Geotextile

A geotextile is a permeable, synthetic material used to reinforce soil and provide filtration, drainage, separation, and protection in civil engineering and construction projects. Typically made from polyester or polypropylene, geotextiles come in woven, non-woven, or knitted forms, offering varying strengths and permeability levels. Their primary function is to enhance the stability and longevity of infrastructure by preventing soil erosion, reducing hydraulic pressures, and improving overall ground performance. These materials are durable, resistant to biological and chemical degradation, and designed to withstand the stresses associated with construction and environmental exposure.

Geotextile meaning with examples

• The construction team used a non-woven geotextile to filter fine soil particles from the drainage system, preventing clogging and ensuring efficient water flow beneath the new highway.
• To reinforce a steep slope and prevent erosion, the engineers installed a woven geotextile, anchoring it securely to the hillside to create a stable surface for vegetation growth.
• During the landfill construction, a thick geotextile layer was placed beneath the waste to prevent contaminants from leaching into the underlying groundwater, protecting the local ecosystem.
• For the new rail tracks, geotextiles were used as a separator between the subgrade and the ballast, preventing the ballast from sinking into the soil, extending the track's lifespan.
• On a coastal project, a geotextile fabric provided essential protection to an embankment from wave action, slowing the impacts of tides and extending the protection for the coastline.