IITs Indore, Hyderabad design sustainable geogrids for climate-resilient infrastructure

Two of India’s premier technological institutes, IIT Indore and IIT Hyderabad, have joined forces to create geogrids inspired by the architectural beauty of the Taj Mahal and the natural patterns found in the Indian star tortoise.

This innovative development aims to combat climate change while contributing to sustainable infrastructure.

WHAT ARE GEOGRIDS?

Geogrids are geosynthetic materials used to reinforce soil and other construction materials.

The two new versions, called Multiaxial Diamond Anchored Octagonal Geogrid (MDAOG) and Multiaxial Concentric Octagonal Geogrid (MCOG), are designed to strengthen environmentally friendly construction projects, especially flexible pavements such as highways.

INSPIRED BY ARCHITECTURE AND NATURE

The design of these geogrids is not only the result of technical genius; it is influenced by the architectural elegance of the Taj Mahal and the intricate patterns on the shell of the Indian star tortoise.

This combination of ancient design and modern science offers a new perspective on how nature and human ingenuity can work together to create solutions to modern problems.

A SOLUTION FOR CLIMATE RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE

India, with its vast road network, faces challenges in sourcing crushed stone aggregates required for large-scale construction.

As Professor Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, pointed out, “This technological development aligns with the country’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in creating innovative, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.”

Using geogrids produced from recycled materials such as post-consumer plastics, this technology addresses waste management, reduces dependence on virgin materials and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Ecological geogrids have a wide range of applications, from reinforce airport runways and railway tracks to support tunnel construction and prevent soil erosion.

They also play a crucial role in embankments, bridge abutments and river bank protection, proving their importance in civil engineering projects aimed at combating the effects of climate change.

Developed by a research team comprising Dr Baadiga Ramu of IIT Indore and Prof Umashankar Balunaini of IIT Hyderabad, these geogrids offer a promising solution to improve the resilience of infrastructure while promoting sustainability.

(With PTI inputs)