Aggregate costs are rising fast—but you don’t have to absorb the hit. InterAx geogrids let you use less aggregate while keeping your base layers strong. You’ll save money, speed up installs, and still meet spec.
The Problem: Aggregate Costs Are Out of Control
You’ve probably noticed aggregate prices creeping up year after year. It’s not just the material cost—it’s the hauling, the labor, the fuel, and the time. When you’re bidding jobs, those costs stack up fast and eat into your margins. And if you’re still building thick aggregate layers just to meet spec, you’re likely spending more than you need to.
Here’s what’s driving the squeeze:
- Material cost inflation: Aggregate prices have jumped due to fuel costs, labor shortages, and supply chain delays.
- Hauling and logistics: More aggregate means more truckloads, more fuel, and more time on the road.
- Labor and equipment: Thicker sections take longer to place and compact, tying up crews and machines.
- Overdesign: Many base layers are thicker than they need to be, just to play it safe or meet outdated specs.
Let’s break down how this impacts a typical job. Say you’re building a 10,000 sq ft parking lot with a 12″ aggregate base. You’re hauling in crushed stone, compacting it in lifts, and burning through labor hours. Now imagine you could cut that base thickness in half and still meet load requirements. That’s where InterAx geogrids come in.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Base Design | Aggregate Thickness | Truckloads (20-ton) | Labor Hours | Material Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 12 inches | 30 | 120 | High |
| With InterAx Geogrid | 6 inches | 15 | 70 | Lower |
Assumes similar soil conditions and traffic loads.
That’s 15 fewer truckloads, nearly half the labor, and a big drop in material spend. Multiply that across multiple jobs and you’re looking at serious savings.
Contractors often feel stuck between performance and cost. You want to build something that lasts, but you also need to stay competitive. The problem is, most specs don’t account for reinforcement options like geogrids unless someone speaks up. That someone is usually you.
Here’s what you’re up against:
- Specs that default to thick aggregate layers without considering reinforcement.
- Owners who don’t know geogrids exist or think they’re too expensive.
- Engineers who stick to what’s familiar, even if it costs more.
But you’re the one on-site, managing the install, watching the trucks roll in, and seeing where the money goes. You’re also the one who can suggest smarter alternatives that save time and money.
Let’s say you’re prepping a haul road for a new development. The soil’s soft, and the spec calls for 18″ of aggregate. You know that’s going to take days to build out, and the trucks will tear it up anyway. You propose using InterAx geogrids with a reduced section—say 9″—and show the crew how to install it. The road holds up, the trucks roll in, and the owner’s happy. You just saved them thousands, and they’ll remember that next time.
Aggregate costs aren’t going down anytime soon. But with the right reinforcement, you don’t need as much of it. That’s the shift contractors are making—building smarter, not thicker.
The Solution: Reinforce Instead of Overbuild
You don’t need to keep stacking aggregate just to meet load requirements. InterAx geogrids give you a better way to build strong, stable bases without overdesigning. Instead of relying on thickness alone, you reinforce the aggregate layer so it performs better under pressure.
Here’s how it works:
- InterAx geogrids are engineered to interlock with aggregate, creating a stiffened layer that distributes loads more efficiently.
- They reduce lateral movement of aggregate, which means less rutting and fewer soft spots.
- The geogrid acts like a tensioned net, spreading out the force from traffic loads and keeping the base intact.
Think of it like this: a 6″ base with geogrid can perform like a 12″ base without it. That’s not just theory—it’s backed by lab testing and field performance. You’re not sacrificing strength; you’re using reinforcement to get more out of every inch.
Here’s a quick performance comparison:
| Feature | 12″ Aggregate (No Geogrid) | 6″ Aggregate + InterAx Geogrid |
|---|---|---|
| Load Support | Good | Equal or Better |
| Rutting Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Settlement Over Time | Higher | Lower |
| Material Cost | High | Lower |
| Installation Time | Longer | Faster |
You’re not just saving money—you’re building smarter. And when you’re working with soft soils or high-traffic areas, the benefits multiply. Less aggregate means less excavation, fewer trucks, and faster installs. That’s a win across the board.
How You Save: Material, Labor, and Time
Contractors know that every truckload costs money. Every extra hour on-site eats into profit. InterAx geogrids help you cut both.
Here’s where the savings come from:
- Material reduction: You use less aggregate, which means fewer truckloads and lower material costs.
- Faster installation: Thinner sections are quicker to place and compact. Crews move faster, and you free up equipment sooner.
- Lower fuel and labor costs: Fewer trucks, less excavation, and shorter install times mean less fuel burned and fewer labor hours.
Let’s say you’re building a 20,000 sq ft equipment yard. The spec calls for 12″ of aggregate. You propose using InterAx geogrids and reducing the section to 6″. You cut your aggregate volume in half, save 40 labor hours, and finish two days early. That’s real money saved—and it makes your bid more competitive.
Here’s a breakdown of cost impact:
| Cost Category | Traditional Base | Geogrid-Reinforced Base | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate Material | $45,000 | $22,500 | $22,500 |
| Trucking | $9,000 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Labor | $12,000 | $7,000 | $5,000 |
| Total | $66,000 | $34,000 | $32,000 |
Estimates based on average rates and typical install conditions.
You’re not just saving on the front end. A reinforced base performs better over time, which means fewer repairs, less downtime, and happier clients. That’s how you build repeat business.
Installation Made Easy: What You Need to Know
Installing InterAx geogrids doesn’t require special equipment or complicated steps. If your crew can place aggregate, they can install geogrids.
Here’s the basic process:
- Grade and compact the subgrade.
- Roll out the geogrid directly on the subgrade.
- Overlap edges as needed (typically 1–2 feet).
- Place aggregate directly on top—no need for a separation layer.
- Compact in lifts as usual.
Tips for a smooth install:
- Keep the geogrid taut during placement to avoid wrinkles.
- Use stakes or pins if needed to hold it in place on slopes or windy days.
- Avoid driving directly on the geogrid before placing aggregate.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping overlap at joints—this weakens the reinforcement.
- Letting the geogrid bunch or fold—this reduces contact with aggregate.
- Placing aggregate too aggressively—use a loader bucket, not a dozer blade.
You don’t need to change your workflow. You just add a step that saves you time and money. And once your crew sees how easy it is, they’ll be on board.
Influence the Spec: How Contractors Drive Change
You’re not just building—you’re influencing decisions. Owners and engineers often rely on contractors to suggest better ways to build. If you know geogrids can save money and time, you can make the case.
Here’s how to do it:
- Bring data: Show cost comparisons and performance tables. Owners respond to numbers.
- Share success stories: Talk about past jobs where geogrids saved time and money.
- Offer alternatives: Don’t just say “this is better”—say “here’s a better option that meets spec.”
Example: You’re prepping a pad for a warehouse. The engineer spec’d 18″ of aggregate. You suggest 9″ with InterAx geogrid. You show the cost savings and explain the install. The owner approves the change, and the engineer updates the spec. You just saved the project $40,000—and earned trust.
Contractors who speak up get noticed. You’re not just solving problems—you’re helping owners build smarter. That’s how you become the go-to crew.
Bonus: Where InterAx Works Best
InterAx geogrids aren’t just for one type of job. They work across a wide range of applications where aggregate bases are used.
Best-fit scenarios:
- Roads and haul routes: Reduce rutting and extend service life.
- Parking lots and pads: Cut material and speed up installs.
- Equipment yards: Handle heavy loads with thinner sections.
- Temporary access roads: Quick installs with minimal excavation.
Soil conditions that benefit most:
- Soft or wet subgrades
- Low CBR soils
- Areas prone to settlement
When choosing between biaxial and triaxial geogrids:
- Biaxial: Good for general reinforcement and load distribution.
- Triaxial: Better for high-traffic areas and heavy loads due to improved stiffness.
If you’re unsure which to use, talk to your supplier. They’ll help you match the grid to the job.
3 Actionable Takeaways
- Use InterAx geogrids to reduce aggregate thickness by up to 50% while maintaining structural performance.
- Save on material, labor, and install time by reinforcing instead of overbuilding.
- Influence specs by showing owners and engineers how geogrids cut costs and improve results.
Top 5 Contractor FAQs About InterAx Geogrids
How much aggregate can I actually cut? In many cases, you can reduce base thickness by 40–60% depending on soil conditions and load requirements.
Will I need special equipment to install geogrids? No. Standard grading and compaction equipment is all you need. Crews can install geogrids with basic tools.
Do geogrids work in wet or soft soils? Yes. InterAx geogrids are especially effective in low CBR soils and wet conditions where aggregate tends to shift or settle.
Can I suggest geogrids if the spec doesn’t mention them? Absolutely. Contractors often propose alternatives that save money and meet performance goals. Just bring data and explain the benefits.
Are geogrids expensive? The upfront cost is low compared to the savings in aggregate, labor, and time. Most contractors see a strong return on investment.
Summary
Contractors are under pressure to deliver quality work while keeping costs down. Aggregate prices aren’t helping—but InterAx geogrids give you a way to fight back. By reinforcing instead of overbuilding, you can cut your aggregate use in half and still meet performance specs.
You’re not just saving money—you’re building faster, smarter, and more efficiently. That means fewer trucks, less labor, and more competitive bids. And when you show owners and engineers how geogrids improve outcomes, you become the problem-solver they trust.
InterAx geogrids aren’t just a product—they’re a tool that helps you win jobs, finish faster, and protect your margins. If you’re ready to stop overbuilding and start reinforcing, now’s the time to make the switch.