Case Study: Strengthening Road Infrastructure in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh Using Geo Cells by Ocean Non Wovens

April 4, 2025 | Case Studies

India’s road network—already the second largest in the world—continues to evolve with growing demand for durability, performance, and cost-efficiency. One of the latest breakthroughs in road construction technology is the use of geosynthetics, especially Geo Cells, for enhanced ground stabilization and load distribution. At Ocean Non Wovens, we are proud to contribute to this transformative shift by supplying 5000 Sqm of high-performance Geo Cells for a critical road development project in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.

Project Overview:

  • Project Type: Road Infrastructure Development
  • Location: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
  • Product Used: Ocean Geo Cells
  • Quantity Supplied: 5000 Sqm
  • Purpose: Soil stabilization, erosion control, and improved load-bearing capacity of road subgrade

The Challenge: Unstable Subgrade and High Load Traffic

The road site in Chittoor had a subgrade composed primarily of weak, fine-grained soils with poor load-bearing capacity and high water retention. This posed a major challenge for long-term durability and performance under heavy vehicular traffic, especially during monsoon months. Traditional road-building materials like compacted granular sub-bases and stone aggregates would have required significant excavation, transportation, and recurring maintenance—leading to higher costs and environmental concerns.

This is where Geo Cell technology emerged as the ideal solution.

Why Geo Cells?

Geo Cells, also known as cellular confinement systems, are three-dimensional honeycomb-like structures made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). When filled with locally available soils, aggregates, or sand, they confine the material laterally, thereby improving the structural integrity of the entire road section.

Key Benefits of Geo Cells in Road Projects:

  1. Improved Load Distribution:
    According to a study published by the Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS), Geo Cells enhance the load-bearing capacity of subgrades by up to 50% when compared to unreinforced soil beds. [Source: IGS, 2021]
  2. Reduced Pavement Thickness:
    A report by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states that Geo Cells can reduce the required pavement thickness by 30% to 50%, leading to material and cost savings. [Source: USACE, ERDC Report]
  3. Increased Service Life:
    Roads constructed with Geo Cell reinforcement show longer fatigue life and reduced rutting even under high axle loads, especially in semi-urban and rural highways.
  4. Sustainability:
    Using Geo Cells reduces the dependency on non-renewable aggregates and allows for the usage of marginal or locally available fill materials, thus reducing the carbon footprint of the project.

Execution: Smart Engineering Meets Sustainable Solutions

For this Chittoor project, Ocean Non Wovens worked closely with contractors and site engineers to design an optimal layout and deployment method for the Geo Cells. The process included:

  1. Subgrade Preparation:
    Weak soil was leveled and compacted to ensure uniform support.
  2. Geo Cell Deployment:
    5000 Sqm of Ocean Geo Cells were expanded onsite and pinned securely to the subgrade using high-tensile steel anchors.
  3. Infill & Compaction:
    Locally sourced granular material was used to fill the cells. The filled cells were then compacted using vibratory rollers, forming a solid and unified base.
  4. Asphalt Layering:
    A conventional bituminous layer was placed over the reinforced base, completing the road surface.

The entire process took 25% less construction time than traditional methods, thanks to the ease of handling and installation of our Geo Cells.

Unique Insight: What Most Companies Don’t Tell You

Most suppliers stop at talking about strength and cost-effectiveness. But real-world road projects often face unpredictable field challenges like differential settlement, expansion due to wetting/drying cycles, and vegetation-induced subgrade erosion—especially in regions like Chittoor which see extreme climate variations.

Our Geo Cells are UV-stabilized and designed with perforations that aid in lateral drainage while preventing waterlogging—an essential feature for Indian climates. Moreover, our in-house QA checks include cell wall weld strength, dimensional uniformity, and tensile elongation tests, ensuring consistent field performance.

Client Testimonial:

“We were skeptical at first about switching from conventional sub-base materials to Geo Cells, but Ocean Non Wovens provided complete technical support and training to our on-site teams. The outcome exceeded our expectations—solid foundation, minimal settlement, and faster construction.”
— Project Engineer, Chittoor Road Authority

Conclusion: Setting New Standards in Road Infrastructure

At Ocean Non Wovens, we believe that infrastructure development and sustainability must go hand in hand. Our Geo Cell solutions not only enhance road strength but also align with modern engineering standards for eco-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term durability.

If you’re planning a road project and are looking for geosynthetics that deliver real performance, talk to us today. We offer customized geosynthetic solutions, on-site training, and complete technical support to ensure your project’s success—from planning to pavement.

Contact Ocean Non Wovens today and let’s build the future of roads—stronger, smarter, and greener.

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