A new type of geosynthetic material, the non-woven geocell, is formed by sequentially welding or stitching PET filament non-woven fabric into a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. This unique structure grants it multiple functions such as water permeability and filtration, separation, protection, as well as reinforcement and stabilization.

​​Breakthrough in Engineering Materials​​

Unlike traditional HDPE or PP geocells, non-woven geocells use polyester non-woven fabric as the base material, creating a three-dimensional honeycomb structure through special welding processes. This design retains the inherent water permeability and filtration characteristics of non-woven fabric while providing higher reinforcement strength through its three-dimensional structure. When deployed, each cell unit forms a continuous wall that can be filled with soil and rock materials, providing three-dimensional reinforcement effects to the soil.

​​Comparison of Technical Advantages​​

Compared to traditional HDPE or PP geocells, non-woven geocells offer significant advantages in water permeability, filtration, and nodal strength. HDPE geocells lack water permeability, which can lead to runoff erosion at the contact surface. In contrast, the non-woven material allows water to pass through freely while effectively retaining soil particles, maintaining the stability of water and soil structures. Their production process is relatively simpler, offering higher construction convenience, which further reduces overall project costs. The flexible structure of non-woven geocells allows them to better adapt to foundation settlement and deformation. Particularly in soft soil environments, they can resist loads generated by the weight of the fill and internal friction, maintaining structural stability.

​​Construction Technology and Specifications​​

The construction process for non-woven geocells is relatively stringent. Before laying, the roadbed slope must be thoroughly cleaned and leveled, removing stones and loose roots. During installation, the geocell components must be fully expanded and secured at the top using hook-shaped anchor screws. The length of the anchoring piles should exceed the height of the geocell itself by a certain ratio. For instance, for a 5 cm geocell, the anchor pile should be 2-5 cm longer; for a 10 cm geocell, the anchor pile should be 2-10 cm longer. After the geocells are expanded and anchored, they need to be filled with suitable, high-quality planting soil. The fill material should reach 1.2 times the height of the geocell, and vegetation should be planted promptly to establish a green protection system. Season selection also significantly impacts the construction outcome. It is preferable to construct during spring and autumn, avoiding the rainy season, to ensure project quality and long-term stability.

​​Market Prospects and Environmental Value​​

As environmental policies become increasingly stringent, the environmental characteristics of non-woven geocells highlight their value. Non-woven geocells provide a more environmentally friendly solution for engineering applications. Especially in temporary projects and ecological restoration projects, biodegradable non-woven geocells can reduce long-term residue issues. With increasing environmental requirements, biodegradable non-woven geocell technology continues to develop. New non-woven materials incorporating ecological degradation masterbatches can degrade naturally after use while maintaining performance, reducing environmental pollution. In the future, with advancements in materials science, non-woven geocells are expected to replace traditional materials in more engineering fields, offering more economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient solutions for infrastructure development.