Blog
Don't let temporary solutions lead to long-term problems
02 June 2025
David Fisher
Head of Geosynthetics Sales
When a project calls for a short-term fix, be it a site compound, access route, or overflow parking, it's easy to reach for a quick solution. But if that solution isn’t up to the task, the consequences can linger: rutted ground, wasted stone, vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs.
When a project calls for a short-term fix-be it a site compound, access route, or overflow parking-it's easy to reach for a quick solution. But if that solution isn’t up to the task, the consequences can linger: rutted ground, wasted stone, vehicle damage and rising maintenance costs.
We understand that ‘temporary’ should never mean ‘short-sighted’. That’s why our geosynthetic systems are designed to support the demands of temporary works while helping you avoid long-term problems. From quick-lay access mesh to high-performance ground reinforcement, we offer smart, sustainable options that work hard during your project and pack away cleanly when it’s done.
Temporary Access, Permanent Damage?
Grassed areas are often used for temporary access or parking. But without the right protection in place, even light use can quickly cause rutting, compaction, or kill off vegetation. Once damaged, the costs and time involved in restoring these areas, especially during wet weather, can outweigh any short-term gains.
Grass protection system
Turfmesh
TurfMesh is a tough, flexible mesh designed for quick deployment over grass. It provides reinforcement for the surface, helping to spread vehicle loads and prevent wear. Because it sits directly on the ground and flexes with it, it allows the grass to keep growing underneath and through it -maintaining a natural, green appearance. It’s a practical, reusable solution for areas that need occasional access.
Ideal for:
- Overflow parking during events or busy periods
- Temporary access roads across greenfield sites
- Recreational or public spaces requiring seasonal reinforcement
Easy to lay, easy to lift. Use it when you need it, and store it when you don't.
For regular use, build with strength
Where there’s a need for frequent access, daily traffic, or heavier vehicles, temporary ground protection might not be enough. A more durable solution is required to maintain surface quality and avoid deterioration over time.
CellTrack and Ecodeck are modular paving systems designed for long-term use over grass or gravel. Both offer a stable, permeable structure that supports traffic while promoting natural drainage-ideal for sustainable surface management.
These systems help spread loads evenly, reducing pressure on the subgrade and preventing rutting and erosion. They’re suitable for year-round use, making them a smart choice where temporary quickly becomes semi-permanent.
Best suited to:
- Housing developments needing long-term parking or access routes
- Regular staff or visitor parking areas
- Semi-permanent site compounds or maintenance roads
A smart, sustainable choice for long-term stability.
Smarter Haul Roads for Faster Build-Ups
Temporary haul roads often take a hammering. Whether it's for moving plant, delivering materials, or emergency access, these routes see constant use. Without proper ground reinforcement, soft subgrades can quickly break down-leading to ruts, pooling and vehicle damage. What starts as a temporary measure ends in costly rework.
Geoworks offers a range of geogrids and composites that stabilise ground conditions and make haul roads more reliable from the outset. These products stop aggregate from disappearing into the soil, help create a level, load-bearing surface and reduce the need for repeated top-ups.
- SX Grid is ideal for quick wins - due to it's 5.2m width, SX grid can cover large areas quickly, reducing construction time, costs and even CO2e. For haul road applications the 5.2m width can often completely eliminate the need for overlaps across the width of the road, significantly reducing wastage.
- E’GRID is our premium range of biaxial geogrids, using a proven square shape which has been installed in real world applications for over 40 years. Proven through independent, peer reviewed testing, unlike its alternatives, E'GRID gives specifiers and contractors confidence in performance.
- SX Composite combines separation and reinforcement in one layer, helping to reduce build-up depth and simplify installation.
These systems:
- Spread load to protect the underlying soil
- Limit aggregate loss, reducing material costs
- Are quick to install
Set up temporary compounds that stay the course
Temporary site compounds, laydown areas and working platforms often need to be constructed over soft or variable ground. Without the right base, these areas can degrade fast-leading to safety risks, unstable working conditions and wasted materials.
By combining E’GRID geogrids with FasTrack woven geotextile, you create a reinforced platform that holds firm under load, with excellent separation between layers to stop stone migration. This pairing helps form a reliable base with fewer aggregate layers, cutting down installation time and improving clean-up at the end of the job.
Together, they deliver:
- Rapid compound construction
- Reduced stone loss into the subgrade
- A surface that remains stable under pressure from vehicles and plant
Why it works:
- E’GRID spreads load and adds strength
- FasTrack provides dependable separation
- Less build-up depth required = faster installation
Temporary doesn't mean second-rate
Too often, short-term solutions are approached with a short-term mindset. But every choice, however temporary, leaves a legacy. From damaged surfaces to future site constraints, poor planning can store up bigger issues down the line.
Geoworks offers a full suite of geosynthetic products designed to handle temporary pressure without compromising long-term outcomes. Whether it’s protecting soft soils, separating materials, reinforcing access routes or improving drainage, our systems work together to make your temporary works stronger, safer and more sustainable.
With Geoworks, you can:
- Install faster with engineered products designed for ease
- Reduce aggregate use and environmental disturbance
- Improve site safety and minimise rework
- Choose from a full range of geotextile, geogrids, geocells and paving systems
Smart groundworks now mean fewer problems tomorrow.
|
