Faced with significant groundwater challenges and extremely poor ground conditions, the Noosa Head Fire & Access Road project required a robust and innovative solution. Inforce collaborated closely with the engineering team to deliver an optimised subbase design, with Neoloy® Tough-Cells at the core of the strategy.

Neoloy Tough-Cells are high-performance geocells made from a nano-polymeric alloy (NPA), offering the highest tensile strength, stiffness, and creep resistance of any geocell on the market. These properties make them ideal for constructing durable access roads in difficult terrain, especially where traditional methods would struggle.

Key Design Features and Benefits:

• Groundwater Management: Given the high water table and potential for pooling, the Neoloy Tough-Cells were filled with drainage gravel. This configuration allowed water to disperse effectively, preventing saturation and maintaining road integrity
• Superior Load Support: The cellular confinement system creates a semi-rigid “beam effect” that distributes heavy loads evenly, enabling the road to support emergency vehicles and construction equipment even over soft, saturated soils
• Durability in Harsh Conditions: Neoloy-reinforced roads resist rutting, cuts, and degradation, ensuring long-term performance with minimal maintenance. This was critical for a fire access road expected to remain operational year-round.
• Minimal Construction Footprint: The compact and modular nature of Neoloy Tough-Cells makes them ideal for remote or environmentally sensitive areas. Installation requires less excavation and fewer resources, reducing environmental impact and speeding up construction.
• Cost-Effective and Sustainable: By allowing the use of locally available materials for infill, Neoloy Tough-Cells reduce the need for imported aggregate and extensive earthworks. This not only cuts costs but also supports sustainable construction practices.
• Enhanced Road Lifespan: The high Modulus Improvement Factor (MIF) of Neoloy Tough-Cells significantly increases the bearing capacity of the subgrade, extending the life of the road and reducing long-term maintenance

This project showcases how Neoloy Tough-Cell technology can transform challenging ground conditions into stable, high-performance infrastructure. The result is a durable, low-maintenance access road that meets the demands of emergency response and site logistics, even in the most difficult environments.