Non-woven geotextiles are manufactured in two distinct ways: either using staple fibre, which involves short fibres interlocked together typically through a needling process, or continuous filament, which consists of long, continuous strands of synthetic threads laid together and then needled to enhance strength. Non-woven geotextiles are predominantly utilized for separation, drainage, filtration, and protection applications, whereas woven geotextiles are generally employed for reinforcement purposes.
Geotextile Applications
Separation: Engineers and contractors frequently use non-woven geotextiles in the construction of roads, railways, and embankments where the ground is soft and unstable. By incorporating a layer of Geotextile to separate the soft ground from the fill material, the amount of fill required is reduced, the lifespan of the road or rail structure is extended, and long-term maintenance costs are minimized.
Drainage: The permeability of non-woven geotextiles allows them to provide excellent drainage properties when used as part of subsoil drainage systems. Typically, lighter or thinner grades of geotextiles are used in drainage applications as they offer superior drainage properties compared to heavier or thicker geotextiles.
Filtration: Non-woven geotextiles are highly porous, enabling water to pass through while preventing soil migration. When employed in revetment and subsoil drainage projects, geotextiles are more cost-effective than natural filters such as sand or aggregate. As with drainage applications, lighter grades of geotextile provide better filtration properties.
Protection of Geomembranes: Utilizing heavyweight non-woven geotextiles in landfills, ponds, tailings dams, or any other containment facility extends the life of the lining system by protecting it from punctures and excessive deformation. The geotextile acts as a cushioning and stress-relieving layer, significantly reducing the chances of long-term leakage.
Features
- Reduces fill material requirements
- Enhances drainage and filtration
- Protects geomembranes from damage
