As part of the research used to protect slopes from erosion with traditional three-dimensional geocells which known as Geocellular Confinement Systems (GCS’s), PRESTORUS engineers found 2 core problems: a) cell aggregate instability at inclined angles steeper than 45 degrees and b) aggregate being washed out from the cells when exposed to water flow. On the search for a solution to these problems, PRESTORUS has developed a new approach of geocell solution based on a slope collapse case in Russia.

The new concept of geocell which is weld-free polymer three-dimensional cell is introduced as GEOSTEP^® made of polymer tape with transverse cuts and delivered to the place of installation in the form of rolls in order to facilitate transportation, storage and installation. GEOSTEP^® is actively being introduced into hydrotechnical, road and civil construction not only in Russia, but also all over the world. The result of the successful experience of using GEOSTEP^® can serve such objects: slope strengthening in an industrial park in Vietnam, slope reconstruction in Moscow, etc.

As a result of the active implementation of GEOSTEP^®, technical and economic advantages were revealed in comparison with traditional three-dimensional geocells, reno mattresses, hydroseeding, and geomats. The main advantages of GEOSTEP^® are: high soil fixation on a slope due to the cell walls being perpendicular to the horizon, improved drainage properties, reduced cost per square meter up to 50% compared to other materials used to strengthen slopes, accelerated installation process. Also, full-scale tests of GEOSTEP^® (Moscow and India) were carried out, including in accordance with ASTM D 6459-15, the results of which have developed methods for selecting GEOSTEP^® parameters for protecting slopes and for calculating structures.