Geocells for Construction

Why in News?

Recently, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) were recognized by the India Book of Records and Asia Book of Records.

• Reason – Using technical textile Geocell made from End of life plastic for construction of First Roadblock section.
•  Development of - Technical textile geocells manufactured from processed end-of-life plastic waste, which is typically difficult to manage or recycle.
• Demonstration – Near Delhi, On DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway
• Supported by - National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• Aligned with - India's Circular Economy goals by reducing environmental burden of plastic disposal & converting waste into high- value infrastructure material.  
• Features of Geocells - A 3-dimensional, honeycomb-like cellular confinement system used to improve Load bearing capacity & soil stability.
• Materials used – High density Polyethylene (HDPE) ot Polyester.. However, recent innovations (like the CSIR-CRRI project) utilize recycled plastic or even jute (developed by NIT Karnataka in 2025).
• Functions - When expanded and filled with materials (soil, sand, or aggregate), the cells provide lateral confinement. This creates a rigid "mattress" effect that distributes loads over a wider area.