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Triaxial Geogrids – Aggregate Stabilisation for Roads, Rail & Trafficked Areas

Tensar TriAx® TX triaxial geogrids are the world's first and most widely proven stabilisation geogrids — manufactured from punched and stretched polypropylene with a hexagonal structure and triangular apertures for near-uniform 360° in-plane stiffness. ETA certified. Over 500 million square metres installed globally. Designed to reduce aggregate thickness, construction cost and carbon emissions on roads, rail, working platforms and trafficked areas across Africa.

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Technical Specification of Triaxial Geogrids – Aggregate Stabilisation for Roads, Rail & Trafficked Areas

Tensar TriAx® geogrid was the first product manufactured specifically for the stabilisation of aggregates. Unlike reinforcement geogrids which resist tensile loads in retaining walls and slopes, TriAx geogrids work by confining aggregate particles - locking them in place under trafficking to create a stiffer, stronger mechanically stabilised layer (MSL).

The geometry of Tensar TriAx has been designed specifically for this function. Manufactured from a punched and stretched polypropylene sheet, it has a hexagonal structure with ribs oriented in three directions. The resulting triangular apertures are defined by ribs of rectangular cross-section with a high degree of molecular orientation continuous through the integral node. This near-uniform 360° in-plane stiffness efficiently distributes traffic loads acting radially on the stabilised layer, reducing deformation under repeated loading.

Tensar TriAx is ETA certified under EAD 080002-00-0102 for the stabilisation of unbound layers by way of interlock with aggregate. It is manufactured under a management system complying with BS EN ISO 9001:2015. All grades contain a minimum of 2% finely divided carbon black for UV resistance.

Typical Values for GEOGRIDS INTERLAYERS

Function
Stabilisation - Not Reinforcement
Structure
Hexagonal · Triangular Apertures · 3-Direction Ribs
Stiffness Range
250–540 kN/m (Radial Secant @ 0.5% strain)
Design Life
100 years @ pH 4–9 · <15°C soil temp
Certification
ETA 12/0529 · ETA 12/0530 · ISO 9001
Coverage
30+ African Countries · IAGI-Member Installer

Properties & Dimensions

PropertyTest MethodTX150TX160TX170
Radial Secant Stiffness @ 0.5% strainEOTA TR41 B.1360 kN/m390 kN/m480 kN/m
Radial Secant Stiffness @ 2% strainEOTA TR41 B.1250 kN/m290 kN/m360 kN/m
Stiffness RatioEOTA TR41 B.10.800.800.80
Junction EfficiencyEOTA TR41 B.2100%100%100%
Hexagon PitchEOTA TR41 B.480 mm80 mm80 mm
Polymer-PPPPPP
Design Life (pH 4–9, <15°C)EN 14030 / EN ISO 13438100 years100 years100 years

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Triaxial Geogrid – Tensar® TriAx® (TX)

Triaxial Geogrid – Tensar® TriAx® (TX)

Tensar® TriAx® (TX) triaxial geogrid: a hexagonal structure with triangular apertures that confines aggregate for stronger, stiffer road foundations, working platforms and rail trackbed. Aggregate savings of up to 50%, with over 500 million m² installed globally. Supplied across Africa by Geosynthetics Africa, an official Tensar Associate.

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Three Questions To Ask Before You Order

1.What is the difference between a stabilisation geogrid and a reinforcement geogrid?
A reinforcement geogrid carries tensile loads in one or two directions and is used in retaining walls, slopes and MSE structures. A stabilisation geogrid like Tensar TriAx works by confining aggregate particles through interlock - locking them in place under dynamic trafficking to create a stiffer mechanically stabilised layer. The two functions are distinct. Specifying a reinforcement geogrid in a road foundation will not deliver the same performance as a TriAx stabilisation geogrid. If you are unsure which type applies to your project, contact our technical team.
2.What is the difference between TX150, TX160, TX170 and TX190L?
All four are ETA 12/0530 certified stabilisation grades with 80 mm hexagon pitch, except TX190L which has a 120 mm hexagon pitch designed for coarser aggregate. The grades differ in stiffness: TX150 has a radial secant stiffness of 360 kN/m at 0.5% strain; TX160 is 390 kN/m; TX170 is 480 kN/m; TX190L is 540 kN/m. Higher stiffness grades are used where greater aggregate confinement is required under heavier or more frequent loading. Grade selection should be confirmed by a design engineer using Tensar+ software.
3.What is the difference between TX5/TX7 and TX150–TX190L?
TX5 and TX7 are specified specifically as components within full-depth pavement designs using Tensar's Mechanically Stabilised Layer design method, and carry ETA 12/0529. TX150–TX190L are the standard stabilisation grades for subgrade stabilisation, working platforms, rail trackbed and road foundations, carrying ETA 12/0530. They are not interchangeable without a design review. Contact Geosynthetics Africa if your project specifies a specific ETA certificate number.
4.Can Tensar TriAx be used on African road projects?
Yes. All TriAx grades have a certified working life of 100 years in natural soils with pH 4–9 at soil temperatures below 15°C, and 50 years at soil temperatures below 25°C - covering the range from temperate highland to tropical lowland environments across Africa. The 2% minimum carbon black content provides UV resistance during installation. Geosynthetics Africa supplies TriAx across 30+ African countries with IAGI-aligned installation support.
5.Does Tensar provide design support for TriAx projects?
Yes. Tensar's free Tensar+ online design software supports all TriAx grades and allows engineers to quantify aggregate savings, cost savings and carbon reductions before construction. Geosynthetics Africa can also facilitate a free Application Suggestion from Tensar's design team for your specific project. Contact us with your site conditions and loading requirements.

Specification For The Design, Installation Of Triaxial Geogrids – Aggregate Stabilisation for Roads, Rail & Trafficked Areas

TriAx installation is straightforward - unroll, align, tension and cover. The key requirement is a minimum 150 mm aggregate cover before any plant travels over the geogrid.

Prepare and proof-roll the subgrade to the specified formation level

Unroll TriAx geogrid with the correct side facing up - confirm orientation per design drawings

Pull taut by hand to remove wrinkles and lay flat - no mechanical tensioning required

Adjacent rolls are butt-jointed - no overlap required for stabilisation applications

Place aggregate immediately - do not leave geogrid exposed for more than 30 days

Maintain minimum 150 mm aggregate cover before trafficking with construction plant

Compact in accordance with contract specification

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