Geotube: Functions, Installation and Fabrication
Geotube
A geotube, also called a geotextile tube, is a material resembling a large bag in the shape of a long tube. Woven from porous geotextile, geotubes are used in many civil projects, usually specifically for erosion control. Erosion control techniques with geotubes include building dikes, water retaining walls, reservoirs and stabilization. This article also covers geotube installation.
Installing geotubes along the shoreline is one way to protect a coastline that retreats as sea levels rise. Geotubes can also act as a seawall, for example to dewater a temporary construction area.
One reason geotubes must be strong and durable is that they have to hold the sand inside them. Geotubes must also be porous (permeable) so that water trapped inside can escape.
Dewatering is a geotube method used for a variety of needs and applications. With proper dewatering, sand can be consolidated at a designated location, and its volume can be controlled to increase the solids concentration. This is done by draining the water in the bag until it is almost completely dry.
Geotube Fabrication
The base material of a geotube is a polymer that is not UV resistant. Geotube structures must also be protected against abrasion and impacts from sharp materials such as stuck logs or other objects. Taking into account the conditions of each section where the geotube is installed, concrete mattresses are used as protection in sections at risk of impact, and geomembrane material is used in sections with little impact.
Geotube Installation
Concrete mattresses are a composite of two layers of geotextile that act as formwork, with concrete mortar as the fill material. Geomembrane is a waterproof material made of High Density Polyethylene polymer, with good resistance to chemicals and UV rays. The material is very flexible, so if local settlement occurs, it will not be damaged and will keep functioning well. Based on position and elevation, geotube installation is divided into several types.
The geotube is filled using a hopper, with the fill slurry flowing in under pump pressure and the effect of elevation. To provide high-pressure water output, a pump with a capacity of 300 m3/hour is used. The geotube material is then rolled out and pumped until the design height is reached. Figure 20 shows a typical construction with geomembrane protection, while the typical construction with
Geotube Functions
Geotubes can serve as erosion and abrasion prevention structures, and the material can also be used for waste treatment. In other countries, geotubes are also widely used to treat industrial wastewater.
The dewatering technique, commonly known as primary and secondary sludge dewatering of production waste, is best done with geotubes because installation is easy and they are very effective for waste handling.
Geotubes are already widely used in many industries, such as paper and cardboard mills, slaughterhouses, palm oil processing and more. Geotube types and quality do vary; PT. Petra Nusa Elshada is a supplier that provides the best quality geotubes. To order, please click the link below.
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Geotube
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