When purchasing Geotextiles, it is important to consider factors such as the area of application, the technical properties required, and the durability of the material. Geotextiles come in different types, each with specific characteristics for separation, filtration, drainage, reinforcement or protection. For the right choice, pay attention to properties such as tensile strength, permeability and UV resistance, while also considering the specific requirements of your project and applicable certifications.

What is geotextile and why is it important for your project?

Geotextile is a permeable material used in civil engineering for various technical functions. It consists of synthetic or natural fibers and comes in various forms: woven, non-woven and geogrids. The essential function of geotextiles is to improve the performance and longevity of civil and infrastructure projects.

Geotextiles perform several crucial functions in infrastructure projects:

• Separation: keeps different soil layers separate, preventing mixing
• Filtration: allows water to pass through while blocking soil particles
• Drainage: facilitates the drainage of water into the soil
• Reinforcement: increases the stability and bearing capacity of the soil
• Protection: prevents damage to other materials such as waterproof films

In modern civil engineering, geotextiles have become indispensable. It not only improves the structural integrity of projects, but also contributes to a longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

What properties should you evaluate when choosing geotextiles?

When selecting geotextiles, there are several technical properties you need to assess to make the right choice. Tensile strength is one of the most important properties - it determines how much load the material can withstand without tearing.

In addition to tensile strength, these properties are also important:

• Permeability: the extent to which water can flow through the material
• UV resistance: resistance to degradation by sunlight
• Chemical resistance: resistance to soil chemicals
• Durability and longevity: how long the material can perform its function
• Elongation at break: elasticity of the material under load
• Tear resistance: resistance to further cracking after initial damage

The hydraulic properties of geotextiles, as with Non Woven materials, can encourage the build-up of a natural soil filter, providing long-term filtration stability. Also note the uniformity of tensile strengths in different directions - some applications require equal strength in all directions.

How do you determine which type of geotextile is right for your specific application?

The choice of the right type of geotextile is directly related to the specific application and the function it must perform. For each application area within the GWW sector, there is an optimal type of geotextile that delivers the best results.

For road construction, strong woven geotextiles are often the best choice because of their high tensile strength and ability to keep different soil layers separated under heavy loads. For hydraulic engineering projects, non-woven geotextiles with good filter properties are often ideal.

The following guidelines apply to various applications:

• Road construction: woven geotextiles with high tensile strength
• Hydraulic engineering: non-woven geotextile with good filter properties
• Erosion control: natural or biobased geotextiles, such as anti-erosion fiber mats
• Drainage systems: non-woven geotextile with high permeability
• Ground reinforcement: geogrids with high reinforcement capacity

Also consider the duration of the project. For temporary applications, biodegradable materials may be ideal, while permanent infrastructure requires long-term stability.

What are the differences between woven and non-woven geotextiles?

Woven and non-woven geotextiles differ substantially in their method of production, structure and therefore their suitability for different applications. Woven geotextiles are made by systematically crossing threads, resulting in a regular pattern with high tensile strength in specific directions.

Nonwoven geotextiles are produced by randomly orienting fibers and then joining them mechanically, thermally or chemically. This gives a more homogeneous structure with uniform properties in all directions.

Nonwoven geotextiles such as Non Woven NW16 can provide water permeability up to 85 l/m²s, while still maintaining strong uniform tensile strengths in all directions. This makes it particularly suitable for filtration and drainage applications.

What sustainable alternatives are available to traditional geotextiles?

The GWW sector is increasingly striving for sustainable solutions, and geotextiles are no exception. There are now biobased alternatives that can reduce the ecological footprint of infrastructure projects without sacrificing functionality.

Some innovative sustainable alternatives include:

• 100% biobased fiber mats made from regrowable raw materials such as coir, jute, straw and hemp
• PLA (polylactic acid) geotextiles, completely biobased without the use of conventional plastics
• Soil degradable and industrially compostable materials that leave no residue

These natural materials are mainly used in erosion control, such as embankment construction, temporary reinforcement of road pavements and temporary separation and drainage. They can be adapted to various applications such as bank protection, river and coastal defense.

Biobased alternatives offer many practical advantages: they can provide cost savings on labor, raw materials and maintenance. In addition, you save disposal costs because these materials can be safely left as a responsible basis for compost.

How to ensure correct installation and maximum effectiveness of geotextiles?

Proper installation is essential to achieving the intended functionality and service life of geotextiles. The installation method must be carefully tailored to both the type of geotextile and the specific application.

Important considerations for proper installation include:

• Ensure a flat, obstacle-free surface before applying the geotextile
• Make sure there is sufficient overlap between jobs (usually 30-50 cm, depending on the application)
• Avoid folds and wrinkles that can reduce functionality
• Protect the material from UV radiation if exposed for an extended period of time before covering
• Follow the laying direction specified by the manufacturer
• Prevent damage during application of overhead materials

Common mistakes include insufficient overlap, improper attachment and leaving the material unprotected for too long. By taking these aspects into account, you ensure optimal performance and longevity of the geotextile in your project.

What do you need to know about certification and quality standards in geotextiles?

Certifications and quality standards provide reliable guidance when selecting suitable Geotextiles. In the Netherlands and Europe, Geotextiles are assessed according to CE marking and harmonized European standards (EN), which establish minimum performance requirements.

The most important certifications and standards are:

• CE marking: mandatory for all geotextiles on the European market
• EN 13249-13257: specific product standards for different applications
• ISO 9001: manufacturer's quality management system
• KOMO seal of approval: specific to the Netherlands

In addition, geotextiles are tested for specific properties according to standardized test methods. These include tests for tensile strength (EN ISO 10319), puncture strength (EN ISO 12236) and water permeability (EN ISO 11058).

Checking these certifications upon purchase ensures that the geotextile meets the required performance requirements for your specific application and prevents quality problems during and after project implementation.

What are the key insights when purchasing geotextiles?

When purchasing geotextiles, making the right trade-off between technical requirements, scope and durability is critical to the success of your project. Look beyond the purchase cost and consider the total life cycle.

In summary, the main concerns are:

• Determine the primary function of the geotextile in your project (separation, filtration, reinforcement, etc.)
• Select the appropriate type based on the required technical properties
• Consider sustainable alternatives whenever possible
• Check relevant certifications and quality standards
• Ensure correct installation according to guidelines
• Match your choice to the expected life of the project

In complex applications or projects, consulting a geotechnical specialist can make all the difference. We at TEFAB like to act as a knowledge partner and think with you about the most suitable and sustainable solution for your specific application. With more than 30 years of experience in geotechnical materials and a focus on innovative, sustainable solutions, we are happy to help you make the right choice.

Curious about what we can do? Contact us at +31 (0)162 455 515 or sales@tefab.nl