Geotextiles

Woven geosynthetics are man-made materials that help improve or stabilize soil conditions for engineering purposes. They are made from just what it sounds like: Geo meaning earth, soil, and rock, and synthetics are polymeric materials or types of plastic. Together they form an excellent material for solving geological, engineering problems.

 

Like woven geosynthetics, non-wovens are also made from synthetic materials, although they are produced differently. While they have similar applications, non-woven geotextiles’ primary functions are for separation, filtration, and drainage.

 

Geogrids are another type of geosynthetic used to reinforce soil and other materials underneath roadways, under structures, or behind retaining walls. They differ from geotextiles in that they have large openings in repeating patterns. Despite their larger openings, they are extremely strong.

If one geosynthetic is good, then two are better. Geocomposites combine a geogrid with a geotextile paving fabric to create a strong layer beneath parking lots, roadways, driveways, and more. Geocomposites can prevent cracking and provide a moisture barrier interlayer membrane.