--- title: "Types of Geogrids with its Functions and Applications" url: https://oceangeosynthetics.com/types-of-geogrids/ type: archive --- February 21, 2023 | [Geogrids](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geogrids/), [Insights](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/insights/) # Geogrids – Its types, Functions and Applications ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Geogrid-New.jpg) [Geogrids](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/geogrid-manufacturers/) are reinforcement grids made from polymers such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). They are formed by joining intersecting ribs, which leaves large openings between the ribs called apertures. Soil and aggregate particles push into those apertures and lock against the ribs. That interlock lets the grid carry tension the soil cannot, which is why [geogrids](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/geogrid-manufacturers/) are used for [soil reinforcement](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/solution/retaining-walls-soil-reinforcement/), reinforced retaining walls and slopes, and road and railway base stabilisation. A geogrid is stiff in its own plane and spreads load over a wider area of the soil beneath, so a reinforced layer can carry more load, or the same load with less aggregate, than an unreinforced one. ## Table of Contents ## Types of Geogrids Geogrids by aperture pattern (see also our post on [types of geogrids](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/types-of-geogrids/)): ### **Uniaxial Geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/uniaxial-geogrid-300x300.jpg) Uniaxial geogrids are usually made from HDPE sheet that is punched and then stretched in one direction only. Stretching aligns the polymer molecules along the ribs and leaves long, oval apertures. The result is high tensile strength and stiffness in the longitudinal direction and much lower strength across it. Because the load is carried along one axis, uniaxial grids are used where the main tensile force runs in one known direction: reinforced earth retaining walls, reinforced steep slopes, embankments and bridge approaches on highways, [railways](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/application-of-ocean-geogrids-in-railways/) and airports. The grid is laid with its strong direction running back into the fill, perpendicular to the wall or slope face. ### **Biaxial Geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/biaxial-geogrid-300x300.jpg) [Biaxial geogrids](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/geogrid-manufacturers/biaxial-geogrid/) are made the same way, typically from polypropylene, which is chemically inert in most soils, but the sheet is stretched in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This gives roughly square apertures and similar tensile strength in both directions. In biaxial geogrids, the longitudinal direction is called the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction the cross-machine direction (CMD). Because traffic loads spread in all directions, biaxial grids are the usual choice for base and sub-base stabilisation under roads, yards and platforms, and for treating soft soil foundations over wide areas. ### **Triaxial geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/triaxial-geogrid-300x300.jpg) Triaxial geogrids have triangular apertures, with ribs running in three directions. Combined with thicker ribs and stiff junctions, the triangular shape gives more uniform stiffness in every direction within the plane, which improves aggregate interlock and confinement in a mechanically stabilised base layer. Manufacturers use the reduction in base thickness this allows as the main selling point; the saving on a given road depends on the subgrade strength and traffic, so it should come from a design for that road. The properties claimed for triaxial geogrids are: - Load distribution in multiple directions - Junction strength and stability - Performance in both paved and unpaved roads - Lower stress on the subgrade ## Types of Geogrids based on manufacturing ### **Extruded geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/extruded-geogrid.jpg) Extruded geogrids are made from polypropylene or HDPE. A polymer sheet is extruded, punched with a regular pattern of holes, and then drawn in one or both directions to form the ribs. They are used for ground stabilisation, soil reinforcement and road pavement reinforcement. ### **Woven geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/woven-geogrid-300x300.jpg) Woven (or knitted) geogrids are made from bundles of high-tenacity yarn, generally polyester or polypropylene, woven or knitted into a grid and then coated, usually with PVC, bitumen or another polymer, to protect the yarn and fix the junctions. ### **Bonded geogrids** ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/bonded-geo-grid-300x300.jpg) Bonded geogrids are made by bonding or welding two or more sets of strands or straps together, typically at right angles. ## Other Types of Geogrids **Fiberglass geogrids** are made from glass-fibre filament coated with a protective (often bituminous) solution. They have high tensile strength in both directions, low elongation, and good resistance to alkalis and ageing, and are used mainly to reinforce asphalt layers, including asphalt overlays laid over concrete pavements, where they help control reflective cracking. **PET Geogrids**, also called terylene (polyester) geogrids, are made from polyester filament with a protective coating. They have high tensile strength in both directions, moderate elongation, and resistance to alkalis and ageing, and are used to reinforce road bases and embankments. **Warp Knitted Fiberglass Geogrids** are knitted from high-modulus glass-fibre filament and coated with an adhesive. Whichever type is chosen, a geogrid used as soil reinforcement works the same way. Our article on [how earth reinforcement works](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geomembranes-for-earth-reinforcement/) explains how load passes from soil to grid, extensible versus inextensible reinforcement and the IRC:SP:102 design approach. ## Application of geogrids Geogrids are widely used in [earth-retaining and earth-supported structures](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetics-in-construction-of-roads-subgrade-stabilization-with-geogrids/) such as mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) retaining walls and steep slopes. The main application areas are below. **Geogrids for pavements** In roads, geogrids are used for subgrade improvement and to reinforce the base, sub-base and asphalt layers. In [railway](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/suitable_sectors/railways/) track, a geogrid under or within the ballast limits sideways spreading of the ballast and reduces settlement over soft subgrade. Stiffer grids generally perform better here, because they start carrying load at smaller deformations. **Geogrids for retaining wall** In reinforced retaining walls, layers of geogrid stabilise the backfill. Stability depends on the friction angle of the backfill and on the pull-out resistance between soil and grid. Because walls carry load for decades, the design uses the grid’s long-term strength after allowing for creep and stress relaxation, not its short-term tensile strength. **Geogrids for soil foundation** Both uniaxial and biaxial geogrids are used in foundation works. Good interlock between the grid and the aggregate, which depends on aperture size relative to the aggregate size, is the main condition for performance. **Geogrids for slope stabilization** Geogrid layers in a slope control its deformation and improve its stability. The embedment length of each layer behind the potential slip surface governs how much resistance the grid can provide. **Geogrids for structural elements** Geogrids have also been studied as secondary or shear reinforcement in concrete elements. This is a research application rather than routine practice, and it should not be confused with fibre-reinforced concrete, which uses loose polypropylene or steel fibres. **Ocean Non-Woven Pvt Ltd.** supplies materials for soil stabilisation, earth retention and erosion control: geotextiles and geogrids, earth anchors, wall and slope systems, turf reinforcement, revegetation, containment and geomembrane liners. Get Ocean Geosynthetics in your Google feed[![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/google-g-logo.svg)Add us as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://oceangeosynthetics.com/) [![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ed-234x300.png)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/turnkey-sports-project-dehradun-case-study/) [Case Studies](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/case-studies/) [Turnkey Sports Project – Dehradun Case Study](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/turnkey-sports-project-dehradun-case-study/) For a turnkey sports project in Dehradun, Ocean Geosynthetics supplied 8600 sqm of non-woven geotextile sheet for the base of an artificial turf playing field,… [See More](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/turnkey-sports-project-dehradun-case-study/) [![Gabion box for slope stability](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/case-study-3-300x200.webp)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/gabion-box-for-slope-stability/) [Case Studies](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/case-studies/), [Gabion Box](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/gabions/) [Gabion Box Application for Structural Stability](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/gabion-box-for-slope-stability/) Project overview Project Name: Infrastructure Stabilization Project Location: Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh Product Used: Ocean Gabion Box Quantity: 330 Pieces Introduction Ocean Non Wovens supplied 330… [See More](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/gabion-box-for-slope-stability/) [![Landfill base with a compacted clay layer next to overlapping geosynthetic clay liner panels](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ocean-gcl-vs-compacted-clay-photo-300x225.webp)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetic-clay-liner-vs-compacted-clay/) [Geosynthetics](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geosynthetics/), [Insights](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/insights/) [Geosynthetic Clay Liner vs. Compacted Clay](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetic-clay-liner-vs-compacted-clay/) Geosynthetics have gained widespread popularity in civil, geotechnical, environmental, coastal, and hydraulic engineering projects owing to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Of note, over the past… [See More](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetic-clay-liner-vs-compacted-clay/) ![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/tom-barrett-OQL4DLy3Nys-unsplash-1.webp) ## Contact US --- # Ocean Global --- ## Let's Keep In Touch (Social) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/OceanglobalOG/) - [X / Twitter](https://twitter.com/oceanglobalog) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oceanglobalog) - [Pinterest](https://in.pinterest.com/oceanglobal/) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocean-non-wovens-pvt-ltd/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0Aw7paUQqwZPS4L7G7UCA) ![Trust Seal](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cover-trustseal.png-150x150.webp) --- - [Privacy Policy](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/terms-policies/) --- ## Contact Column - [Contact Us](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/contact/) - Email: [sales@oceangeosynthetics.com](mailto:sales@oceangeosynthetics.com) - Address: [RR-24, 2nd Floor, Rohtak Road, Mianwali Nagar, New Delhi – 110087, India](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iy7USRyPnFETrmVD6) --- ## Bottom Bar [Ocean Non Wovens Pvt. Ltd © 2026](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/)