A REVIEW OF STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF GEOCELLULAR PLASTIC MODULE

Authors

  • Mei Jing Lee Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
  • Yeong Huei Lee Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT250, 98009 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
  • Siew Liang Chai WenHong Plastic Industries Sdn Bhd, Batu Kitang Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33736/jcest.6464.2025

Keywords:

geocellular plastic module, modular infrastructure, structural performance, sustainable construction

Abstract

The use of geocellular plastic modules, also known as stormwater modules, has begun to replace traditional drainage systems, which fail to sustain the unprecedented volume of stormwater runoff and convey floodwaters to the receiving watercourse in time. This subterranean module is a good and sustainable solution, because it can manage water sources through retention, infiltration, and attenuation. It is also suitable for the development of metropolitan areas with limited land. However, to date, the understanding of modules’ real short-term or long-term structural behavior is limited. This work attempted to summarize the structural behavior of geocellular modules under various boundary conditions. The current codes of practice on traffic loads were reviewed, and the design of this geocellular plastic module was discussed. In Malaysia, the Public Works Department or Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) standard is used for national traffic load applications, while ASSTHO is applied internationally. Traffic loads are the primary contributors to vertical loading, whereas backfill soil and water pressure represent potential lateral loads that could impact the stormwater module system. For future application recommendations, it is suggested to consider the vertical and lateral loads that are applied to the system, which are not specified in the current code of practice. This review provides a higher confidence level when applied to the current construction industry.

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Published

2025-04-29

How to Cite

Lee, M. J., Lee, Y. H., & Chai, S. L. (2025). A REVIEW OF STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF GEOCELLULAR PLASTIC MODULE. Journal of Civil Engineering, Science and Technology, 16(1), 37–53. https://doi.org/10.33736/jcest.6464.2025