The ability of the junctions which are formed by cross and longitudinal ribs of a geogrid to resist pull-apart forces is known as junction efficiency. It is the amount of transverse force a junction can withstand prior to rupture. The effective performance of these zones defines the response of the geogrid to geostatic or applied stresses, especially in reinforcements and geotechnical applications.
The geogrids are primarily meant for the provision of structural support, either for roadways, banks or retaining structures. Their junction efficiency directly impacts their load-strain behavior and overall performance.
1. Welded junction: Welded connections are the most widely used features in geogrids. Typically, these are used in rigid types of geogrids where the ribs are welded together at the vertices. The main advantage of welded connections is the mechanical strength they provide. They ensure that the geogrids perform effectively under heavy load, by maintaining their shape and functionality and this is especially useful in uniaxial geogrids. However, depending on the quality of the weld, these junctions can sometimes be prone to breaking if they are subjected to some extreme forces.
2. Knitted junction: Knitted junctions are usually different from the welded ones as in that the ribs are interwoven, much like some kind of fabric. This makes the geogrid more flexible, allowing it to conform better to the uneven surfaces or the curved structures and are more often found in biaxial geogrids.
The primary advantage of knitted geogrid junctions is their versatility. Such connections are ideal for the applications where a geogrid has to follow a path of uneven shapes. But knitted junctions are also more elastic, hence they do not withstand high loads like welded ones, hindering it in the applications with high-stress factors.
3. Bonded junction: The performance of bonded junctions is largely dependent on the type of adhesive used to join rib ends and the conditions in which the geogrid has to be used. When achieved, the bonded joints will offer good performance and durability. Such junctions perform well under a medium range of loads. However, they are not always appropriate for critical applications as their mechanical behaviour is usually concerned with the degree of flexibility and strength that can be achieved.
4. Extruded junction: Now for the extruded junctions, their ribs and the junction pieces are made to be an integral part of the manufacturing cycle. Thus, extruded junctions exhibit remarkable strength and durability. They are capable of enduring high stresses and are most often utilized in places where they will be heavily fortified, where stability and strength are of utmost importance. Due to their homogeneous design, the chances of failure at the junctions are less, hence these geogrids are ideal for use in projects where extended durability and stability are essential.
It is necessary to test the behavior of junctions and the slope stabilization structure itself by testing the junction efficiency. There are techniques to evaluate whether geogrids are capable of serving their expectant function or not.
The performance of a geogrid installed in a specific project is significantly influenced by junction efficiency. This refers to the design and efficiency of the geogrid’s junctions, which is crucial for reinforcement, stability, and long-term durability. Welded, knitted, bonded, and extruded junctions have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Junction efficiency increases the longevity and enhances the quality of the projects especially due to the application of the testing methods GRI-GG2, Montanelli & Rimoldi and Tex-621-J.
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Director, President – Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
Strata/Glen Raven tenure: 10 years/28 years
Total industry experience: 35 years
MBA – Wake Forest University
Directs the strategic direction of Glen Raven’s automotive, protective apparel, military, geogrid, outdoor and logistic businesses.
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Strata/Strata Inc. tenure: 3 years/14 years
Total industry experience: 25 years
MBA – Georgia State University
Led the integration of Strata Inc. business operations into the headquarters of GRTF and transition from USA based to India based manufacturing.
Director
Strata tenure: 17 years
Total industry experience: 47 years
CA – ICA
Played a key role in the establishment of Strata’s India operations. Provides vision for product innovation and leveraging new technology trends.
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Strata tenure: 7 years
Total industry experience: 32 years
Civil & Geotechnical Engineer (First class)
Provides highly technical and innovative civil engineering solutions in India and around the world. Responsible for the design and execution of large-scale geotechnical projects around the world including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America.
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Strata tenure: 9 years
Total industry experience: 48 years
BTech (Hons), MTech (Civil) Both IIT Bombay, DMS (Bombay University), FIE, FIGS, Chartered Engineer
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Total industry experience: 24 years
MBA – University of Gujarat
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Total industry experience: 33 years
BE (Mechanical) – Nagpur University
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Total industry experience: 35 years
CA – ICA, ICWA – ICWAI
Leads the finance, accounting, taxation, commercial, legal and IT functions and assisting on all strategic and operational matters.
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Total industry experience: 13 years
MBA – ISB, Hyderabad
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Strata tenure: 14 years
Total industry experience: 42 years
B Tech (Chemical) – IIT Delhi
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