an
optimized structure that out-performs conventional biaxial geogrids in trafficking
applications. When combined with a suitable aggregate TriAx produces a mechanically
stabilised layer with exceptional performance.

A number of tests and trials have been conducted to prove the performance benefits of the
TriAx geogrid compared with conventional biaxial geogrids. Tests included trafficking trials at
the University of Nottingham and, on a large scale, at the Transport Research Laboratory
(TRL). Installation damage assessment, bearing capacity and field tests were also conducted
as part of the comprehensive and rigorous testing programme.

The performance of Tensar’s new TriAx has received a major endorsement from
Geosynthetics professionals on its launch worldwide since 2007, and has been quickly
adopted by the market worldwide, with usage in soil stabilisation, roads, highways and
railways.

Tensar TriAx geogrids are supplied with the support of Tensar Technology - high performance
products backed up by the knowledge and know-how to get optimum results. The Technical
team at Tensar are world-renowned for unrivalled knowledge and expertise, providing
engineers and contractors on request with the reassurance of design, technical and
installation guidance on all projects.

TriAx geogrids from Tensar International offer exceptional performance in ground

stabilisation and sub-base reinforcement. Combined with the technical support and expertise
offered by the Tensar team, TriAx represents the future of geogrid technology and, with its
proven performance, will replace conventional biaxial geogrids.

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 2

Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

TriAx® Geogrid : How does it work?

When a wheel travels on the road surface, the load from wheel is distributed radially through
the road layers. The radial nature of loads requires radial response from the geogrid used for
stabilisation of unbound aggregate layer. Tensar TriAx® geogrid, because of hexagonal
geometry offers near circular 360⁰ stabilisation of the unbound aggregate layers of base and
subgrade.

Tensar TriAx® Geogrid improves aggregate stability by locking the aggregates/rock fill
together, the triangular shape of TriAx geogrids ensures excellent shape and rigidity. High
aspect ratio of the ribs allows greater vertical contact with the aggregate; these properties
allow the geogrid to restrict aggregate movement caused by the dynamic loads from the
traffic movement, thereby distributing the load over a larger area.

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 3

Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

TriAx geogrid has higher rib profile than conventional biaxial geogrids of the same weight.
The shape of the vertical sides of the ribs is slightly concave. The shape and high profile of
the ribs provide a very positive interlock with the aggregate particles.

100% Junction efficiency

Unique rib shape

Junctions efficiency of TriAx Geogrids :

Efficient junctions help to transfer the load applied to a

mechanically stabilized layer in to the geogrid. In order for the
geogrid to confine the apertures, the junctions need to remain
intact. The stiffness and strength of the junctions will have a
direct impact on performance of the geogrid.

For TriAx® Geogrids, rigorous testing has been conducted in

line with each of the three rib directions. The junction
strength was found to be equal to the rib strength in each
direction. Thus, giving a junction efficiency of 100%.

Radial Stiffness :

Four parameters have been identified and defined which associate Tensar TriAx geogrid
specifically with the stabilisation function :

1. Radial secant stiffness at low strain

2. Radial secant stiffness ration
3. Junction efficiency
4. Hexagonal pitch

Radial Stiffness is the secant stiffness measured at low strain values in defined radial
directions. For TriAx geogrids, in accordance with European Organisation for Technical
Approval (EOTA) Report TR41, it is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the secant stiffness
at 0.5% starin measured in four defined test directions and three samples.

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 4

Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

The radial Stiffness ratio is the quotient of the minimum and maximum Radial Secant Stiffness
values. It represents the uniformity (isotropy) of the Radial Secant Stiffness for a product in
all directions. A value close to 1 would represent perfect isotropy – uniform in all directions.

TENSAR BIAXIAL GEOGRID TENSAR TRIAX GEOGRID

Mechanically Stabilised Layer (MSL)

TriAx® Geogrid combines effective aggregate confinement and interlock and multi-directional
performance. When a layer of stone is compacted over a stiff geogrid, the aggregate particles
can interlock with the grid apertures due to strike through.

Without a geogrid, an aggregate layer has no tensile properties and the aggregate particles
can move around in response to a force for dynamic traffic loads. This results in rutting of the
subgrade under the action of traffic and the partial mixing of the lower aggregate particles
into the soft subgrade.

Performance

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Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

A stiff geogrid with correct combination of properties confines the bottom layer of aggregate
by preventing movement thus creating a Mechanically stabilized Layer that gives better
performance. The properties of the geogrid and the aggregate will determine the level of
confinement and hence the performance benefit

Performance

Combining a Tensar TriAx® geogrid and layer of well graded granular fill forms a composite
layer with increased performance characteristics – the Tensar Mechanically Stabilised Layer
(MSL). For example, the Tensar MSL can act as if it is twice its actual thickness when dealing
with dynamic traffic loads.

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 6

Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

Benefits of TriAx Geogrids :

 Improved performance of stabilised layer

 Ensures less stress on founding strata

 Saving in materials: Pavement optimisation possible

 Increased speed of pavement construction

 Superior performance for paved and unpaved roads

 Multi directional traffic performance

 Cost effective than other geogrids

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 7

Tensar TriAx® geogrids for subgrade
stabilisation

TriAx geogrid application areas :

 Subgrade stabilisation for paved and unpaved roads

 Flexible pavements in areas with poor availability of good quality stones

 Pavement to be constructed on low CBR founding soils

 Flexible pavements in black cotton soil subgrade

 Runways & taxiways on weak soils

 Port access roads with heavy traffic

 Windfarm access roads

 Industrial areas involving large stacking/parking areas susceptible for heavy loads

Ref: TriAx Info SSP/Aug. 2018 Page | 8