How Geotextiles Can Benefit Your Construction Site

What Are Geotextiles?

Geotextiles are a type of fabric that is commonly used in construction and landscaping projects for erosion control that can be made from synthetic or natural fibers that are manufactured into woven fabrics, and they are available in a variety of widths, lengths, and weights. Geotextiles are also used in environmental projects to improve soil characteristics. There are a few different types of geotextile fabrics to choose from:

Non Woven Geotextiles

Nonwovens are one of the most common types of geotextile. They are made from randomly oriented fibers that are bonded together to create a fabric-like structure. Nonwoven geotextiles are typically used in applications where there is a need for separation or filtration, where they can be used to prevent soil particles from mixing or clogging up drainage systems.

Woven Geotextiles

Another common type of geotextile is wovens, which are made by weaving fibers into a fabric-like material. Wovens are typically stronger than nonwoven materials, making them well suited for construction applications where additional strength and durability is needed. Woven geotextiles can be used to stabilize soft or loose soils, and are often integrated into the surfaces of unpaved and paved roads and other types of construction projects.

Knitted Geotextiles

Unlike woven fabrics, which are made by interlinking fibers together, knitted geotextiles use a special knitting technique to create tightly-knit structures that have excellent strength and durability. Knitted geotextiles are often used in soil stabilization and erosion control applications, where they help to prevent water and other materials from seeping into the ground.

Drainage

One of the benefits of using geotextiles on construction sites is that they can improve drainage. Geotextiles are permeable, which means that they allow water to pass through them while still preventing soil particles from washing away. This is due to the fact that geotextiles are made from woven or nonwoven fabrics. Woven geotextiles have a higher degree of permeability than nonwoven geotextiles, but both types of geotextiles can be used to improve drainage on construction sites.

Stabilization

Another benefit of using geotextiles on construction sites is that they can stabilize soil layers. Geotextiles can be used to reinforce soil layers that are prone to erosion or instability. For example, if you are working on a construction site that is located on a steep slope, you may use geotextiles to stabilize the soil and prevent landslides. In addition, geotextiles can be used to stabilize soils beneath pavers or other hardscape features.

Separation

Finally, geotextiles can be used to separate different materials on construction sites. For example, if you are paving a parking lot, you may use a layer of geotextile fabric to separate the asphalt from the underlying gravel base. This will prevent the asphalt from cracking or breaking due to movement in the underlying gravel. In addition, the separation of the geotextile fabric can help to extend the life of your pavement by preventing material failure due to differential settlement.

In addition to their use for soil stabilization, geotextiles can also be used for mud control in drainage systems. Because they are malleable and porous, geotextiles can be layered or folded to create channels where water is directed away from vulnerable areas, helping to reduce the risk of mud and other soil buildup.

If you are planning a construction project, be sure to talk to your contractor about the benefits of using geotextiles.