Property owners in Indianapolis and Northern Indiana rarely think about what might be going on beneath the surface of their driveway, which is understandable. The shifting of aggregate and ground only become visible when they manifest as damage to the driveway surface. These natural processes, combined with the weight and pressures of frequent traffic, can cause pavers to lift and the surface to become uneven over time. That’s why Unilock recommends the use of the Unilock DriveGrid System to provide stability to the subsurface bedding materials. Let’s take a look at the benefits of incorporating this unique patented system into your driveway design.
What is the Unilock DriveGrid Geogrid?
A geogrid is a mesh-like system integrated beneath the surface of a driveway. Typical geogrids utilize rectilinear shapes. However, these shapes are not the most effective at maintaining structural stability.
The Unilock DriveGrid geogrid, on the other hand, utilizes triangular geometry, which provides three-dimensional load distribution acting in a radial manner at all levels within the aggregate. The result is that it mechanically stabilizes the base, reducing potential settling and rutting like no other geogrid can.
The incorporated Tensar TriAx Technology provides for high performing driveways using a thinner aggregate base. This is according to tests done by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other engineers from around the world.
Why You Need Unilock DriveGrid for Your Driveway
Geogrids are not only needed where the underlying soil and subsoil layers are not compact, they also offer a variety of advantages that make them an important aspect of driveway construction, helping to improve your driveway’s long term performance and durability.
Related Read: Driveway Pavers Equipped with Cutting Edge Technologies in the Chicago Area
Greater Strength for Greater Loads
Heavy loads can weaken sub-surface aggregates and drainage systems. A driveway reinforced with Unilock DriveGrid is better suited to heavier load use, thanks to the triangular reinforcement provided by Tensar TriAX technology. This technology ensures the geogrid has enough frictional resistance to oppose subgrade lateral movement. The bearing capacity is greatly improved as the mechanism provides reduction of outward stresses, which translates to formation of inward pressure.
Save Money
Because the soil beneath the driveway is stabilized by the DriveGrid Geogrid system, less materials are needed for the driveway’s construction. This translates into less excavation, less labor, and overall lower cost. And because it’s so easy to install, the DriveGrid System poses no additional time demands for the completion of your driveway, so you’ll be enjoying a great-looking driveway sooner.
Environmentally Friendly
Unilock DriveGrid System is environmentally friendly – the geogrid is porous allowing water to flow through it to the lower layers of subsoil. Furthermore, the system is fully compatible with permeable pavers and poses no obstruction to the flow of stormwater into natural subsurface layers. Therefore, in conjunction with Unilock permeable pavers, the Unilock DriveGrid System provides for easy drainage, reducing surface water runoff and replenishing natural groundwater tables. Add that to the fact that installation does not require heavy soil excavation that disrupts natural processes and you have an eco-friendly solution to driveway installation.
The title image features a driveway paved with Courtstone pavers from Unilock.
