In partial fulfillment of

The requirements for the course

Construction Materials and Testing (CIVMATL)

Presented to the Faculty of the

Department of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering, De La Salle University

Individual Project Paper

Geotextiles

Submitted by:
Balcos, Marla Felicity M.
11532149
EI

Submitted to:
Engr. Kenneth Toral

Date Submitted:
August 3, 2018
1.0 Purpose of Material

Geotextiles are any permeable textile material used to improve soil and pavement
characteristics at which structures are built upon. It can be applied horizontally and vertically.
Geotextiles may serve five different main purposes, and are as follows: separation, filtration,
drainage, reinforcement, and sealing.

Functions

Separation

Geotextiles prevent the mixing of two soil or pavement layers of different types by
preventing contact between them, especially when water permeates the soil profile. By acting as
an obstruction between the two layers, the geotextile also helps maintain the designed thickness of
a pavement layer, thereby preserving its characteristics and functions.

Figure 1. Geotextiles applied for separation of pavement layers

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Filtration

Geotextiles allow sufficient liquid flow without excessive loss of soil or aggregates across
the plane of the fabric. It prevents fine aggregates from moving from one soil layer to another. The
movement of water can be allowed vertically and horizontally, as the application of the fabric is
not limited to one plane. Lastly, it provides a lateral path of movement for liquids, dissipating the
kinetic energy caused by the capillary rise of groundwater.

Drainage/Transmissivity

Geotextiles applied for the purpose of drainage provide an avenue for water flow through
the plane of the fabric. Superfluous water from structures are collected in the geotextile, preventing
excess water from permeating the soil/pavement layers, and hence, preserves the functions of the
soil/pavement profile.

Figure 2. Application of geotextile for filtration and drainage/transmissivity

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Reinforcement

Geotextiles can also be used for the reinforcement of soil/pavement layers, and is the
equivalent of reinforcing steel in concrete. Their main purpose is to hold the soil in place, and
allow structures and steeper embankments to be built on very weak/poorly-graded soils. They
improve the total system strength through the following characteristics: friction/movement
restraint, support of loads, and changes in bearing failure plane, in which it forces the potential
failure plane to another surface with a higher shear strength.

Sealing

The geotextile in this case is an impermeable layer that acts as a liquid barrier for
waterproofing, minimizing the vertical and horizontal flow of water into the pavement structure.
It also prevents the further damage cracks can produce, limiting it to a specific area only.

Figure 3. Application of geotextiles for sealing

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Types

Woven Fabrics

Woven fabrics are used for separation and reinforcement. They are referred to by their
tensile strength, have a high load capacity, and are relatively impermeable. Its impermeability,
however, will not provide good drainage.

Non-Woven Fabrics

Non-woven fabrics are more common and are used for separation, filtration, and drainage.
They have low compressive and shear strengths, and are referred to by their weight. These fabrics
are ideal for any hardscape project and erosion control.

Knitted Fabrics

Knitted fabrics are used for reinforcement and drainage. They are relatively lighter
compared to woven fabrics, causing them to be handled easier and have less labor costs. They also
have high tear strength.

Design Considerations

The following parameters are to be considered when choosing a geotextile for a specific
function: permeability, thickness, porosity, friction coefficient, and tensile strength. Permeability
is the main characteristic that greatly affects the performance of the geotextile. When looking to
use a geotextile for the purpose of filtration or drainage, the permeability of the fabric must be

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enough to allow the passage/collection of water, whereas for sealing, the geotextile should be
impermeable.

The thickness of the fabric is also taken into consideration as it would affect the overall
performance of the material, needed particularly for separation. The porosity of the material is also
considered as it would affect its permeability. The resistance to tearing should also be considered,
taking into account its strengths in the machine and cross directions. Finally, the friction coefficient
and tensile strength are the main factors to be considered for sealing and reinforcement.

2.0 Manufacturing Process

Woven fabrics are manufactured from polypropylene. It consists of a combination of yarn

types and are produced through techniques similar to weaving clothing textiles. Non-woven fabrics
are manufactured from short staple fibre or continuous filament yarn, and are produced by the
mechanical and chemical interlocking of these fibres and filaments. Lastly, knitted fabrics are
produced by interlocking loops of yarn on machines, which adopts the technique used in knitting
clothing textiles.

3.0 Installation of Application

The installation of geotextiles starts with preparing the install area, where trees and other
vegetation are removed, and weak pockets of soil are replaced with granular fill. The surface of
application is then smoothened and levelled. The geotextile is then placed in the prepared area
where it must be stretched as tight and as flat as possible. Additionally, adjacent rolls should be
overlapped by a minimum of 12-18 inches.

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4.0 Safety Precautions and Environmental Impact

Due to the nature of the product, hazards and risks are very low. It is recommended that two
individuals cut/carry the rolls to avoid ergonomic injuries. Normal work gloves are also
recommended. The geotextiles are also a tripping hazard and should be properly stored. It can be
considered that geotextiles are not detrimental to their environment.

5.0 Maintenance Procedure

The maintenance of geotextiles is difficult since they are applied underground. Instead,
procedures are performed beforehand to ensure its quality. Before installing geotextiles, it must be
ensured that it is clean and free of dust, ice, or snow. When transporting long distances, a fork
truck with a roll carrying device is recommended to preserve the quality and shape of the material.
In the case that the geotextile tears, it should be replaced completely.

6.0 Advantages and Disadvantages

One of the advantages of using geotextiles is that they do not decay under biological and
chemical processes. They help improve soil characteristics and are useful for road construction
and maintenance. In addition to being cost-effective, the installation of geotextiles does not require
extensive procedures and can be installed easily. Its disadvantages, however, include susceptibility
to tearing and blockage by sediments, and are difficult to maintain as they are applied underground.

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7.0 Prices and Costs

The prices of geotextiles vary according to type, strength, carbon content, and other factors.

Woven Geotextiles

Based on biaxial strength,

Machine and Cross direction: 50x50 – Php 31 per sq.m.

Machine and Cross direction: 200x200 – Php 99 per sq.m.

Non-woven Geotextiles

Based on biaxial strength,

Machine Direction: 18 kN/m

Cross Direction: 11kN/m

Php 30 per sq.m.

Machine and Cross Direction – 200x200

Black-coated

P200 per sq.m.

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8.0 References

Dhandania, V. & Rao, A. (2014). Knitted geotextiles: from types to applications. The Indian
Textile Journal. Retrieved from
http://www.indiantextilejournal.com/articles/FAdetails.asp?id=5901

Functions of Geotextiles in Civil Engineering. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2012/12/functions-of-geotextiles-in-civil.html

Geotextile installation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.erosionpollution.com/geotextile-

installation.html

Geotextiles: the argument for and against. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.cardigansand.co.uk/pages/geotextiles-the-argument-for-and-against

Huber, M. (2016, October 11). The 4 types of geotextiles explained. Retrieved from
https://blog.alliancegator.com/the-4-types-of-geotextiles-explained

Material safety data sheet: Geotextile.TS. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.sodamco-

weber.com/uploads/tx_weberproductpage/MSDS-%20GEOTEXTILE%20TS-W.pdf

Rodriguez, J. (2018, May 2). Learn the types and advantages of using geotextiles. (2018).
Retrieved from https://www.thebalancesmb.com/geotextiles-types-and-advantages-of-
using-geotextiles-844579

Type of geotextile. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2012/12/types-of-

geotextile-geotextile-of-woven.html

What are the 5 main functions of geotextiles?. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.belgianfibers.com/industries/geotextiles-industry/faq/what-are-the-5-main-
functions-of-geotextiles