Geotextile Fabric

A geotextile fabric is a permeable fabric made from synthetic fibers (like polyester or polypropylene) used in civil engineering, construction, and environmental projects. Its primary purpose is to enhance soil stability, provide erosion control, and aid in drainage. Geotextiles are often placed between soil layers to reinforce and separate them, prevent erosion, filter sediments, and improve water flow.

The fabric comes in woven (structured) or non-woven (felt-like) forms, with each type serving different functions depending on the project’s needs, such as road construction, landfills, or coastal protection.

Geotextile Fabric Uses

1. Separation

Geotextiles are used to separate different layers of materials, such as in road construction, to prevent the mixing of soil layers. This helps maintain the integrity of materials like gravel and sand when they are placed on top of softer subgrades.

2. Drainage

They allow water to pass through while preventing soil from moving, making them ideal for drainage systems. This is common in roadways, retaining walls, and agricultural settings where controlling water flow is important.

3. Erosion Control

Geotextiles are used to protect soil from erosion, especially in areas where water flow or rainfall might wash away the soil, such as riverbanks, slopes, or coastal areas.

4. Reinforcement

They provide additional strength to soil in construction projects like roads, embankments, or retaining walls. By reinforcing the soil, geotextiles help improve load-bearing capacity and reduce the risk of settlement or collapse.

5. Filtration

In filtration applications, geotextiles allow water to pass while retaining fine particles, such as in landfills, drainage trenches, and dams. This helps prevent the clogging of drainage systems and soil erosion.

6. Weed Control

Geotextile fabric is commonly used in landscaping as a weed barrier. It allows water and nutrients to pass through to plants while preventing the growth of unwanted weeds.

7. Pavement Support

In road and airport runway construction, geotextiles are used to support the pavement layers by preventing soil movement and maintaining the road’s durability over time.

8. Landfill Liners and Caps

Geotextiles are used in landfills to prevent the contamination of groundwater by acting as a barrier and filtration layer. They are also used as a protective layer to prevent punctures in liners.