What Are Geosynthetics? Types and Functions

Geosynthetics

What are geosynthetics? Geosynthetics are materials commonly used in construction projects. They reinforce and protect structures to make them more robust. They are not natural materials, but they are used with soil and rock. Geosynthetics are also commonly used to make roads more stable.

Geosynthetics are made from synthetic materials or polymers, and with innovative technology they have been developed to solve all kinds of soil-related problems in construction. In this article, we take a closer look at the types of geosynthetics and other related information.

Read: Geosynthetics: Types and Functions in Geotechnical Engineering

Functions and Types of Geosynthetics

Geosynthetics are commonly used as supporting materials in construction projects. This article explains several of their functions, as follows:

Geotextile

Separation

Geotextile geosynthetics act as a separator between different soils. The separator helps prevent poor soil from mixing with good-quality granular material.

Geotextile acts as a barrier against particle migration between two different soils. This technique is used in applications such as road pavements, clay covers, graded filters and landfills.

Erosion Prevention

Geosynthetics such as geotextile can be very effective in preventing erosion. These materials are part of reinforcement techniques that keep soil stable and strong, especially in the rainy season.

Geosynthetics have many benefits and uses in erosion prevention, which is why they are used in most construction projects. They also have features that allow them to perform important tasks within structures such as retaining walls, canals, foundations and more.

Geocomposite

Drainage

One cause of erosion is runoff that is not properly managed or channeled. When water is not effectively retained on both sides of a structure such as a dike, the water level can build up pore pressure. A geocomposite layer is enough to stop this pore pressure from increasing.

Geosynthetics allow adequate flow within a plane without soil loss. This creates a balance in the interaction between the soil and the geosynthetic material.

Read: Save Installation Time with Geocomposite

Retaining walls are found in dam, reservoir and canal projects, and geosynthetics are usually found in these structures because they play a key role in the drainage system.

Filtration

Water management problems come in many forms, erosion being one example. Erosion damage is quite difficult to repair, so to prevent it, a geocomposite geosynthetic, one of whose components is a clay layer, can be installed in hydraulic structures.

Geocell

Stabilization

Another function of geosynthetics is stabilization. In construction, geosynthetics are usually used as additional materials to improve the mechanical properties of the soil on which a structure will be built.

Geocell is a type of geosynthetic that stabilizes soil and increases its bearing capacity on construction projects. This technique is very important because the subgrade determines how smoothly the construction work proceeds.

Geomembrane

Waterproof Layer

Geomembrane is a geosynthetic material that works as a waterproof layer and has many other uses. In road construction, for example, because geomembrane is impermeable it protects the road body from weather damage such as rain. The advantage of this geosynthetic is that it can contain liquids and gases as well as soil particles.

This type of geosynthetic can also protect soil and water from contamination, as it offers a high level of impermeability. It is also suitable for agriculture, manufacturing facilities, mines and other potential sources of hazardous waste.

Protection

Geosynthetics are plastic products made from polymers that help conserve resources and protect the environment. They are also arguably the most energy-efficient and cost-effective way to build infrastructure. Geosynthetics are a good choice for environments such as landfills, because they prevent leachate from seeping into the ground.