Abstract:

Placing engineering objects (roads, embankments etc.) on low-bearing ground requires the use of geosynthetics as a reinforcement of it. Cellular geonets of three dimensional structure and honeycomb form are traditionally made from sets of perforated poliethylene straps ultrasonically bonded by spot welds. This article presents an original, innovative structure of a cellular geonet based on the technology of producing three dimensional knitted fabrics with the use of warp knitting machines with two needle bars. A 3D knitted geonet can be designed considering its three dimensional configuration and strength properties in the aspect of the anisotropic character of its structure. It was calculated that the efficiency of the knitting process of a single warp knitting machine can produce, within one month, a reinforcement for a highway 50 m wide and 5 km long using a geonet. The new technology of the cellular geonet has already been subjected to a patent application.