Soil stabilisation is the process of eliminating voids, cracks and uneven soil and embankment levels where erosion, settlement or extreme wear may occur.

These conditions can be further accentuated by the various on-site operational activities which can lead to fluctuating soil conditions and configurations that can then have undesirable implications to both man and machine on the mine site.

From a geohydrological point of view, the aim of soil stabilisation is to improve the weight bearing capabilities and performance of soils, sands, and other ground conditions.

On mine sites this requirement typically relates to the strengthening of road surfaces and access-ways where mining machinery and equipment is being regularly transported and/or stored.

Across Australia’s many and diverse mining environments, the main ground stability issues revolve around subsidence and stability, which are of particular concern when talking about soft soils.

The primary aim of soft soil strengthening in and around mine sites is designed to lead to:

• An increase in the stability of embankments;
• An increase in the load bearing capacity of the soil;
• A reduction in the active load stresses on retaining walls;
• The prevention of liquefaction and other geohydrological problems; and
• An improvement in the deformation properties of the soft soil in order to reduce settlement, reduce the time for settlements, and to reduce horizontal displacement.

Improved performance of substrates

Soil stabilisation also leads to an increase in the dynamic stiffness of the soft soil, which in turn reduces the vibrations to the surroundings and improves the dynamic performance of the substrate under normal geological conditions.

For other applications such as mine rehabilitation, the use of soil stabilisation technology helps overall ground remediation by creating an environmental barrier, stabilising the contaminated ground and creating an effective geohydrological barrier.

A number of stabilisation technologies and methods have been used over the last two decades, however in more recent years a number of companies have developed polymer cell matrix structures that provide direct mechanical stabilisation of the soil.

One example of this new technology is the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System, which is engineered to prevent soil subsidence, promote ground and turf stabilisation, enabling maximum use of land, reduce surface water runoff and increased water conservation by the use of direct mechanical soil stabilisation.

A proven and tested technology

This lightweight, long lasting and innovative soil retention system has been specifically engineered to be laid in any weather with minimum ground preparation and with virtually no training whatsoever.

Laboratory tested to withstand a maximum load bearing capacity of 720 tonnes per square metre when filled with soil, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System can be used in a range of mining applications including those that require the stabilisation of roads on mining sites as well as drainage stabilisation in hardstands, haul roads and truck parking areas.

When laid flat, two lightweight GEOHEX™ pavers are required to make one square metre and with its hexagonal cell-like design, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System is engineered to provide a very strong ground reinforcement system.

Due to its soft soil binding capabilities, GEOHEX™ also provides a number of other advantages including dust suppression – an important benefit for Australian mine sites that invariably contain fine, clay-like particles on the top soil.

While GEOHEX™ is engineered to have a range of ubiquitous soil stabilisation applications, its inherent high load bearing capacity and strong and rigid cell like structure means it has a variety of mining applications across the country.

What is the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System?

GEOHEX™ is a unique ground stabilisation and sediment control technology that has
a multitude of uses. From soil and turf stablisation to the enhancement of water saving measures and even improving safety on mine sites, the GEOHEX Erosion Control System is easy to use and quick to install.

What is GEOHEX™ made from?

Made from high impact resistant 100% recycled co-polymer polypropylene as plastic matting and paving, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System is Australian- made, environmentally friendly and designed to reduce maintenance and logistics costs while at the same time increasing safety and water conservation.

What can GEOHEX™ be used for in the mining industry?

Turf Stablisation

Thanks to its unique hexagonal plastic paving grid like structure, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System is designed to keep gravel in place without any rutting and spreading. With its lightweight design, GEOHEX™ pavers are easy to install.

Site Rehabilitation

The GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System facilitates the rehabilitation of mines and industrial sites by assisting with the build-up of vegetation, stabilisation of embankments and walls and by the stabilising of both soil and road areas thanks to its strong hexagonal design.

Water Runoff Control

GEOHEX™ has been designed with a 99.7% non-porous surface that has been engineered to allow rainwater to slowly run off into soil and then into the water table rather than having it to run off to drainage. This minimises drainage issues and also helps the environment by contributing to water conservation.

Slope Stabilisation & Sediment Control

With the ability to stabilise slopes with large inclinations, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System helps prevent surface erosion and subsidence in a wide variety of situations including roadways, mine sites/construction sites and residential developments. When filled with gravel the GEOHEX™ pavers provide a stable substrate that prevents further slope movement.

Erosion Control

Designed to prevent drainage and hydraulic erosion in a wide variety of applications, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System can be used as an effective erosion control technology in a huge variety of applications.

Stormwater Drainage

Thanks to its open, inter-plastic paver design and cell- like structure, the GEOHEX™ Erosion Control System is effective in helping control and manage storm water drainage to prevent flooding and other drainage issues.