Removal of geosynthetics
using a removal spreader bar
clean separation, safe roll-up

Hydraulically driven spreader bar on the excavator: geogrids and geotextiles are recovered, separated from the aggregate and wound into rolls. For rapid operations, lower costs and reuse of materials.

The removal spreader bar is an excavator attachment that extracts geosynthetics such as Secugrid®, Combigrid® and Secutex® in a controlled manner from the base course, cleanly separates the aggregate and winds the geosynthetics under controlled tension.

This enables an orderly, labour-lean removal process for temporary site roads, working platforms and storage areas. The advantages: material purity, reuse or recycling of geosynthetics and aggregate, no soil replacement—areas can quickly be returned to their original use (e.g. agriculture).

Sustainable Deconstruction of Geosynthetics - New Spreader Bar in Use

Your advantages

Significantly reduce costs

Reuse the base course (aggregate) and roll up the geosynthetics as single-grade material—material, disposal and transport costs drop significantly.

Keep to programme with confidence

The mechanised process reduces manual work, creates reliable cycle times and shortens the removal process.

Return areas quickly to their original use

No soil replacement, minimal intervention: agricultural land is rapidly usable again.

Work safely and ergonomically

Automated removal with the spreader beam relieves crews of heavy, physically demanding tasks.

Video: Deconstruction of a temporary construction road with geosynthetics has never been easier

Reuse the base course
ease budgets

Clean separation of materials means the aggregate can be used immediately, e.g. for the next site road or working platform.

  • Less material to purchase: continue using in-situ aggregate.

  • Reduced disposal: single-grade rolls instead of mixed waste.

  • Fewer transports: reduced volume and lower CO₂ footprint.

Reuse the base course ease budgets

Accelerate completion
less staff tied up

The spreader bar takes over the heavy, repetitive pulling and winding.

  • Less manual work: improved ergonomics and safety.

  • Shorter removal times: faster clearance of the site.

  • Predictable cycles: reliable sequences for follow-on trades.

Accelerate completion less staff tied up

Keep logistics lean
a tidy site

Rolled sheets are compact for storage and transport.

  • Lower CO₂ emissions: Reduced material usage cuts transport and production costs.

  • Resource efficiency: Smart construction with less natural resources.
  • Longer-lasting roads: Less maintenance thanks to stabilised and reinforced road base
Keep logistics lean a tidy site

How-to: Removing geosynthetics with a removal spreader bar

Pick up and separate the aggregate

Carefully strip the base course above the geosynthetic.

Pick up the aggregate, store it nearby or cart it away directly.

Advantage: clean material flows, lower processing costs.

Pick up the geosynthetic using the spreader bar

Expose the leading edge, fix it to the removal spreader bar and extract it under tension while winding it up.

Proceed in sections.

Advantage: faster, labour-lean process; aggregate reusable; area cleared quickly.

Reuse or recycle the geosynthetic

Store rolled sheets as single-grade material and protect them from weathering.

Potential reuse depending on material quality.
Recycling enables a circular material flow.

Advantage: save costs through reuse; recycling ensures sustainable recovery.

FAQ

What is a removal spreader bar?

A removal spreader bar is a hydraulically driven excavator attachment that recovers geosynthetics in a controlled, automated manner, separates the aggregate and winds the sheets under controlled tension.

Geogrids (Secugrid®, Combigrid®) and geotextiles (Secutex®); composite and special layer build-ups are assessed on a project-specific basis.

Generally no. Intervention in the underlying ground is minimal; areas are quickly usable again.

Yes. Clean separation keeps the aggregate largely single-grade and—subject to suitability checks—it can be used again.

Fewer labour hours, lower disposal and an automated process increase cost and programme certainty.
Dismantling a temporary construction road with geosynthetics has never been easier
Recycling a temporary construction road with geosynthetics has never been easier

Summary

The removal spreader bar makes geosynthetic removal fast, clean and economical: recover—separate—roll. This improves material purity, enables reuse of geosynthetics and aggregate, reduces costs and speeds up reinstatement of areas. Ideal for temporary site roads, working platforms and storage areas.

The development of this deconstruction method is part of the KuRT: ProGeo-UP research project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under grant number 033R391G.

Logo of the BMFTR and 0er Strategie.