GEOWEB® Rail Culvert Stabilization System

Project Name: Queensland Rail Culvert Crossing

Project Location: Queensland, Australia

Project Background

To address overland flow challenges and replace aging pipe culverts beneath a key railway line in Queensland, Australia, engineers proposed a robust culvert slab measuring 19.4 x 31.5 feet (5.9 x 9.6 m). This critical infrastructure upgrade required a foundation with enhanced bearing capacity, necessitating a reliable and efficient solution that minimizes material use and construction timelines.

The Challenge

The primary challenge was ensuring the culvert slab’s foundation could achieve the required bearing capacity under the rail embankment. Traditional approaches would have necessitated a thick working platform, leading to higher material consumption and construction times. Therefore, a more efficient, high-performance solution was essential to meet load requirements while minimizing construction complexities.

The Solution: GEOWEB® Rail Culvert Stabilization

Geofabrics, Presto Geosystems’ Australian distributor, collaborated with the design engineer to develop a geosynthetic solution. This solution, supported by a complimentary project evaluation from Presto Geosystems, featured the GEOWEB Soil Stabilization System as the primary component, reinforced with additional geogrid support.

• GEOWEB Geocell System: Installed closer to the surface, the GEOWEB system confines the aggregate within its 3D structure, providing exceptional load distribution, surface stability, and ballast attrition.
• Geogrid: Used at the base of the working platform, the geogrid complemented the GEOWEB system by improving foundational support.

A well-graded aggregate was used as infill to further stabilize the system. The combined solution covered 984 square feet (300 m²), providing robust support for the culvert slab while optimizing material use and construction efficiency.

Project Results

The GEOWEB system proved essential in meeting the project’s demands for stability, efficiency, and sustainability. Its durable, UV-resistant HDPE construction and innovative design provided superior soil confinement and load distribution.

Quick installation using patented ATRA® Connection Keys not only saved on construction time but also reduced labor costs. Additionally, the GEOWEB system’s ability to reduce the thickness of structural support by over 50% made it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice, ensuring long-term performance under heavy railway loads.

This successful collaboration demonstrates how Presto Geosystems’ innovative solutions, distributed by Geofabrics in Australia, can address complex engineering challenges while delivering sustainable and cost-efficient results.

Discover how Presto Geosystems’ GEOWEB geocells can enhance your next infrastructure project. Request a Project Evaluation or Contact Us for tailored recommendations.