Geotextiles
Lianyi Geotextiles are trusted for a range of applications including drainage, separation and reinforcing structures. As a reputable Geotextile manufacturers in China we guarantee:
- Geotextile prices remain competitive
- Rigorous testing all Geotextile membranes
- High performance and durability
Geotextiles
Geotextile is a previous synthetic or natural fiber fabric used for filtration, drainage, separation and soil stabilization. Geotextile manufacturing utilizes a myriad of materials and techniques that makes it valuable in many geotechnical and civil engineering projects.
Advantages of Geotextiles
The following geotextiles advantages make them a superior choice to alternative geosynthetic materials:
Improved Drainage
Geotextiles promote drainage by letting water to move through, which stops water from accumulating.
Ease of Installation
The installation of geotextiles is made easier as they do not require additional layers of soil aggregates to provide extra reinforcement.
Versatility
Geotextiles can be used in a wide range of applications and are can be manufactured to meet your specific project needs.
Better Filtration and Separation
Geotextiles act as filters as they allow water to pass through while preventing soil particles from migrating.
Cost-Effective
Geotextiles are more affordable compared to other materials as their use reduce the need for extensive excavation and traditional construction materials.
Enhance Soil Stability
By limiting soil particle mobility and so improving soil stability, geotextiles act as reinforcement for the soil. Thereby reducing soil erosion and improves load bearing capacity.
Non-woven Geotextiles Fabrics
Nonwoven geotextiles fabrics are manufactured from aligning polymers randomly then bonding them either chemically or mechanically. The polymers used are; polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene.
These geotextiles are highly permeable and can elongate when subjected to pulling forces. You can use them in applications that require separation, filtration and drainage capabilities. They also happen to be the most popular geotextiles type.
Woven Geotextiles
Woven geotextiles fabric production entails knitting fibers together either in a parallel or perpendicular orientation to one another. The weaving of fibers together results in a geotextile with improved modulus, high permeability and high tensile strength. They also have low elongation.
For situations where stabilizing and reinforcing soil is necessary, woven geotextile fabrics are the ideal choice. You can use them in construction of roads and embankments.
Heat Bonded Geotextiles
Heat bonded geotextiles are manufactured by laying fibers together and then thermally bonding them. The number of pores and the density of this geotextile fabric is affected by the extent of bonding, speed and the pattern engraved.
Geotextile nonwoven fabrics formed though heat bonding have improved stiffness and are thinner. They have improved filtration and resistance to chemical degradation. The materials are commonly used as a geotextile erosion control and geotextile underlayment fabrics.
Composite Geotextiles
Composite geotextiles are made by mixing different types of geotextiles together or geotextiles with other geosynthetics to enhance their properties. They combine the individual properties of these materials to come up with a material that is great in separation and soil reinforcement. You can use them as your geotextile fabric for road construction, for retaining wall and slope stabilization.
Geotextile Materials
The frequently applied materials in the production of geotextiles are polypropylene and polyester. Still, subject to the intended usage, you may employ either synthetic or organic fiber in the geotextile fabric.
On that account, let’s discuss the common materials used in the manufacturing of geotextile membrane:
Natural Fiber
Bio-degradable natural fabrics have a short service life. They are often geotextile erosion control solutions till vegetation starts growing within an area. The common natural fibers used for geotextile membrane manufacturing include:
Jute
This is a flexible and highly decomposable fiber used to primarily make garden geotextile fabrics since they offer nutrients to plants after biodegrading. The quick decomposition of jute geotextile materials makes them have a shorter service life.
However, it is practical to extend these geotextiles lifespan close to 20 years by applying several treatments and mixing. This facilitates production of customized jute geotextile fabric having distinct permeability, tenacity, and pore size based on the location and project specifications.
Coir
These refer to 100% natural, decomposable geotextile fabrics manufactured utilizing coir yarn. The yarn comprises of coconut fiber, which is the most long-lasting natural fiber.
Coir Geotextiles shield landscape and encourage fast plant growth. Thus, they usually act as geotextile landscape fabrics to help in soil erosion control and renewing vegetation.
Synthetic Fiber
Synthetic fibers have always been the primary raw material utilized in the geotextile manufacturing. Majority of woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics are produced via needle punching process, which makes use of polymeric materials.
The following are the 4 polymers that are regularly employed in geotextiles manufacturing:
· Polyamide
Nylon 6,6 and nylon 6 are the essential forms of polyamides employed in manufacture of geotextiles. Though a popular fiber- forming polymer, polyamides are not favorites for geotextile fabrics. There cost and general performance makes them subordinate to other types of synthetic fibers for geotextile grid.
· Polyester
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), normally referred to as polyester, is another valuable synthetic material applied in geotextile manufacturing. PET has high creep resistance coupled, exceptional tensile and it can withstand elevated temperatures. Even so, the fiber is not ideal for geotextile landscape fabric uses since it is prone to hydrolytic degeneration in soils pH greater than 10.
· Polyethylene
Polyethylene manufacturing can be in crystalline structure, which is a valuable attribute for fiber-forming polymers. Low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene are the common polyethylene types. HDPE fibers are usually employed in geotextile weed barriers.
· Polypropylene
Polypropylene fibers find extensive use in geotextile membrane manufacturing due to their chemical inertness, acceptable tensile features, and low cost. There low density is an additional advantage that ensures reduced cost for every unit volume.
However, the primary disadvantage of polypropylene geotextile fabric is its inferior sensitivity to UV radiation. Additionally, its features can easily degenerate when exposed to high temperature settings and possesses poor creep attributes.
Geotextile Vs Geomembrane
Geomembrane and geotextile both refer to geosynthetic materials employed in numerous civil engineering applications. While both are manufactured using polymers, they find use in totally different ways.
Material and Permeability
Geotextile is a porous fabric manufactured primarily using a collection of synthetic fiber by knitting or needling. On the other hand, geomembrane is a waterproof geosynthetic material made utilizing high-density polyethylene.
Function Features
Geotextile fabric exhibit excellent drainage isolation, filtration, reinforcement and anti-seepage features. Additionally, it boasts of high tensile strength, heat resistance, permeability low weight, anti-freezing capability, and high resistance to corrosion.
Conversely, geomembrane is a non-porous material applied in engineering constructions requiring attributes like firm foundations, anti-cracking, good drainages and isolation.
Moreover, geotextile fabric is also a perfect choice for anti-filtering roles, whilst geomembrane is suitable for seepage-proofing.
Applications
Both geotextiles vs geomembranes find application in civil engineering groundwork. However, the geosynthetic materials have considerable differences in their uses.
Geotextiles are used for a variety of purposes owing to their porosity, notably filtration, in-ground drainage, erosion control, and as geotextiles underlayment.
Conversely, due to longevity and waterproof properties of geomembranes, they are mainly utilized as anti-seepage materials to safeguard groundwater. Geomembrane serve as remediation containment and landfill liners to prevent the contamination of groundwater. You can also use them as landfill cap and closure, foundation wall liners, bioswale, canal, hydroponic, and pond liners, among many other applications.
Differences Between Geotextile Vs Geogrids
Geotextile vs geogrids are both geosynthetics types that serve various purposes in geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Whilst might serve similar roles in certain applications, there exist major differences between geotextiles and geogrids as summarized in the table below:
| Parameter | Geotextile | Geogrid |
|---|---|---|
| Composition and Structure | Mostly produced using woven or nonwoven synthetic fiber of polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyester. It is often a flexible and pervious fabric-like material, which permits passage of water. | Constitute polymer materials like polyethylene or polyester, though has a grid-like structure having holes. It has semi-rigid or rigid structure and is generally tougher than geotextile fabric. |
| Function | Primarily act as drainage, filtration and/or separation layers within civil and geotechnical engineering projects. Geotextile membranes can prevent materials from mixing, allow drainage of fluids, control soil erosion, and segregate different layers of soil. | Majorly serves as a reinforcement material. Geogrids give tensile strength and boost soil structure stability through load distribution and soil movement minimization. |
| Load Distribution and Strength | The load distribution mechanism is mainly via stress transfer and friction. Geotextile fabric materials are not perfect for load-bearing roles and exhibit limited tensile strength. | Specifically designed for high load distribution and tensile strength. Geogrid materials are capable of transmitting forces across a broader area and bear considerable loads. This makes them appropriate for reinforcement applications. |
| Application Areas | The geosynthetic fabrics are ideal for geotextile fabric for driveways, filtration and drainage systems, garden geotextile and erosion control applications. | Commonly applied in applications involving soil reinforcement like pavement construction, retaining walls, embankments, and steep slopes. |
Physical Properties of Geotextile
Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of a geotextile material to the density of water. Geotextiles whose specific gravity is greater than that of water are denser and will sink in water. Those with a specific gravity less than 1 will float on water. For applications where buoyancy is key you have to consider the specific gravity of the material.
Thickness
Thickness refers to the distance between two opposite sides of a geotextile material, usually measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in). Thicker geotextile products provide better strength and longevity in the desired areas of applications.
Stiffness
Stiffness characterizes the ability of a geotextile material to go back to its original shape after being exposed to external forces. You have to consider stiffness where your project is on an irregular surface.
Density
Density is the mass a geotextile material per unit volume. It is typically expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). Geotextiles with higher density have greater resistance to penetration and reduced pore spaces. Low density will offer your project increased porosity.
Mechanical Properties of Geotextile
Tenacity
Tenacity defines the tensile strength of a geotextile material per unit cross-sectional area. This gives you a measure of the material’s ability to withstand a stretching or pull without deforming. High tenacity will indicate enhanced reinforcement and stability.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability of a geotextile membrane to bend without breaking. Geotextiles can be bent to many shapes making them suitable for your irregular construction sites.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the ability of a geotextile material to perform well when used together with other geosynthetic materials. This property ensures that the geotextile maintains its integrity and functions effectively when combined with other materials such as geomembranes, concrete and sand aggregates.
Tear Resistance
Tear resistance is the ability of the geotextile fabric to withstand forces that would tear it apart. Geotextiles with high tear resistance will provide you better resistance to punctures and damage during installation or in applications with high stress.
Frictional Resistance
Frictional resistance is the quality of a geotextile that prevents it from skipping or sliding when subjected to external forces. This property improves the interlocking properties of your material when used in conjunction with other materials.
Hydraulic Properties of Geotextiles
Porosity
Porosity is the number of openings or pores within a geotextile material. It indicates to you the material’s ability to contain and transmit gasses and liquids. Geotextiles with higher porosity have more interconnected voids, allowing for increased water flow and better drainage.
Permittivity
Permittivity refers to the hydraulic conductivity of a geotextile material under stress by compression forces. Geotextiles with higher permittivity allow for improved water flow across their plane, ensuring you of less buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Selection of Geotextile for Civil Engineering Projects
Function
Specify the primary function of the geotextile as it may serve a number of purposes. Recognizing the planned use of geotextile membrane will be instrumental in selecting the right type.
Cost
Analyze the geotextile material cost-effectiveness by considering the entire project cost. Moreover, it is important harmonizing the expenses with the desired efficiency and durability of the material.
Strength Ratings
There are numerous categories of geotextile fabrics depending on their strength. Normally, every project specification dictates the suitable category, which is relies on the amount and size of fill you will use.
Strength Ratings
There are numerous categories of geotextile fabrics depending on their strength. Normally, every project specification dictates the suitable category, which is relies on the amount and size of fill you will use.
Soil Type
You will require a tougher, thicker type of geotextile, which guarantees that it does not get punctured by the fill. For applications on firmer soils, like geotextile arena footing, a thinner fabric is will be adequate for the function.
Permeability
Asses the preferred geotextile permeability, which ought to be in harmony with the rate of fluid flow within the project. Select a fabric with the right permeability to facilitate efficient filtration or drainage.
Fill Size
To avoid puncturing, you will need thicker material for bigger and heavier fill. For geotextile fabric under pavers, the fill size typically ranges between 20mm-150mm, though they can have diameter of up to 400mm.
Compatibility
Ensure that the geotextile membrane is in harmony with additional materials employed, like aggregates, other geosynthetics, or soils. Compatibility of the material is vital as it guarantees correct functioning and long-run efficiency of the geotextile system.
Longevity
Consider the anticipated project lifespan and choose a geotextile fabric material that guarantees desired degradation resistance and durability. You should factor in parameters like resistance to microbial deterioration, aging resistance, and UV resistance.
How to Choose Geotextile Size
Both woven and nonwoven geotextile fabrics often come in large rolls of varying length and width. The standard geotextile size can differ depending on the specific applications, project specifications, and geotextile manufacturer.
Typically, the width of geotextile fabrics spans from 1m-6m or more. Similarly, geotextile roll length varies considerably, often ranging from 15m to 150m or more.
However, you can opt for customized geotextile dimensions to fit particular project specifications. Dependent on the geotextile manufacturer or supplier, the materials can come with different dimensions as those discussed above.
Therefore, during selection, it is vital to factor in the size of geotextile roll with regard to the site conditions, installation and project needs. Consult with industry experts, geotextile suppliers, or manufacturers to decide on the most appropriate size for your application.
Lapping Length of Geotextile
The lapping length is the distance between two geotextiles when they are joined into panels or rolls. The suitable lapping length depends on the type of geotextile fabric, the desired application and the expected level of performance.
This length gives you room for the adjustment of the geotextile fabric’s diameter. You should adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure proper lapping, which will maximize the geotextile effectiveness and improve its integrity.
Let us discuss the main purposes of lapping length:
- Preventing Leakage: The lapping length of the geotextiles gives your geotextile room to form a barrier which minimizes the risk of water or soil particles passing through gaps.
- Enhancing Strength: The correct lapping length allows your load to be distributed evenly over the surface. This improves the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the geotextile.
- Maintaining Uniformity: Proper lapping length results in a uniform installation by creating a consistent layer of geotextile that performs well.
Factors Affecting Geotextile Lapping Length
Several factors influence the determination of the lapping length in geotextile installations. These factors include:
- Geotextile Properties: The lapping length is influenced by the mechanical, physical and hydraulic characteristics of the geotextiles in use.
- Design Requirements: The desired applications will influence the minimum lapping length of the geotextile required.
- Site Conditions: You need to consider the type of soil, angle of slope and the expected loads as they influence the lapping length.
Applications of Geotextile
Geotextile fabrics serve various roles in geotechnical and civil engineering as highlighted below:
Separation
Geotextile underlayment serve a crucial purpose in retaining the characteristic of two differing soil types. Fundamentally, if water permeates the soil layer, this geotextile fabric type blocks mixing of soil and water. Moreover, in geotextile fabric for roads uses, it is key in segregating the lower coarse soil from fine subgrade.
Stabilization
Here, the geotextile membrane is spread over greatly compressible materials, like soft, wet soils. The geotextile grid permits seepage of water out of the soil into draining channel. This facilitates consolidation of the bottom layer, which makes it more stable.
Reinforcement
In reinforcement geotextile application, the material provides additional strength rather than just ensuring a stringer base layer as in stabilization. Some of the settings where you can use geotextile reinforcement fabrics include:
- Steep slopes: Geotextile membrane enable the constriction of steeper slopes and conserve the land surface.
- Retaining walls: Geotextile retaining wall ensures more effective handling of settlements compared to conventional materials.
- You can equally use the material for geotextile erosion control of sea embankments, bay shores among other areas.
- Reclamation of land utilizing hydraulic fills.
Filtration
This function of geotextile fabric is similar that of stabilization. The objective is to eliminate water whilst prohibiting soil and any additional tiny particles from penetrating across. You achieve this by adding a filtering mechanism behind the geotextile grid. The operation removes water instead of filtering into an independent channel.
Drainage System
Here, the drainage geotextile fabric collects the liquid and guides it toward the point of discharge. Mostly, this application uses geotextile nonwoven fabric.
Geotextile Sealing
You can impregnate non-woven geotextile membrane using asphalt or relevant blends to make it impervious. This stops water instead of letting it pass across.
This geotextile application is effective in preventing pollution of groundwater or soil by contaminants on the surface. It also hinders potable water loss due to contamination or evaporation.
How Long Does Geotextile Last?
The environmental conditions, geotextile quality, and distinct use can influence the geotextile fabric lifespan. Their design generally enables them to guarantee long-term performance and durability in civil and geotechnical engineering applications.
Typically, geotextiles fabric materials can serve for as long as 200 years, dependent on their planned use and the conditions you install them. The polymers used in their manufacture have a great molecular structure, mechanical properties and are able to resist degradation.
What are the Disadvantages of Geotextile?
Geotextiles have certain limitations that reduce their potential to provide optimal performance for your projects. The disadvantages are;
- Vulnerability to degradation by UV radiation
- Limited Strength for Heavy Loads
- Potential Clogging in Filtration Applications
What is the Opening Size of Geotextile?
There is a broad range of Geotextile opening sizes to handle the various drainage, separation and filtration needs. On this account, choose a geotextile fabric with the right aperture opening size that ensures its efficiency in the purposed application.
Popular geotextile opening sizes span from as tiny as 0.07mm to several millimeters. Nonetheless, specific projects might need geotextile fabrics with varying opening sizes dependent on the preferred separation or filtration requirements.
How much is Geotextile Price?
Geotextile fabric price can vary based on a number of variables including weight, thickness and type of geotextile, quantity being bought, and brand. Moreover, the availability and prevail market conditions can also affect the price of geotextile material.
Typically, geotextiles fabrics are sold per square foot/meter or by the roll. The geotextile price range can differ broadly from $0.5 – $5 for every square meter. These are estimated price and might not represent the prevailing market prices.
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