NEO

LOY New Cellular Confinement System

Paves the Way for Future Roads

NEOLOY® based PRS-NEOWEB™

Stabilizing an unstable world!

www.prs-med.com
 Neoloy is setting the standard
generation of durable and sust
confined load bearing solutions
Cellular confinement systems (geocells) were invented by the US
Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970’s to construct temporary
roads for heavy military vehicles over weak soils. Several years’
later commercial production for use in civilian applications
began. However, unlike the original, geocell applications in
civilian engineering focused mainly on soil erosion control
for slope and channel protection.
The use of geocells for load support became a secondary
function, limited to temporary reinforcement of pavement
structures. These HDPE-based geocells were typically
deployed in the lower subbase structural layers to improve
the load bearing of weak subgrade. This all changed with the
development of the Neoloy® polymeric alloy by PRS.
 Why PRS
BENEFITS

with a new
• Highest performance load bearing
geosynthetic
• Save time, money, resources
• Utilize locally available, lower cost infill

ainable
• Longest-term design strength of any
confinement system
• Easy and fast installation
• Reduced maintenance of confined structures

ADVANCED RESEARCH
• Polymeric alloy with highest stiffness and
strength available
• Significant advancements in R&D and
engineering
• Improved engineering design and
methodologies
• Cooperative research and testing with
leading institutions worldwide
• Highest and most reliable industry standards
available

TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

• Comprehensive end-to-end consulting and
support
• Customer assistance for design and
installation

MANUFACTURING
• Unmatched manufacturing capacity
• Guaranteed fast supply and delivery
• ISO-9001:2008 Certified Quality Control
• CE Marking

As a leader in the industry, PRS is focused on advancing cellular

confinement technology. The result is a completely
new concept – Neoloy® based PRS-Neoweb™. PRS-Neoweb now
offers long-term performance that is aligned to the engineering
needs of today’s transportation infrastructure, and driving the
transition from slope and channel protection to load support
applications for highways, railways and ports.
 Geocell Reinforcement Principles
& Design Methodologies

Introduction to Confinement
PRS-Neoweb is the newest and most advanced three-
dimensional, honeycomb cellular confinement system. When
filled with granular infill, a new composite structure is created
from the complex interaction of cell material, geometry and
compacted infill on three planes.
PRS-Neoweb improves the performance of infill materials,
while increasing the modulus and therefore the bearing
capacity of structural pavement layers. The combined
stiffness of the infill and cell is increased by the hoop stresses
Normal stress
developed on the stiff cell walls (as well as by passive
resistance from surrounding cells). Confinement prevents Mohr Circle for Reinforced and Unreinforced layer
movement and shearing of soil infill under cyclic loading,
maintains compaction throughout the active design life and
improves the resilient modulus of the confined layer.

Beam Effect
Vertical loading on PRS-Neoweb infilled with compacted
granular material creates a semi-rigid slab or “beam effect”
over softer layers. This distributes the load evenly and
effectively over a wider area, thereby increasing bearing
capacity as well as decreasing differential settlement.
The zone of confinement created by the geocell is about
5 cm higher than the cell wall height – and applicable to any
structural layer. The beam effect was verified by extensive
testing at the University of Kansas (KU) and confirmed by the Vertical Pressure Isobars under Uniformly Loaded Circular Area
Indian Institute of Technology (ITT) Chennai, India.

Resilient Modulus and Improvement

The layered elastic model is a generally accepted engineering
3B
and conventional design method to analyze the resilient B
modulus of each structural layer separately. The structural
strength is the accumulated sum of all layers.
Crack Crack
Confinement increases the resilient modulus values of both
granular materials used in pavement structures as well Co
as much weaker soil infill, such as non-cohesive granular
soils, and recycled construction waste. When PRS-Neoweb Ge
confinement is employed, the resilient modulus of a confined
Beam Effect - Exploring Geocell Technology for Roadway Base Reinforcement
layer increases. Neoloy’s unique properties ensure maintenance
Breakage of weld Sub
of confinement through long term dimensional stability even
under continuous heavy cyclical loadings and in elevated
temperatures and thermal cycling.
Quantifiable metrics to measure the factor of modulus
improvement in various conditions, and the calibration of a
mathematical model for MIF (Modulus Improvement Factor)
have been derived and confirmed from accelerated pavement
testing by leading geotechnical researchers, professional
institutes and transportation agencies around the world. Their
conclusions provide the basis of the MIF and its integration into
the mechanistic-empirical design methodology and provide
proofs supporting the “Beam Effect” or (“semi-rigid slab”)
model. The general MIF used in PRS-Neoweb-based projects
1.5 to 5.0 dependent on material of infill, subgrade and relative
position of confined layer.
PRS-Neoweb Design Methodology
PRS-Neoweb design is based on the Mechanistic-Empirical
Method for Flexible Pavements together with the fatigue and
rutting failure analysis based on the Layered Elastic Model. A
PRS-Neoweb confinement layer provides improved modulus
for fully and partially confined zones. MIF for the PRS-Neoweb
layer and structure is based on long-term testing conducted
using PRS-Neoweb system combined with various infill types
and calibrated by: Professor Jie Han of the University of Kansas,
(co-author of the Giroud-Han Geogrid Design Methodology),
and; Professor N. Meyer and A. Emersleben of the Clausthal
University of Technology, Germany. Design based on the MIF is
applied conservatively and includes the following:
• Evaluation of the annual traffic loading according to seasonal
relative damage
• Evaluation of the Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESAL’s) based
on 18-kip single axle (W18)
• Definition of the PRS-Neoweb reinforcement properties,
including the MIF for fully and partially confined zones (as
calibrated by Universities of Kansas and Clausthal)
• Examination of fatigue and rutting failure criteria through the
Layered Elastic Model
PRS-Neoweb Value Proposition
Confinement improves an infill material’s modulus in a given
layer, thus improving the modulus of a pavement structure. In
order to retain the engineering reinforcement and integrity of
the structure throughout the project’s design-life, it is critical to
maintain the confinement (MIF of the layer/s) and the long-
term dimensional stability of the cell geometry.
PRS-Neoweb constructed from Neoloy - a specially designed
engineering polymer is specifically designed for long-term
engineering performance due to its high resistance to plastic
deformation, low coefficient of thermal expansion and retention
of engineering characteristics under elevated temperatures.
These properties enable PRS-Neoweb to break-through the
subgrade barrier. No longer confined to weak subgrade soils
and low CBR, PRS-Neoweb adds value to each pavement layer,
particularly the base, even with a high CBR. Designed for the
upper structural reinforcement of load-support applications,
PRS-Neoweb allows replacement of quality graded aggregate
base material with locally available inexpensive granular or
recycled materials due the improvement of the modulus and
bearing capacity of the infill material in the PRS-Neoweb system.
Only Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb has the high dimensional
stability to maintain confinement of base infill directly under
the asphalt, which is subject to hundreds of millions of repeated
cyclical loadings, as well as elevated temperatures and thermal
cycling. In addition, Neoloy’s enhanced engineering strength
enables a reduction in the layer thickness of the asphalt, base and
subgrade layers. The result – even more savings in project and
life-cycle costs.
The Need for a Better Polymeric Material
Time Dimension
The widespread acceptance of geocells for structural
improvement in load support applications is dependent
on its dimensional stability over time. Preservation of cell
geometry in all three planes is essential to preserve the
stiffness, beam effect and resilient modulus generated by
the confinement and compaction. Even relatively minor
expansion of the cell geometry under accumulated cyclical
loading, will dramatically weaken the pavement structure.
The long-term dimensional stability under thermal cycling
throughout the design life of the project is mission critical.
The time dimension is based on several factors:
• Resistance to permanent plastic deformation over
accumulated load (creep)
• Dimensional stability under thermal cycling: thermal
expansion coefficient vs. the loss of strength and
stiffness at elevated temperatures
• Resistance to environmental influences, oxidation and
UV degradation over time
Test and field trials have demonstrated that HDPE based
geocells deform plastically from stress over time and are
dramatically impaired by elevated temperatures. These
properties limit HDPE to short-term use and render it
unsuitable for long-term structural applications. The
following polymers are typically used for geocells:
• HDPE – lacks required stiffness, low dimensional
stability, and loses much of its strength above 55°C,
limiting its long-term use as part of the structural
pavement
• Polypropylene (PP) – very sensitive to high and low
temperatures and UV radiation
• Polyester – lacks elasticity for cellular geometry and is
too brittle
Neoloy vs. HDPE: Change in Elastic Modulus due to Temperature Range
PRS-Neoweb Geogrid Trial in Road Base
The enhanced stiffness provided by PRS-Neoweb
reinforcement enables a significant reduction in the
thickness of structural pavements, as demonstrated in
geosynthetics field trials for load support applications
conducted by KOAC–NPC (Netherlands). PRS-Neoweb was
the only geocell tested against 7 leading geogrids and the
only one tested with inferior aggregate infill.
The mean road-base thickness reduction factor for a CBR
of 1.5 was calculated for all the tested products utilizing
the CROW design methodology. The mean (unlimited)
reduction factor for Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb was 0.73,
a result higher than all previously known values for road
reinforcement. Even after truncating the range to known
values for geogrids (less than 0.5) PRS-Neoweb achieved
the highest reduction factors for both well graded aggregate
and inferior recycled infill material.
CROW Road-base Thickness Reduction Factor
Advantages of PRS-Neoweb
• Reduces construction costs for paved and
unpaved roads – both over weak subgrade as
well as in upper layers with ‘good’ conditions
• Increases soil modulus/bearing capacity
• Reduces aggregate, structural pavement and
asphalt layer thickness
• Retains cell wall stiffness and compaction for
project design-life and lifespan
• Allows use of locally available, inexpensive
granular material for infill
• Reduces long-term maintenance costs
• Offers sustainable solution with significant
environmental benefits
PRS – Professional
Reinforcement Solutions
As a leader in soli confinement and reinforcement
technology, for over a decade , PRS has developed
an advanced generation of PRS-Neoweb geocells.
These are based on Neoloy, a unique polymer
technology developed by PRS. Neoloy-based
PRS-Neoweb offers high level and long-term
performance that is aligned to the typical design
life requirements of civil engineering projects.
The largest producer of 3D cellular confinement
systems (geocells) in the world, PRS is the
only company offering solutions for structural
reinforcement for large-scale infrastructure
projects.
 NEOLOY – Breakthrough in
Geocell Technology
What is Neoloy
To create a new cellular confinement system that meets
the engineering requirements for long-term performance,
PRS embarked on an ambitious and intensive five-year
R&D program. The result was the synthesis of a completely
new material for PRS-Neoweb, called Neoloy®. Neoloy is a
polymeric nano-composite alloy, based on dimensionally
polymer nano-fibers (polyester and/or nylon) in a polyolefin
matrix.
The Neoloy polymeric alloys used in PRS-Neoweb provide
the long-term stiffness and dimensionally stability required
for long-term confinement in road, rail and earth retention
applications
be measured by commonly used and accepted testing
procedures and verifiable scientific testing methods.
Essentially PRS has added the dimension of time to
conventional 3D geometry of geocells to create an entirely
new generation geocells based on 3D plus design-life time.
PRS-Neoweb based Neoloy geocells offer significant
advantages over HDPE-based geocells, including:
• Significantly stiffer and stronger
• Very high plastic deformation (creep) resistance
• Much more dimensionally stable for reliable confinement
in wide temperature range

Contrary to HDPE-based geocells, Neoloy-based PRS-
Neoweb maintain their engineering properties over time
and under elevated temperatures. These properties can
HDPE Neoloy
Resistance to cracking >>
• Greater resistance to oxidation and UV light degradation
for very long periods
Neoloy’s excellent mechanical, physical and chemical
engineering properties extend PRS-Neoweb’s design life well
beyond conventional geocell technology and provide a clear
value proposition compared to other geocells and other
reinforcement geosynthetics.

Polypropylene
Elastic Strain
Total Strain

Plastic Strain
HDPE
Accumulated
Polyester Max Allowed Strain Plastic Strain
Neoloy
Strength for long term design >> Plastic Strain
Mechanical Properties of Different Polymeric Materials Elastic Recovery Curve

Advantages of PRS-Neoweb Reinforced Pavement Structure

• Replaces costly graded aggregate base material with locally available, inexpensive granular material due to improvement of
the modulus and bearing capacity of granular infill material through confinement.
• Enables reduction of the asphalt concrete thickness due to improved modulus of base.
• Enables reduction of the sub-base layer thickness.
• Enables increased traffic (ESAL) loadings.
• Provides long-term dimensional stability of the confinement structure for the entire project’s design life due to increased
material stiffness and tensile strength, creating high hoop strength to resist stresses.
• Reduces International Roughness Index (IRI).
• Saves at least one complete deep milling & overlay of new asphaltic layers for the designed lifespan.
PRS-Neoweb Engineering Benefits
• Confinement maintains compaction – dramatically minimizes vibration and movement of soil
particles and significantly reduces aggregate abrasion and attrition. Result is higher resilient
modulus, thus longer lifespan and reduction of maintenance.
• Unique Neoloy polymer technology – maintains its engineering design properties and long-term
dimensional stability under thermal cycling, static and cyclical loadings.
• Maintenance of engineering characteristics at elevated temperatures – as opposed to substantial
loss of polymeric engineering properties of HDPE at about 55°C.
• Economic & Environment Sustainability – less quarry excavation, aggregate hauling, fuel
expenditures and carbon pollution.
• Cost Effective – lower Initial construction costs + low TOC (Total Cost of Ownership) due to reduced
operating and maintenance costs.
A World of Difference in
Soil Stabilization Solutions.
Load support
Durable Roads & Rails
Designed for the challenges of transportation engineering
PRS-Neoweb meets industry standards for long-term
load support in road, rail, multi-modal port and platform
applications. It is faster to install, provides higher bearing
capacity, extends road life and is more cost-effective than
any other ground improvement strategy.
EARTH RETENTION
Long-term Earth Stabilization
PRS-Neoweb offers cost-effective mechanically stabilized
green wall and earth structures for steep slopes, sharp grade
changes, irregular topography, or lack of land. PRS-Neoweb
retaining walls provide steep vertical earth retention that is
structurally stable in compressible and unstable foundation
subgrades, even under severe seismic loading.
 SLOPE & CHANNEL
PROTECTION
Effective Erosion Control
PRS-Neoweb provides long-term erosion protection for all types
of embankments, slopes and shorelines in civil, infrastructure
and environmental projects. Used with topsoil and vegetative
cover for natural landscapes, or with hard armor surfacing if
exposed to more severe mechanical and hydraulic pressures,
PRS-Neoweb effective protects and stabilizes soil.
RESERVOIR & LANDFILLS
Reliable Geomembrane Protection
PRS-Neoweb protection of containment geomembranes creates
protected, impermeable, non-slip and durable impoundment
of solid waste, leachate and liquids. Used in applications which
require containment, treatment or control of water, leachate
and waste, PRS-Neoweb from Neoloy is impervious to salinity,
corrosion, acidity, sewage and temperature extremes.
Flexible Pavement Toll-Road / Highway PRS-Neoweb Application
The Geocell is at the
Center of our Universe
Today’s trend in the growing need to use inferior, local or
recycled materials and the need to develop marginal lands
puts long design-life, three-dimensional cellular confinement
systems in an economically essential position.
Our goal is to be the leaders and world champions in
providing durable and sustainable solutions for these ever
increasing needs worldwide.
N
Accreditation
Neoloy-based PRS-Neoweb has been subject to in-situ
testing and evaluation by leading researchers, universities,
geotechnical institutes and government transportation
agencies (road and rail) around the world, including:

• U.S .State Department Of Transportation (DOTs - Kansas,

Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and New York)
• KOAC-NPC road standards institute in Holland
• RZD Russian National Railways
• Gazprom™ energy corporation
PRS-Neoweb Railroad Application • Additional national road and rail certification boards in the
US, Great Britain, India, Israel, South Africa and Poland.
These evaluations confirm that PRS-Neoweb is a new
generation technology when compared to other geocells or
reinforcement strategies.

About PRS
PRS is the world’s leading supplier of cost-effective soil stabilization solutions. Combining unique, proprietary technology
with specialized engineering expertise, PRS delivers proven solutions for load support, slope and channel protection,
earth retention, reservoir and landfill applications. With a global network of fully owned subsidiaries and independent
GM-TD-102

local distributors, PRS provides a full range of end-to-end support services. Since its establishment in 1996, PRS has
implemented thousands of successful projects in over 45 countries worldwide.
1488CPD0099

Stabilizing an unstable world!

Environmentally Aware
PRS Soil Retention www.prs-med.com
Copyright © PRS 2010. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or distribution other than for intended purposes is prohibited, without the prior written consent of PRS. PRS reserves the right to revise this
document and to make changes in the content from time to time without notice. PRS may make improvements and/or changes to the product(s) and/or programs described in this document at any time.