FABRINET: Geosynthetic Drainage That Replaces Gravel
Author: Evan Cornelius • 10 August 2026 • 2 Minute Read • Article
FABRINET drainage is based on an HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) core combined with geotextile, offering high flow efficiency, chemical resistance, and more practical installation.
What Is FABRINET Drainage?
- Definition: A drainage geosynthetic in the form of a geonet and geocomposite that conveys water or gas efficiently.
- Main material: HDPE (biplanar/triplanar core) + a polypropylene geotextile layer.
Functions:
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- Replaces thick gravel layers.
- Reduces hydrostatic pressure.
- Conveys leachate in landfills.
- Protects waterproofing membranes.
- Vents gas in soil capping systems.
FABRINET Product Variants
- FABRINET BP (Biplanar Core): Biplanar HDPE core + geotextile, efficient for foundations, basements, and landfills.
- FABRINET TP (Triplanar Core): Triplanar HDPE core with high flow capacity under heavy loads.
- FABRINET Megadrain: 3D polypropylene monofilament core, suitable for surface drainage (green roofs, landscaping).
- FABRINET Base Protect: A geocomposite that protects geomembranes from mechanical damage.
- FABRINET DC/DN: Biplanar HDPE core with various geotextile combinations for a range of civil applications.
FABRINET Drainage Applications
- Civil construction: Highways, bridges, basements, foundations.
- Environmental: Landfills (leachate & gas management), wastewater ponds.
- Buildings: Roof gardens, planter boxes, hall construction.
- Mining: Tailings pond systems (example: the Umm Wu’al Phosphate project in Saudi Arabia).
FABRINET Drainage vs Traditional Materials
| Aspect | FABRINET Drainage | Traditional Gravel/Sand | |
| Thickness | 5–25 mm (thin) | 150–300 mm (thick) | |
| Weight | Light, easy to install | Heavy, needs heavy equipment | |
| Flow efficiency | High (in-plane flow) | Medium, can clog | |
| Service life | Long, chemical resistant | Can erode or compact | |
| Transport cost | Low | High | |
| Membrane protection | Yes (Base Protect) | None |
Challenges & Important Notes
- Higher price per m² than gravel, but it saves space and long-term costs.
- Panels must be installed tightly so the flow is not interrupted.
- A final outlet drain is still needed at the bottom.
- The geotextile must be chosen correctly so it is not clogged by soil particles.
Conclusion
FABRINET Drainage is an efficient, lightweight, and durable geosynthetic solution for modern construction projects. It is well suited to Indonesia, with its high rainfall, especially for basements, foundations, roof gardens, landfills, and highways. Compared with traditional methods, FABRINET offers fast installation, space savings, membrane protection, and a long service life.
Get a free consultation and the best quote today. PT. Petra Nusa Elshada is ready to be the strategic partner for your construction project.
