Remove any large rock or debris. Lay the BaseCore™ on top of the ground and dig approximately 4-5” to make the BaseCore™ flush with the surrounding ground. Or, utilize a border around the outside edges of the BaseCore™ geocell to protect the edges from being exposed.

It is highly recommended to use a barrier between the panels and ground soil or mud below. We offer it in convenient rolls, or you can find a thinner version at your local hardware store. Roll the fabric over the entire area where the panels will be positioned. Overlap all edges around the BaseCore™ and each seam between the fabric pieces by approximately 8-12”.

Place the panel on the ground and secure the end with 4-6 1/2 rebar stakes (12"). Expand the panel fully and stake the other end. If the BaseCore™ is larger than the area needed, you can trim the excess with scissors or a utility knife or only expand it enough to cover the desired area. When placing multiple panels together, you can connect them using the included locking clips.

It is important that you stop and add the gravel for each panel at this point to ensure the panel is fully extended, maximizing its strength. Fill each geocell with angular gravel, extending the amount of gravel approximately 2” above each cell. Once each panel is set and has enough gravel to cover each geocell plus the additional 2”, it can now be driven on by a tractor or other equipment.

Remove the stakes from the previous panel to use on the next panel. Place and expand the next panel as in Step 3.

Once the desired area is covered with your BaseCore™ panels and is filled with gravel, including the 2” above each geocell, you are ready to compact the gravel. You can rent a plate compactor locally for this stage.

a. Before starting, make certain you hose the entire area down thoroughly to allow better compaction. Approximately 3 - 5 minutes per panel.

b. Wrap the excess geotextile fabric from the edge of the area back over the top of the geocell and cover with the gravel to hold it in place.

c. Run the compactor slowly over each inch of the space including each edge. If any of the BaseCore™ becomes exposed, add more gravel and compact it.

Once your entire area is well compacted, you can add your desired footing material on top if the exposed gravel does not work. This will vary depending on the purpose.