Geotextile and Geofabric Solutions

Maximizing Construction Efficiency with Geotextiles and Geofabrics

The use of geosynthetics has increased extensively over the last two decades to the point where they are now commonly used in construction. Geosynthetics include geotextiles, geogrids, geocomposites, and geomembranes, among others. Geotextiles are the most common type of geosynthetic and the focus of this “Lessons Learned.”

Enhancing Stability and Performance with Geotextiles and Geofabrics

Geotextiles are fabrics that are used in earthwork, dams, buildings and pavement construction to solve earthwork problems, provide reinforcement, drainage, filter water and/or separate dissimilar materials. Geotextiles are made of synthetic polymers typically consisting of polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene, and typically are “woven” or “nonwoven.” Since some polymers perform better in certain aggressive soil environments than others, it is important to consider the environment in which the geotextiles will be used.

These solutions originally came about as an alternative to granular soil filters. Woven geotextiles first appeared in coastal areas to serve as a soil-retention solution. As word of success spread, manufacturers worldwide began investing in the development of geotextiles and identifying new applications for their use. 

Maximizing Construction Efficiency with Geotextiles and Geofabrics

The use of geosynthetics has increased extensively over the last two decades to the point where they are now commonly used in construction. Geosynthetics include geotextiles, geogrids, geocomposites, and geomembranes, among others. Geotextiles are the most common type of geosynthetic and the focus of this “Lessons Learned.”

Enhancing Stability and Performance with Geotextiles and Geofabrics

Geotextiles are fabrics that are used in earthwork, dams, buildings and pavement construction to solve earthwork problems, provide reinforcement, drainage, filter water and/or separate dissimilar materials. Geotextiles are made of synthetic polymers typically consisting of polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene, and typically are “woven” or “nonwoven.” Since some polymers perform better in certain aggressive soil environments than others, it is important to consider the environment in which the geotextiles will be used.

These solutions originally came about as an alternative to granular soil filters. Woven geotextiles first appeared in coastal areas to serve as a soil-retention solution. As word of success spread, manufacturers worldwide began investing in the development of geotextiles and identifying new applications for their use. 

geotextile fence

A good example of geotextile use is if you drive past a construction site, you will often see a black or gray fabric “silt fence” about 2 feet high along the limits of construction. The silt fence is used to inhibit the transport of most soil particles off the project site while allowing water to pass through the fabric. In this situation, the geotextile is used for filtration. In addition to filtration, common uses of geotextiles include separation, reinforcement and drainage.

A good example of geotextile use is if you drive past a construction site, you will often see a black or gray fabric “silt fence” about 2 feet high along the limits of construction. The silt fence is used to inhibit the transport of most soil particles off the project site while allowing water to pass through the fabric. In this situation, the geotextile is used for filtration. In addition to filtration, common uses of geotextiles include separation, reinforcement and drainage.

geofabrics

The Importance of Geotextiles and Geofabrics in Construction Projects

There are many different types of geotextiles with various applications. Some are better suited for certain applications than others so proper selection/specification of a geotextile for a specific need is important. Woven geotextiles are typically used for reinforcement and separation where strength is important, while nonwoven geotextiles are typically used for filtration and drainage where permeability is important. Yet, these functions are not exclusive of each other. For instance, a geotextile might be used to separate dissimilar materials and filter the flow of water.

Common projects using geotextiles in construction include:

  • Roads and railways
  • Sidewalks
  • Parking lots
  • Pipelines
  • Reservoirs
  • Retaining walls and embankments
  • Airfields
  • Debris containment during demolition projects

The Importance of Geotextiles and Geofabrics in Construction Projects

There are many different types of geotextiles with various applications. Some are better suited for certain applications than others so proper selection/specification of a geotextile for a specific need is important. Woven geotextiles are typically used for reinforcement and separation where strength is important, while nonwoven geotextiles are typically used for filtration and drainage where permeability is important. Yet, these functions are not exclusive of each other. For instance, a geotextile might be used to separate dissimilar materials and filter the flow of water.

Common projects using geotextiles in construction include:

  • Roads and railways
  • Sidewalks
  • Parking lots
  • Pipelines
  • Reservoirs
  • Retaining walls and embankments
  • Airfields
  • Debris containment during demolition projects
geofabrics

The Importance of Geotextiles and Geofabrics in Construction Projects

Geotextiles are crucial components of many construction projects for many reasons.

Improving Soil Conditions

When soil is inadequate for building in its current state, geofabrics can help improve conditions. These synthetic textiles can add tensile and shear strength to the surface or subgrade. They also offer load support while limiting movement and material mixing.

For example, using geotextiles to separate finer soil from aggregates in road construction helps add more stability and strength to the road’s base materials. This extra material layer may also provide long-term benefits in road performance and durability.

Reducing the Likelihood of Erosion

Erosion can occur rapidly when exposed soil meets heavy winds and rains. Geotextiles help areas drain effectively and keep soil in its place.

Coastal construction, drainage trenches and roadways are typical applications for nonwoven geofabrics to safeguard against erosion by corralling soils without hampering the water flow.

Conserving Resources

Geotextiles positively impact the environment by helping preserve soil and improve its characteristics. They also offer an affordable solution for construction challenges, generally reducing overall project costs.

In other applications, geotextiles are actively helping safeguard clam beds from predators. Preserving shellfish beds also helps manage shoreline erosion and provides a safe habitat for young fish.

Types of Geotextiles and Geofabrics

Geotextile material generally falls into three categories:

  • Woven: Woven geotextiles are highly common and include double sets of interlocked parallel threads. The manufacturing process is similar to that of other woven soft goods, and the tight weave generally offers additional weight support.
  • Nonwoven: This geofabric style results from shorter staple fibers or continuous yarn strands. Manufacturers typically bond the material together with thermal, mechanical or chemical processes, sometimes using a combination of these methods.
  • Knit: Manufacturers create a knitted geotextile fabric with a series of interlocked yarn loops. This manufacturing process often incorporates another technique, such as weaving, to achieve the desired texture.

In addition to the textural variations, geofabrics come in a range of designs for different applications. These include:

  • Geogrids: These commonly feature broader and more open meshwork and play a key role in soil reinforcement.
  • Geonets: Geonets boast a tighter mesh-like structure and frequently appear in drainage projects.
  • Geomembranes: These are typically continuous and impermeable sheets serving as a separation liner, such as under highways, to help manage potential damage from de-icing methods.
  • Geocells: Geocell material features a flexible diamond-shaped pattern and helps manage soil shift beneath roadways, driveways and more.
  • Geotextile tubes: These are generally long hollow cylinders filled with sand or other materials to help stop coastal erosion or serve as a breakwater.

Typical Uses Of Geotextiles Include:

  • Separation: Separation of materials is needed when soil or dense graded aggregate is used over, or in contact with, an open-graded stone. A geotextile at the interface of dissimilar materials prevents the finer particles from migrating into the void spaces of the open-graded stone. Both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are used in this application.
  • Reinforcement: Soils typically have little or no tensile strength. Geotextiles used for reinforcement have high tensile strengths that can improve the strength of the soil. Typical applications include construction over soft soils, strengthening of soil subgrades below pavements and in the construction of geotextile reinforced slopes. Reinforcing geotextiles are typically woven.
  • Filtration: Geotextiles are also used to filter water much in the same way as a coffee filter allows coffee to flow through the filter while holding back the coffee grounds. Instead of coffee grounds, a geotextile holds back soil particles while allowing water to pass through the geotextile. A typical filtration application is wrapping open-graded stone for a drain line or French drain with a geotextile to hold back the soil particles and allow water to be conveyed to the drain. Since soils have different particle sizes, it’s important to specify a geotextile filter for the soils being retained so that water flows, but soil particles do not clog the geotextile over time. Both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are used in this application.
  • Drainage: Drainage can be accomplished with certain geotextiles that provide a path for water to flow within the plane of the geotextile. Certain geotextiles may be used for drainage as long as planar flow is relatively small. Applications may include landfill drainage, chimney drains in dams, or drainage of groundwater from fine-grained soils subjected to consolidation surcharging. Nonwoven fabrics are most often used in drainage applications.
  • Sealing: Nonwoven geotextile fabric can combine with water-resisting substances like asphalt to help make them impervious to water flow. The result is a barrier capable of helping reduce water and soil contamination and lessening the likelihood of evaporation.

The Importance of Geotextiles and Geofabrics in Construction Projects

Geotextiles are crucial components of many construction projects for many reasons.

Improving Soil Conditions

When soil is inadequate for building in its current state, geofabrics can help improve conditions. These synthetic textiles can add tensile and shear strength to the surface or subgrade. They also offer load support while limiting movement and material mixing.

For example, using geotextiles to separate finer soil from aggregates in road construction helps add more stability and strength to the road’s base materials. This extra material layer may also provide long-term benefits in road performance and durability.

Reducing the Likelihood of Erosion

Erosion can occur rapidly when exposed soil meets heavy winds and rains. Geotextiles help areas drain effectively and keep soil in its place.

Coastal construction, drainage trenches and roadways are typical applications for nonwoven geofabrics to safeguard against erosion by corralling soils without hampering the water flow.

Conserving Resources

Geotextiles positively impact the environment by helping preserve soil and improve its characteristics. They also offer an affordable solution for construction challenges, generally reducing overall project costs.

In other applications, geotextiles are actively helping safeguard clam beds from predators. Preserving shellfish beds also helps manage shoreline erosion and provides a safe habitat for young fish.

Types of Geotextiles and Geofabrics

Geotextile material generally falls into three categories:

  • Woven: Woven geotextiles are highly common and include double sets of interlocked parallel threads. The manufacturing process is similar to that of other woven soft goods, and the tight weave generally offers additional weight support.
  • Nonwoven: This geofabric style results from shorter staple fibers or continuous yarn strands. Manufacturers typically bond the material together with thermal, mechanical or chemical processes, sometimes using a combination of these methods.
  • Knit: Manufacturers create a knitted geotextile fabric with a series of interlocked yarn loops. This manufacturing process often incorporates another technique, such as weaving, to achieve the desired texture.

In addition to the textural variations, geofabrics come in a range of designs for different applications. These include:

  • Geogrids: These commonly feature broader and more open meshwork and play a key role in soil reinforcement.
  • Geonets: Geonets boast a tighter mesh-like structure and frequently appear in drainage projects.
  • Geomembranes: These are typically continuous and impermeable sheets serving as a separation liner, such as under highways, to help manage potential damage from de-icing methods.
  • Geocells: Geocell material features a flexible diamond-shaped pattern and helps manage soil shift beneath roadways, driveways and more.
  • Geotextile tubes: These are generally long hollow cylinders filled with sand or other materials to help stop coastal erosion or serve as a breakwater.

Typical Uses Of Geotextiles Include:

  • Separation: Separation of materials is needed when soil or dense graded aggregate is used over, or in contact with, an open-graded stone. A geotextile at the interface of dissimilar materials prevents the finer particles from migrating into the void spaces of the open-graded stone. Both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are used in this application.
  • Reinforcement: Soils typically have little or no tensile strength. Geotextiles used for reinforcement have high tensile strengths that can improve the strength of the soil. Typical applications include construction over soft soils, strengthening of soil subgrades below pavements and in the construction of geotextile reinforced slopes. Reinforcing geotextiles are typically woven.
  • Filtration: Geotextiles are also used to filter water much in the same way as a coffee filter allows coffee to flow through the filter while holding back the coffee grounds. Instead of coffee grounds, a geotextile holds back soil particles while allowing water to pass through the geotextile. A typical filtration application is wrapping open-graded stone for a drain line or French drain with a geotextile to hold back the soil particles and allow water to be conveyed to the drain. Since soils have different particle sizes, it’s important to specify a geotextile filter for the soils being retained so that water flows, but soil particles do not clog the geotextile over time. Both woven and nonwoven geotextiles are used in this application.
  • Drainage: Drainage can be accomplished with certain geotextiles that provide a path for water to flow within the plane of the geotextile. Certain geotextiles may be used for drainage as long as planar flow is relatively small. Applications may include landfill drainage, chimney drains in dams, or drainage of groundwater from fine-grained soils subjected to consolidation surcharging. Nonwoven fabrics are most often used in drainage applications.
  • Sealing: Nonwoven geotextile fabric can combine with water-resisting substances like asphalt to help make them impervious to water flow. The result is a barrier capable of helping reduce water and soil contamination and lessening the likelihood of evaporation.
geotextiles

Choosing the Right Geotextile and Geofabric Solutions for Your Project

As can be seen, geotextiles need to be selected based on the intended function of the geotextile, often on the gradation of soil particles, and environmental factors. It is not uncommon for a contractor to request to use a different geotextile due to cost, availability, or because the alternate geotextile has worked well in the past. While similar geotextiles can often be substituted, substitutions should not be made without the specifying engineer’s review and concurrence.

Choosing the Right Geotextile and Geofabric Solutions for Your Project

As can be seen, geotextiles need to be selected based on the intended function of the geotextile, often on the gradation of soil particles, and environmental factors. It is not uncommon for a contractor to request to use a different geotextile due to cost, availability, or because the alternate geotextile has worked well in the past. While similar geotextiles can often be substituted, substitutions should not be made without the specifying engineer’s review and concurrence.

Partner with ECS for Expert Geotextile and Geofabric Services

ECS has an experienced team of professionals to sample and assess geotextiles for project adequacy. We deliver the benefits of collective expertise and decades of combined industry service by taking a team approach. If you want confidence that your geotextile strategy meets your project’s requirements, standards and specs, partnering with the ECS team is the solution.

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