A solid base is an essential part of any project. Whether you’re building your dream horse arena or adding a new horse path, geocells are the best way to create a secure foundation.
To help you get started, we’ve prepared a geocell installation guide on building horse arenas.
What is a Geocell?
Geocells are easy-to-install foundation grids for any outdoor construction project. They are made up of three-dimensional cellular structures designed to add strength and increase load-bearing capacity for your project.
Geocells are also an excellent tool for ground control. The infill material in each cell helps to keep the surface from shifting. Geocells provide numerous benefits to help make your ground stronger and more stable.
Calculate How Much Geocell
To get started on your project, you’ll need to know the quantity and size of the geocell to order. For horse arenas, the type of geocell depends on what your arena will be used for.
Arenas used for jumping may need additional strength in their base, and will therefore require a larger-sized geocell. Consult with one of our experts for personalized advice on how much geocell you’ll need.
How To Install Geocell
1. Base Preparation
The first step when installing geocell grids is to prepare the base by clearing and excavating the area. The amount of excavation you’ll need will depend on the project. The deeper the excavation, the more stability your base will have.
2. Deploy Geocell
Once your base is complete, you’re ready to add geocell grids to your project. To add geocell, first trim the material to fit the area properly. Next, lay the geogrids across the excavated area and secure them with stakes. To separate geocell from other ground layers, geotextile fabric can be used.
3. Infill Material
Infil material should be added to the cells. This is what creates ground stability and erosion control. The cells will prevent the materials from shifting or sinking.
The type of fill material will determine what type of base you create. Usually, angular stones or other crushed stones are used for horse arenas.
4. Compact the Fill Material
Once the fill material has been added, you’ll want to compact it. A drag or a roller can be used to properly compact the material.
Additional Benefits and Uses of Geocell
There are many different benefits that using geocell provides. Regardless of what functions you need geocell for, the installation process is largely the same. Some of the other uses for geocells include:
Soil Stabilization: Geocells prevent surface layers from moving or shifting. This creates added stability to the soil above the geocell panels.
Channel Protection: Another benefit of geocells is their permeability. This creates a drainage solution for projects and makes geocells an ideal option for reinforcing channels.
Retaining Wall: Geocells are also a viable option for constructing retaining walls. Their exceptional strength gives added support to these projects.
Slope Protection: The strength created by geocells is also valuable for slope protection. They keep ground material in place to prevent slippage or soil movement.
Do You Need Advice for Your Geocell Installation?
Unsure where to start on your outdoor construction project? Ask our experts for advice! Send us a note or give us a call at 877-835-0878 to get started.