Triaxial Geogrid – Tensar® TriAx® (TX)

Tensar® TriAx® (TX) geogrid was the first product manufactured specifically for the stabilisation of aggregates. Its triaxial geometry is designed to optimise interlock and confinement, both essential for controlling particle movement, producing a stronger, stiffer aggregate layer with increased load spreading capacity and resistance to deformation. More than 500 million square metres have been installed worldwide, backed by over 2 million ESALs of performance validation testing.

The hexagonal structure with triangular apertures gives near-uniform 360° in-plane stiffness. Traffic loads act radially on a stabilised layer, so a geogrid that is equally stiff in every direction distributes that load efficiently. Loads are absorbed at very low strain in the geogrid, which means less deformation in the layer above.

Confinement is what actually does the work. Effective confinement needs a high degree of interlock between aggregate and geogrid, strong junctions, and high in-plane stiffness, and TriAx combines a 3D rib profile, high junction strength and stiff in-plane geometry to deliver all three. The mechanically stabilised layer that results spreads load more widely, improves bearing capacity and reduces the stress reaching the subgrade, so there is less subgrade deformation and less rutting.

For a road or pavement, that translates into two choices: build the same pavement and get a longer life, or build a thinner pavement for the same design life. Incorporating a triaxial geogrid can deliver aggregate savings of up to 50%, which cuts material cost, haulage, construction time and emissions. On African projects where good aggregate is hauled long distances, that saving is usually the decisive number.

Applications are road foundations and subgrade stabilisation, flexible pavement layers, working platforms for piling rigs and cranes, unsurfaced and haul roads, rail trackbed, hardstands, laydown areas and airport pavements. Tensar's own case studies span highways, rail, airports, wind farms, industrial pavements and housing developments.

The range is supplied in grades TX150, TX160 and TX190L. Because design parameters specific to TriAx were developed from extensive research, full-scale testing and field trials, and are built into Tensar's design software, grade selection should come from a Tensar design rather than from comparing datasheet numbers. Ask us to run your project through Tensar+ and we will return a designed solution with the aggregate saving quantified.

Geosynthetics Africa is an official Tensar Associate for Africa: genuine Tensar product with full traceability, access to Tensar design support, delivery to over 30 countries, and installation by our own crews where required.

Tensar® and TriAx® are registered trademarks of Tensar International Corporation, a division of CMC.