Geosynthetics February/March 2022 - 23
Case Studies
Geosynthetics for solar
farm development
By Ashley H. Loyola (MacMillan)
W
ith renewed focus on clean electricity, an era with massive investment in new solar
power has begun, leading to its widespread development. Although these systems have
become more cost-effective, there are often solutions left on the table that could make the costs
associated with development and maintenance of solar energy more viable than traditional
energy sources. The land selected for site development is often the most affordable, therefore,
rarely with desirable conditions for construction. As a result, solar project construction activities
take place on large lots containing challenges, such as saturated soils, marshlands, soils
with high fines or expansive subgrades, to name a few.
The selected project site often requires soil stabilization to improve bearing capacity. Highstrength
geotextiles are used in the heavy civil and energy sector to bridge soft spots, to provide
separation and filtration, and to offer long-term reinforcement to site features including
component storage yards, access roads and construction entrances. This is a highly efficient
and economical solution that does not require specialized equipment or labor and can handle
high-stress installations, ultimately reducing resources spent on import materials.
Overview of geosynthetics for subgrade stabilization
Although the most apparent function of geosynthetics in soil stabilization is reinforcement,
other functions significantly improve the overall performance of the system. Geosynthetics in
subgrade-stabilization applications are typically used to provide one or more of the following:
* Separation: To prevent intermixing of two dissimilar materials
* Filtration: To allow movement of water through the geosynthetic while retaining soil on
the upstream side
* Confinement: To prevent lateral movement (spread) of the aggregate fill
* Reinforcement: Introduction of a tensile element to improve bearing capacity
* Durability: Selection of a product designed to resist damage during moderate to severe
stress installations
In selecting a product to optimize performance, project teams typically consider the two
main categories of stabilization geosynthetics (geogrids and geotextiles).
Geogrids are formed from plastic sheets and strips, or woven from high-tenacity yarns, into
a very open, grid-like configuration with large apertures (Figure 2 on page 24). They may be
coated with polymers to provide additional protection. Geogrids function almost exclusively
as confinement and reinforcement materials.
Ashley H. Loyola (MacMillan),
P.E., is an engineering business
manager with TenCate
Geosynthetics Americas in
Austin, Texas.
All figures courtesy of the author.
www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
23
http://www.GeosyntheticsMagazine.com
Geosynthetics February/March 2022
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Geosynthetics February/March 2022
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