Geotextiles are synthetic fabrics designed to reinforce soil and improve poor soil conditions. Used for a wide range of construction, drainage and landscaping applications.
As a separation layer, geotextile fabric eliminates the migration of fine particles. Designed for challenging soil types considered unsuitable for roads or pavements.
Geotextile fabrics can also add strength and stability to the subsoil layers. This minimises earth movement, cracking and sinking by creating a stable foundation.
Used for infrastructure works such as roads, landfills, drainage and civil engineering projects.
Designed in a wide variety of styles, yet, the most common are high strength woven and needle punched non-woven fabrics.
Woven and non-woven geotextiles are both permeable, however non-woven geotextiles have a smaller EOS (opening for fines to pass) and a higher flow rate meaning they are preferred for drainage and filtration applications.
Tensile strength is the biggest difference between the two. Woven geotextiles have a high strength at low elongation which allows them to be used as a tension membrane for ground reinforcement. Non-woven geotextiles have a higher elongation, but can be more robust allowing them to act as a separation layer under heavy rock fill.
Permeability rate is also a factor that will influence what fabrics are used. Non-wovens have a high flow rate which is preferable for granular or free draining soils.
Both types are manufactured from polyester or polypropylene synthetic fabrics. Polyester has a higher strength at low strain, however polypropylene is a more stable product in higher pH soils. Polypropylene is also naturally more resistant to UV degradation.
The tensile strength of woven geotextile is ideal for stabilising base course underneath roads and pavements, and for reinforcing difficult soil types.
Another benefit of woven is excellent creep resistance. Resulting in higher long term design strengths. Woven geo provides exceptional soil confinement resulting in superior load distribution.
A cost-effective solution for reinforced soil on:
• Embankments and slopes
• Stabilisation projects
• Reinforcing pavements and roads
Applications include road and rail work, separation, drainage, protection and filtration works. Often used in parks, landfills, on batters and slopes, behind retaining walls and more.
Designed for applications needing excellent drainage, like sports fields and in landscaping situations. The higher permeability allows moisture to drain at a faster rate compared to woven fabrics.
Most non-woven geotextiles are made from polyester. Resistant to alkalis and acids, they are long-lasting when installed under the soil.
Non-woven geotextiles use include:
• Pavement stabilisation
• Subgrade or subsoil separation
• Slope stabilisation
• Liner protection
If you have any questions on woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics. We will give the professional answers to your questions.