Geotextiles
  • Geotextiles are permeable fabrics that are used in or near the ground to improve the condition of the ground.
  • They have the ability to protect rocks and soil, drain water from them, reinforce the rocks/soil, separating different layers to prevent movement and filtering.
  • These are generally made from polyester and polypropylene.
  • Geotextiles are used for surface stabilisation, erosion reduction and drainage.
    • Surface stabilisation attempts to stop the contamination of higher strength upper layers with weaker subsurface materials.
      • This can be used in improving soil strength.
      • Higher strength geotextiles are used for this purpose.
    • Erosion reduction occurs behind a retaining wall to control erosion. An example of this is sand dune armouring.
  • Geotextiles are also used under load bearing structures such as roads and concrete foundations for drainage to prevent the build-up of water pooling.
    • This also prevents contamination of the aggregate base.
    • Both improve the longevity of the overlying structure.