What is geotextile fabric?
Geotextile fabric, also known as geotextile or geofabric, is a permeable textile material that is commonly used in civil engineering and construction projects. It is made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester or polypropylene, or natural fibers like jute or coir. Geotextile fabric is designed to perform various functions in soil stabilization, drainage, filtration, separation, erosion control, and reinforcement.
Here are some of the key functions and applications of geotextile fabric:
1.Filtration: Geotextile fabric acts as a filter by allowing water to pass through while preventing the migration of fine soil particles. It is commonly used in drainage systems, retaining walls, and erosion control applications to prevent clogging and ensure the proper flow of water.
2.Separation: Geotextile fabric is used to separate different layers of soil or other materials with varying characteristics. It prevents the mixing of soils with different particle sizes, thereby maintaining their intended functions and structural integrity. For example, geotextile fabric can be placed between a roadway subbase and the native soil to prevent contamination and maintain the stability of the road.
3.Drainage: Geotextile fabric can be used in drainage systems to facilitate the flow of water while preventing the passage of soil particles. It allows excess water to drain away from the soil, reducing the risk of waterlogging and maintaining the stability of the structure.
4.Erosion Control: Geotextile fabric can be employed to control soil erosion by stabilizing the soil surface. It helps to prevent the loss of soil particles due to water flow or wind, protecting slopes, embankments, and shorelines from erosion.
5.Reinforcement: Geotextile fabric can provide reinforcement to soils and other materials. It is used in applications such as road construction, embankments, and retaining walls to enhance the structural integrity and increase the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
6.Protection: Geotextile fabric can be used to protect impermeable barriers, such as geomembranes, from damage during installation or from punctures caused by sharp objects in the underlying soil.
Geotextile fabric comes in various types and strengths, depending on the specific requirements of the project. The selection of the appropriate geotextile fabric is based on factors such as the type of soil, the hydraulic conditions, the expected loads, and the desired functions.
Overall, geotextile fabric plays a crucial role in civil engineering and construction projects, providing solutions for soil stabilization, drainage, filtration, separation, erosion control, and reinforcement.
