PRS-NEOWEB®

Cellular Confinement
System

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000
Ver. 012 Rev 2 SOLUTIONS OVERVIEW

www.prs-med.com
© 2012 Copyright and Proprietary of PRS. Certain products and/or applications described or illustrated are protected
under international patents. Final suitability of any information or material for use and its manner of use is the sole
responsibility of the authorized user.
CONTENTS
PRS-NEOWEB® OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION – THE TOUGH CELL............................................................................................................ 3

OPTIMIZED GEOCELLS ................................................................................................................................. 3

NEOLOY® ADVANCED POLYMERIC ALLOY ........................................................................................................ 4

HDPE vs. NEOLOY BASED GEOCELLS ........................................................................................................... 4

LOAD SUPPORT – ROADS AND RAILWAYS ...................................................................................................... 5

BENEFITS OF PRS-NEOWEB ......................................................................................................................... 5

UNPAVED ROADS ........................................................................................................................................ 6
RAILWAYS .................................................................................................................................................... 6
PORTS & CONTAINER YARDS ....................................................................................................................... 6
COMPARISON WITH OTHER REINFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS ....................................................................... 6
PRS-NEOWEB LOAD SUPPORT SOLUTIONS ................................................................................................. 7
SUSTAINABLE ROADS .................................................................................................................................. 7

SLOPE & CHANNEL PROTECTION .................................................................................................................... 8

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION ............................................................................................................................. 8

CHANNEL PROTECTION ............................................................................................................................... 8

GEOMEMBRANE PROTECTION ...................................................................................................................... 10

RESERVOIRS ............................................................................................................................................... 10
LANDFILLS AND WASTE PONDS ................................................................................................................ 10

EARTH RETENTION WALLS ............................................................................................................................ 11

TYPES OF EARTH RETENTION WALLS ........................................................................................................ 11

KEY BENEFITS............................................................................................................................................. 11
EARTH RETENTION WALL SOLUTIONS....................................................................................................... 12

PRS – LEADER IN TECHNOLOGY..................................................................................................................... 13

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE ................................................................................................................................. 13

SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX 1 – CHOOSING PRS-NEOWEB CATEGORY .................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX 2 – Selected Projects Over 50,000 Sq M ...................................................................................... 16

APPENDIX 3 – PUBLISHED PAPERS ON PRS-NEOWEB ................................................................................... 17

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 2/17 Ver. 12.02

PRS-NEOWEB® OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION – THE TOUGH CELL
PRS-Neoweb® is the cellular confinement system (geocell) created, manufactured and distributed by PRS
Mediterranean Ltd. Made from unique Neoloy® polymeric alloy strips, PRS-Neoweb is expanded on-site to
form a honeycomb-like structure, which is filled with granular infill, topsoil or recycled materials. The
complex interaction of cell wall, cell geometry and infill material on three planes creates a unique cellular
confinement system. PRS-Neoweb is used for soil confinement, stabilization and reinforcement in a wide
variety of load support and civil engineering applications, such as base reinforcement in paved and
unpaved roads, and earth stabilization in slopes and retention walls.

PRS-Neoweb is manufactured from Neoloy, a novel polymeric alloy developed by PRS, based on polyester
nano-fibers in a polyolefin matrix. The properties of this alloy enable a strong and stiff geocell with high
durability, higher tensile strength, resistance to creep and high temperatures, and dimensional stability
than commonly-used HDPE-based geocells.

OPTIMIZED GEOCELLS
Product models typically feature different levels performance such as with rebars, pipes and geotextiles,
as “one shoe doesn’t fit all”. Although geocells are traditionally available in different size cell openings
(distance between weld seams) and wall heights (depth), PRS-Neoweb is manufactured in 4 category
types (A-D) according to several project profile types.

This enables optimization of the PRS-Neoweb geocell with the specific performance requirements of the
project, for example if the project is a slope, channel, wall or heavy-duty road. The PRS-Neoweb type is
selected according to the project loading, hydraulic stresses, design lifespan and environmental durability
requirements. This customization optimizes the performance and cost according to the project’s
requirements.

Benefits:
Project Optimization & Costs
 Customized geocell – according to project requirements and design-life
 Optimize project costs – can be
reduced by up to 50%
 High long-term performance –
Neoloy® geocell technology
inside each cell

Improved logistics and handling

 Available section sizes up to
50% larger
 Up to 50% more sections
per pallet / container
 Sections easier to carry, handle,
layout
 Faster Installation time

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 3/17 Ver. 12.02

NEOLOY® ADVANCED POLYMERIC ALLOY
Neoloy® is an innovative high-strength polymeric alloy developed by PRS for the PRS-Neoweb® cellular
confinement system. Based on nano-fibers in a polyolefin matrix, Neoloy combines the ductility of HDPE
with the dimensional stability and creep resistance of polyester. This unique material provides PRS-
Neoweb geocells with unrivaled long-term resistance to: creep, fatigue, stress-cracking, temperature
extremes, oxidation and UV light. The result is a strong and stiff confinement system with unmatched
durability.

Neoloy enables the use of PRS-Neoweb for long-term load support infrastructure projects such as paved
roads, railways and multi-modal ports.
PRS-Neoweb with Neoloy maintains its
engineering characteristics and
geometry for the project lifespan, even
under dynamic loading, thermal cycling
and high temperatures.

Confinement by PRS-Neoweb geocells

upgrades the modulus of inferior
materials. This enables replacement of
high-quality aggregate with lower cost
infill. No longer 'confined' to solving
problems in weak subgrades, Tough
PRS-Neoweb geocells can be
deployed in the upper base layer of any
structural pavements, and thereby
lower infill and project costs.

HDPE vs. NEOLOY BASED GEOCELLS

Recent research has broadened our understanding of cellular confinement systems and the influencing
factors of the reinforcement. The research demonstrates that not all geocells are equal. PRS-Neoweb
geocells with a higher elastic modulus produced greater improvement in terms of stiffness, bearing
capacity, stress distribution and reduced deformation, when compared with conventional HDPE geocells.
(Pokharel, et al 2011 and 2009)

While HDPE geocells are typically used for soil erosion control for slope and channel protection, as well as
low earth retention structures, their use in ground improvement applications is often limited to low
volume roads and temporary pavement structures, due to concerns about stiffness and durability. Dr. Dov
Leshchinsky in ground-breaking research of geocell reinforcement of retaining walls used HDPE geocells
which were sufficient for short-term performance and testing:

“However, without improvement, HDPE geocells are not suitable for long-term applications.
Problems of durability related to leaching of additives, oxidation, and to UV exposed facing should
be addressed. Large thermal contraction and expansion of outer cells due to daily and seasonal
temperature changes combined with high intrinsic thermal coefficient of the geocell material could
lead to progressive failure initiating at the outer cells. Stress cracking of exposed facing could occur
in low temperature. Low stiffness and strength may lead to significant creep having poor long-term
dimensional stability.” (Leshchinsky D., 2009, Research and innovation...)

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 4/17 Ver. 12.02

LOAD SUPPORT – ROADS AND RAILWAYS
PRS-Neoweb cellular confinement was designed for any road pavement. The Neoloy strength of PRS-
Neoweb increases the modulus of structural layers (Modulus Improvement Factor - MIF) even those with
high CBR. This provides long term stiffness and dimensional stability required for structural pavements
even under heavy dynamic loading.

The high reinforcement factor of PRS-Neoweb enables the replacement of high quality (expensive)
aggregate infill in the base layer with locally available, inexpensive soils or recycled materials. PRS-
Neoweb also enables a reduction in the thickness of the asphalt and structural layers and/or a significant
increase in the road design life.

The end result is that PRS-Neoweb significantly reduces road repair, rehabilitation and maintenance, as
well as the use of raw materials, making road construction more sustainable and more economic. Initial
capital as well as operational costs are reduced. These parameters make PRS-Neoweb a suitable and
sustainable solution for the reinforcement of motorways, railways and multi-modal ports.

BENEFITS OF PRS-NEOWEB
PRS-Neoweb meets the basic
goals of civil engineering
construction solutions – high
performance, fast installation
and lower costs, particularly in
problematic soils, difficult
locations and where aggregate
resources are limited.

 Improve layer modulus with

low strength fill – PRS-
Neoweb enables use of local
non-cohesive fill, granular
soils and recycled material
instead of expensive base layer aggregate. This lowers initial capital costs as well as the hauling and
environmental impacts of importing aggregates; the long-term confinement prevents aggregate
degradation and extends the road life.

 Reduce layer thickness – High-strength Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb cell hoop strength, wall stiffness
and passive resistance enable a reduction in the thickness of structural support elements – both in the
substrata and the wearing course.

 Long-term performance – PRS-Neoweb dimensional stability and fatigue resistance under loading,
stress and extreme environmental conditions aligns product life-span life with long-term road
engineering standards.

 Easy and fast deployment – Folded PRS-Neoweb sections ease logistics and delivery on-site, while
installation, by locally-trained work crews, is easy, fast and in all-weather conditions.

 Cost effective – PRS-Neoweb installation, reduced infill requirements and extended life-span result in
savings in time, equipment, manpower and costs during construction phases, while roads that last
longer and require less operating and maintenance costs over the project life-span.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 5/17 Ver. 12.02

UNPAVED ROADS
PRS-Neoweb is stronger, greener, faster and more cost-effective than other ground reinforcement
alternatives for unpaved roads. PRS-Neoweb geocells with Neoloy stabilize subgrade soil, reinforce the
aggregate base infill and prevent fatigue of the surface layer. High-strength PRS-Neoweb 3D confinement
also reduces the structural layer thickness, while enabling the use of inferior types of infill at the same
level of performance. And PRS-Neoweb will extend the service life of the pavement in addition to
reducing road dust and sedimentation, PRS-Neoweb stabilized roads also reduce wear on vehicles and
tires (and drivers). Transport through challenging terrain is safer, more reliable and more sustainable.

RAILWAYS
PRS-Neoweb offers cost-effective ground reinforcement solution for subballast and ballast layers, rail
embankments, turnouts and train yards. Typically placed at the ballast/subgrade interface area, PRS-
Neoweb has been shown to decrease the
rate of track surface geometry degradation
(both surface and cross-level) under a
range of traffic loadings. It is actually the
cost of maintaining such infrastructure over
time (Total Cost of Ownership) that
determines the economic worthiness and
success of track engineering solutions and
not the initial construction or rehabilitation
cost. The ability of PRS-Neoweb to reduce
the rate of degradation, particularly in
problematic locations is of great value for
both in the construction of new lines and in
the maintenance of existing lines.

PORTS & CONTAINER

YARDS
PRS-Neoweb based on the high strength Neoloy® novel polymeric alloy provides heavy duty load support
– even while using inferior granular material, such as dredged sand for structural infill. PRS-Neoweb
creates a semi-rigid mattress (“beam-effect”) that increases bearing capacity, improves load distribution
and reduces settlement. PRS-Neoweb is particularly suitable to port and container yard projects in which
soil bearing capacity, aggregates, durability and costs are critical.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER REINFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS

PRS-Neoweb creates a reinforced mattress with a beam effect with unbounded base material. Compared
to 2D geosynthetic products, such as geogrids and geotextiles, geocell confinement in three dimensions
better minimizes the lateral movement of soil particles. This results in a higher locked-in confining stress
and thus a higher modulus of the base. Conventional ground stabilization solutions (soil replacement,
additives, or thicker base layers) either do not provide sufficient long-term stability and strength for
transportation engineering and/or entail higher costs and environmental impacts.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 6/17 Ver. 12.02

PRS-NEOWEB LOAD SUPPORT SOLUTIONS
APPLICATION SOLUTIONS

PAVED ROADS  Highway engineering

(sub-base layer)  Road rehabilitation
 Roadway widening and shoulder improvement
 Embankments
 Trench and road drainage
 Permeable pavements
 Ports and container yards

UNPAVED ROADS  Access, haul and service roads

(base layer)  Ground stabilization
 Green roads, parking lots and emergency access
 Patrol roads and military bases

RAILWAY TRACKS  Ballast and subballast confinement for new track

(ballast and sub-ballast  Track repair and rehabilitation
layer)  Railway embankments and overpasses
 Train station facilities and parking

PLATFORMS, PORTS,  Intermodal port facilities

PIPELINE PROTECTION  Airport runways, parking, storage terminals
(base reinforcement)  Parking lots
 Container platforms, terminals, depots and storage yards
 Pipeline/storage tank protection

SUSTAINABLE ROADS
As a green construction method PRS-Neoweb
minimizes environmental impacts and
extends project life-spans. The ability to use
inferior quality soil – including recycled
asphalt, fly ash and recycled concrete – for
infill saves aggregate resources and reduces
the number of haul vehicles and use of virgin
aggregate resources. This in turn, lowers fuel
usage, the carbon footprint and reduces
project costs. In addition PRS-Neoweb also
results in a reduction and savings in
construction vehicles, manpower and project
costs. The enhanced service life of PRS-
Neoweb roads meets another goal of
sustainability, reducing long term road
operations and maintenance.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 7/17 Ver. 12.02

SLOPE & CHANNEL PROTECTION
PRS-Neoweb confinement along with anchoring techniques ensures the long-term stability of slopes and
channels using vegetated topsoil, granular infill or concrete surfacing. The enhanced drainage, frictional
forces and cell-soil-plant interaction of PRS-Neoweb prevents downslope movement from hydrodynamic
and gravitational forces. PRS-Neoweb slope protection is provided by:

 Frictional resistance which reduces sliding

 Cell walls that mechanically protect against run-off, rill development and erosive forces
 Soil confinement, which enhances soil particle structure and soil integrity, minimizing the impact
of raindrops
 Cell perforations facilitating plant and root interlock, thereby stabilizing the soil mass

The PRS-Neoweb system tolerates high sheet-flow conditions and prevents channeling by limiting flow
and increasing hydraulic shear stresses.

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
PRS-Neoweb is the best-available sustainable solution for long-term soil protection and earth
stabilization. PRS-Neoweb improves site ecology by enhancing water drainage and soil quality, and when
integrated with revegetation schemes,
improves the site, soil food web and
visual landscape.

The perforations in the PRS-Neoweb

cells promote infiltration and limit the
impact of hydrostatic forces by
improving drainage. This plays a crucial
role in soil protection by:
 Preventing run-off and soil
erosion
 Preserving the soil structure
 Enabling flow of water,
nutrients and soil organisms

Healthy soil encourages the growth of

vital soil organisms and processes that
improve nutrient cycling, porosity and soil aggregation. The perforations are also critical in promoting
revegetation by providing an excellent growth environment for roots and plants. This further stabilizes
the soil and slope, while facilitating the restoration of the vegetation and landscape.

CHANNEL PROTECTION
PRS-Neoweb slope protection is also applicable to cost effective, long-term slope protection for channels
and drainage trenches. PRS-Neoweb confinement of vegetated soil, hard armor or poured concrete fill
optimizes erosion protection for natural or man-made channels and hydraulic structures, typically
incorporated into open-channel systems.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 8/17 Ver. 12.02

The PRS-Neoweb composite structure dissipates energy from flood, current and wave action. Vegetative
and/or gravel infill is used when there is periodic high water or flooding (depending on geometry and
hydraulic stresses), while concrete infill is used for non-erodible channels.

The self-draining, permeability of PRS-Neoweb prevents the buildup of hydrostatic pressure, which can
cause cracking in concrete structures. The flexibility of the PRS-Neoweb structure enables it to yield to
earth movement without degradation in performance or structural integrity. PRS-Neoweb is also an
excellent solution for bioswales and other stormwater management practices.

PRS-Neoweb is a more attractive, cost-effective and durable solution than concrete, rip-rap
or gabion solutions. PRS-Neoweb systems with Neoloy feature high strength and long term performance,
with high resistance to water, weathering and temperature extremes.

SLOPE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS CHANNEL PROTECTION SOLUTIONS

 Erosion Control  Water treatment
– Reconstructed slopes – Water transport systems
– Revegetation slopes – Sewage treatment conduits
 Transportation and Construction – Storm drainage channels
– Cut and fill slopes  Stormwater management
– Roadside slopes – Bioswales
– Abutment protection – Flood water containment
 Embankments  Stream protection
– Highways and railways – Stream quality and ecology
 Energy – Bank (slope) erosion
– Storage facility berms  Reservoirs
– Pipeline stabilization – Levees
 Environmental – Dam and pond spillways
– Green roofs – Protection of hydraulic structures
– Mine and quarry site rehabilitation  Environmental protection
 Geomembrane Protection – Silt and sediment control /diversions
– Ponds, reservoirs, liquid containment during construction activities
 Landfills – Pipeline and utility channel crossings
– Waste containment facilities  Marine
– Waste rehabilitation sites – Port facilities and protection
– Channel and shoreline structures

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 9/17 Ver. 12.02

GEOMEMBRANE PROTECTION
The mission critical objective in landfills and reservoirs is to provide 100% protection of the containment
membranes while creating stable soil, berms and slopes.

PRS-Neoweb cellular confinement combined with geomembranes creates protected, impermeable, non-
slip and durable impoundment of solid
waste, leachate and liquids. Liners are
shielded by PRS-Neoweb from natural,
accidental or intentional damage.

Used in applications which require

containment, treatment or control of
water, leachate and waste, PRS-
Neoweb geocells are impervious to
salinity, corrosion, acidity, sewage and
extreme temperatures. Neoloy-based PRS-
Neoweb confinement systems have
considerably higher
environmental resistance and durability
than HDPE-based geocells.

In addition the use of PRS-Neoweb with concrete has many advantages:

 Geocells function as ready-made forms

 Concrete casting is fast, efficient, and controlled
 Hard-armor finish is of uniform thickness
 Resulting flexible slab accommodates subgrade movement and prevents cracking

RESERVOIRS
PRS-Neoweb geocells are spread on top of a geomembrane on the reservoir’s slopes. The cells are quickly
and easily filled with concrete using only basic anchors and fastening for pouring. The use of Neoloy-
based PRS-Neoweb offers:
 Fast and easy installation suited to existing ground contours
 Enhanced flexibility enabling infilled concrete to withstand seismic activity
 Effective containment of stored water
 Cost-effective solution that reduces shipping, materials and labor

LANDFILLS AND WASTE PONDS

PRS-Neoweb slope protection is used to maximize the capacity of municipal solid waste landfills, by
allowing significantly steeper and higher covers. Integrated with geomembranes PRS-Neoweb geocells
create impermeable, durable impoundment berms for waste containment and treatment, and filled with
concrete is an environmentally safe and non-corrosive solution for chemicals, slurry and sludge.

PRS-Neoweb creates a system that holds the infill material in place and prevents mass movements by
providing tensile reinforcement. PRS-Neoweb also improves the structural and functional behavior of soil
infill materials.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 10/17 Ver. 12.02

EARTH RETENTION WALLS
Retention structures made from PRS-Neoweb offer strong, durable and attractive green solutions for
steep and unstable slopes, and are particularly suited to development of sites with sharp grade changes,
irregular topography, or lack of land.

PRS-Neoweb is the ideal solution for earth retention because of the Neoloy composite material. Neoloy
has the long-term strength, dimensional stability under thermal cycling and environmental durability for
retaining walls, which guarantees reliable performance over the project lifespan.

PRS-Neoweb retaining walls provide steep vertical earth retention (up to 81°) structurally stable under
self- weight and externally imposed loads. Gravity and reinforced walls erected with PRS-Neoweb system
layers maintain structural stability, even in compressible and unstable foundation subgrades.

PRS-Neoweb is more adaptable to low quality backfill, easier to construct, and more economical than
conventional earth retention solutions, such as poured concrete, segmental retaining walls (SRW) and
gabion walls. PRS-Neoweb retaining walls can be erected quickly – with each layer structurally stable as
construction progresses – and is especially well suited to construction in areas in which access for heavy
equipment is limited.

TYPES OF EARTH RETENTION WALLS

There are three main types of earth walls:

 Gravity – steep retaining walls for

erosion control, structurally stable
under self-weight and external loads
 Reinforced wall - mechanically
stabilized earth with horizontal geogrid
reinforcement for high and strong
segmental retaining walls
 Integrated erosion control and earth
stabilization – cost-effective
combination of PRS-Neoweb gravity
retaining wall and back slope protection

KEY BENEFITS
The key benefits of Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb for retention walls are based on:

 High strength and durability, due to the proprietary Neoloy composition

 Very fast installation and construction
 Green wall / green solution
 Use of local granular material for infill
 Meets strictest earthquake building codes with high-seismic reduction factor (0.3-0.4)

PRS-Neoweb is the ideal solution for earth retention because of the Neoloy composite material. Neoloy
has the long-term strength, dimensional stability under thermal cycling and environmental durability for
retaining walls, which guarantees reliable performance over the project lifespan.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 11/17 Ver. 12.02

Structural Strength
Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb offers very long-term stiffness and strength. PRS-Neoweb retaining walls
provide steep vertical earth retention that is structurally stable under its own weight and externally
imposed loads. Gravity and reinforced walls erected with stacked PRS-Neoweb system layers are stable
even in compressible and unstable foundation soils. PRS-Neoweb retention walls have proven to retain
their structural stability in seismic testing.

Green Wall
While retention walls maximize tight spaces by going vertical, PRS-Neoweb offers environmentally and
aesthetically attractive retention walls with a green vegetated fascia on the outer horizontal
terraces/rows. The reinforcement retains unstable slopes and the outer row (strip) of fascia cells can be
used for planting and landscaping. Each PRS-Neoweb cell acts as an individual planter, protecting young
plants while ensuring that the soil substrate is retained. Drip irrigation pipes can be easily laid along each
wall layer. Climbing or cascading plants provide compelling aesthetics while maximizing vertical coverage.

Neoloy Durability
PRS-Neoweb offers long-term dimensionally stable due to the low creep of the Neoloy alloy (even under
high temperatures) and very high resistance to thermal cycling. PRS-Neoweb durability also features high
resistance to photochemical degradation – leaching of additives, oxidation and UV light to preserve
confinement for the lifespan of the project. Its low dimensional stability minimizes thermal contraction
and expansion of outer cells due to daily and seasonal temperature changes to prevent cracking and
failure. Neoloy high creep resistance preserves PRS-Neoweb stiffness and strength for project design life.

EARTH RETENTION WALL SOLUTIONS

 Transportation and construction
– Multi-grade transportation arteries
– Green road and rail
embankments
– Safety barriers
 Rehabilitation
– Mine site and quarry
restoration
– Failed slopes
 Environmental
– Energy and noise absorbers
– Green walls
 Channels and Coastlines
– Storm water structures
– Coastal cliff preservation
 Site grading
– Expanding fields and yards
– Grading site to boundaries

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 12/17 Ver. 12.02

PRS – LEADER IN GEOCELL TECHNOLOGY
PRS – Professional Reinforcement Solutions (est. 1996) – is an international geotechnical engineering and
technology company with worldwide offices and distributors. PRS offers cost-effective soil stabilization
and reinforcement solutions based on the PRS-Neoweb cellular confinement system (geocells) for a wide
of range of road, slope, channel and retaining wall applications.

PRS is leading the industry with customizable geocells for efficient engineering to provide economic,
sustainable and civil engineering value for every project. PRS’ leadership is evidenced by its extensive
development and testing program with leaders in the world of geosynthetics, and its patents for geocells
and geocell technology, polymeric alloys, and high-performance geosynthetics solutions.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
PRS earned its geotechnical expertise from actual field projects worldwide. Its Neoloy®-based PRS-
Neoweb® cellular confinement system was chosen by leading international energy, logging, and mining
companies, as well as consultants and contractors, making PRS their “partner of choice”.

PRS provides a full range of end-to-end services, from consulting design to on-site installation
training. Product development has been directly influenced by our 15 years of customer relationships and
being on-site in over 45 countries, working shoulder to shoulder with civil engineers, road designers,
landscape architects and contractors. PRS-Neoweb performance has been proven in thousands of projects
in every type of challenging environment around the globe – from scorching deserts to saturated peat
bogs to frozen arctic tundra.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 13/17 Ver. 12.02

SUMMARY
High Reinforcement Factor
Vertical loading on the PRS-Neoweb confined cells creates a semi-rigid slab or “beam effect” over soft
soils. This distributes the load evenly and effectively over a wider area, while increasing bearing capacity
by a factor of 5 and decreasing settlement by up to 80% (Meyer, 2005).

Less is More – Reduce Structural Pavement Thickness

The high performance of PRS-Neoweb confinement enables a reduction in the thickness of structural
pavements – in both the strata and substrata layers – and even the elimination of support layers.
Simulated road trials have demonstrated that the pavement thickness reduction factor for PRS-Neoweb
exceeds 70% (Van Gurp, Westera, 2008).

Reduce Asphalt Thickness

PRS-Neoweb reinforced aggregate in the base course of new roads or rehabilitated roads increases the
pavement modulus. This enables a reduction in the bituminous surfacing/wearing course to a minimum,
typically reducing the amount (and costs) of bituminous/asphalt concrete/binder by 15-25%.

Use Inferior and Recycled Infill

PRS-Neoweb can readily use recycled asphalt and concrete for aggregate infill. PRS-Neoweb confinement
prevents creep and strengthens RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement), recycled concrete and other non-
cohesive, inferior granular fill, such as sand. This eliminates the need to mix RAP with virgin aggregates or
stabilization additives. The result is savings in hauling, processing and aggregate resources and costs.

Extend Service Life and Maintenance Cycles

Neoloy based PRS-Neoweb exhibits very high creep resistant and dimensional stability. These result in the
stiffness required for long-term reinforcement, even under heavy static or cyclical loadings and elevated
temperatures. PRS-Neoweb confinement in the granular base or subbase layer also increases the
subgrade modulus. This in turn reduces degradation of the pavement structure and foundation layers and
extends maintenance cycles by a factor of 3 or more.

Advantage over HDPE Geocells

PRS-Neoweb geocells with Neoloy maintain their engineering properties over time and under elevated
temperatures, unlike HDPE-based geocells. PRS-Neoweb geocells are:
 Significantly stiffer and stronger and resistant to stress-cracking
 Very high plastic deformation (creep) resistance
 Much more dimensionally stable, for reliable confinement in wide temperature range
 Far more resistant to oxidation and UV light degradation for very long periods

Sustainable Construction Technique

PRS-Neoweb is a sustainable solution because it saves time, transport, fuel, aggregate resources and
carbon pollution. PRS-Neoweb uses~ 50% less aggregate for infill and enables the use of poorly-graded
local soils or recycled waste for infill. The compacted sections can be easily transported to the site,
unfolded and installed manually, while the reduced amount of soil replacement and haul vehicles means
less environmental and on-site disruption.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 14/17 Ver. 12.02

APPENDIX 1 – CHOOSING PRS-NEOWEB CATEGORY
The following table explains how to select the PRS-Neoweb that matches the actual needs of the project
categories, pre-calculated by typical stresses, loading, photochemical durability, elevated temperatures
and design-life and not just the cell dimension. Different cell sizes and wall heights are available
according to design objectives. This approach departs from commonly accepted practice of using standard
(HDPE) geocells (of different sizes and heights) for all types of slopes, roads and retaining walls, without
taking into account design requirements, which leads to over/under design performance.

Tables of PRS-Neoweb Categories (A-D)

PRS-NEOWEB CATEGORIES – GENERAL

A B C D
Suitable for moderate Suitable for steep slopes, Suitable for very steep Suitable for the most
slopes, flow velocities high flow velocities, high slopes, high flow demanding slopes,
and retaining walls; walls; velocities & high walls; channels and walls;
Road subgrades Road subgrades and Road subgrades and Base layer of asphalt
short-term base layers paved road subbases pavements

PRS-NEOWEB VS. PROJECT CATEGORIES – DETAILED SUITABILITY

PRS-NEOWEB GEOCELL CATEGORIES

PROJECT CATEGORIES
A B C D
Max. Slope Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m)

SLOPES (1) 34° unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited

45° 8 12 15 20
63° 3 4 5 6
Max. Velocity Max. Velocity Max. Velocity Max. Velocity
Max. Slope
(m/sec) (m/sec) (m/sec) (m/sec)
CHANNEL
34° 10 10 10 10
S (2)
45° 7 10 10 10
63° 3 7 10 10
Max. Slope Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m) Max. Height (m)

WALLS (3) 72° unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited

83° 10 unlimited unlimited unlimited
≥84° x 10 unlimited unlimited

LOAD Road Layer Applicability Applicability Applicability Applicability

Subgrade    
SUPPORT
(4) Subbase x Limited  
Base x Limited Limited 
* The above table is a general guide for the selection of PRS-Neoweb category only;
to be confirmed by PRS/consultant engineer.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 15/17 Ver. 12.02

APPENDIX 2 –Selected Projects Over 50,000 Sq M
Mine Waste Site Rehabilitation, Highway Slope Protection on Quick, Effective Erosion
Poland Embankment, India Control, Kazakhstan

PRS-Neoweb was the “base” for PRS-Neoweb on highway PRS-Neoweb resolved slope stability
converting a 4 km x 200m high mine embankment slopes to prevent and soil erosion problems of 45°
site dry waste stack into an attractive surface erosion and promote slopes with a green aesthetic
multiple-use recreation site with vegetative growth, which further solution. Installation was fast and
forest trees. protects the soil and slope stability. simple and practically maintenance
free.

Roads & Pipeline Protection for Military Road for UK Army, Protective Barrier for Firing
Gazprom in Siberia Afghanistan Steppes Range, Singapore

Durable service roads and pipeline PRS-Neoweb was chosen after Making a “bullet” proof barrier, PRS-
protection were achieved with local testing various infill materials & road Neoweb was overlaid on an earth
infill in the harshest climate in the make-ups. Results were 75% savings berm and filled with local soil.
most remote region. NOTE – several in aggregate at 2/3 cost of Benefits include durability, noise
million sq yd were installed conventional road constructed in reduction and a green solution
half the time.

All Weather Access for Military 60+m High Retaining Wall Pipeline Service Road in
Vehicles, Georgia Failed Slope, Russia Desert, Kazakhstan

Troops easily installed PRS-Neoweb Slope failure was rectified by Using local soils for infill, PRS-
over unpaved road subject to severe horizontal layers of PRS-Neoweb Neoweb enables transport of
loading in clay soil. This provided reinforcement for strength for the personnel and equipment (wheeled
reinforcement for heavy vehicles and massive proportions, at a fraction of vehicles) over weak sand along
the perforations enabled drainage. time & cost of alternative methods. pipeline route in desert.

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 16/17 Ver. 12.02

APPENDIX 3 – PUBLISHED PAPERS ON PRS-NEOWEB
PRS-Neoweb Contribution to Pavement Reinforcement (Dr. K. Rajagopal, et al, Indian Institute of
Technology, Madras, India and/or Dr. O. Kief, PRS-Israel)
 Modulus Improvement Factor for PRS-Neoweb-Reinforced Bases, Geosynthetics India Chennai, Kief and
Rajagopal, (2011), India.
 3D Cellular Confinement System Contribution to Structural Pavement Reinforcement, Geosynthetics India ’08,
Hyderabad, Kief and Rajagopal.
 PRS-Neoweb System for Structural Pavement Reinforcement of Roads & Railways, Geotec Hanoi, Vietnam,
Kief and Toan (2011).

Comprehensive Research Program - PRS-Neoweb Reinforced Bases, (Dr. Jie Han, et al, U. of Kansas, USA)
 Tough Cells – Summary of Research of Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb for Sustainable Roadway Applications, Roads
and Bridges, Han, et al (2011).
 Accelerated Pavement Testing of Unpaved Roads with Geocell-Reinforced Sand Bases, Transportation Research
Board, Florida, Yang, Han, et al (2011).

th
Effect of Infill Material on the Performance of PRS-Neoweb-reinforced Bases, 9 International Geosynthetics
Congress, Brazil, Han, et al, (2010).
 Creep Deformation of Geocell-reinforced Recycled Asphalt Pavements, GeoFrontiers, Dallas, Thakur, Han, et al
(2010).
 Behavior of Geocell-Reinforced Granular Bases under Static& Repeated Loads, IFCEE, Florida, Pokharel, et al
(2009).
 Load Bearing Tests on Bearing Capacity of PRS-Neoweb-Reinforced Bases, Conference on Bearing Capacity of
Roads, Railways and Airfields, Illinois, Pokharel, Han, et al (2009).

PRS-Neoweb for Earth Retention – Seismic Research (Leshchinsky, D., et al, U. of Delaware, USA)
 Research and Innovation: Seismic Performance PRS-Neoweb Geocell Earth-retention Systems, Geosynthetics,
Leshchinsky, D. (2009).
 Equivalent Seismic Coefficient in Geocell Retention Systems, Geotextiles and Geomembranes Journal, Ling, H.I.,
Leshchinsky, et al (2009).
 Seismic Response of Geocell Retaining Walls, Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Engineering, Ling, H.I.,
Leshchinsky, et al (2009).

Geogrid Trial Road Base with PRS-Neoweb (Van Gurp, Westeral, KOAC-NPC institute, Holland)
Van Gurp, C.A.P.M., Westera, G.E. (2008) “Geogrid Trial Road Base NL 2008”, KOAC-NPC, Final Report.

PRS-Neoweb Bearing Capacity Improvement in Road Constructions (Dr. N. Meyer, Dr. A. Emersleben,
Clausthal University, Germany)
 The Influence of Hoop Stresses and Earth Resistance on the Geocell Reinforcement Mechanism, GIGSA
GeoAfrica (2009) South Africa.
 Bearing Capacity Improvement of Gravel Base Layers in Road Constructions using PRS-Neoweb, (IACMAG),
(2009), Goa, India
 The Use of Geocells in Road constructions over Soft Soil: Vertical Stress and Falling Weight Deflectometer
Measurements, EuroGeo4, Edinburgh, Scotland, (2008).
 Bearing Capacity Improvement of Asphalt Paved Road Construction Due to the Use of Geocells, 4th Asian
Regional Conference on Geosynthetics, Shanghai, China, (2008).

PRS-Neoweb Railway Embankment Testing (Leshchinsky, B., Ling, H., et al, U. of Columbia, USA)

 Enhancing Ballast Performance using PRS-Neoweb Geocell Confinement, Geo-Frontiers 2011, Dallas, Texas,
Leshchinsky, B., (2011)

PRS-EN-TD-GM-2000 17/17 Ver. 12.02