ABSTRACT

Geotextiles are the largest group of geosynthetics in terms of volume. They are used in geotechnical engineering, heavy construction, building and pavement construction, hydrogeology, and environmental engineering. Geotextiles are designed for one or more of the following functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and protection. The most important factors in manufacturing of geotextiles are polymer-type, fiber-type, fabric design and type of bonding. Nonwoven manufacturing of geotextiles includes fiber production, fiber preparation, web formation, web bonding, and finishing. The needlepunched non-woven geotextiles are relatively thick. Special fabrics such as webbings, mats and nets are generally coarser than classical geotextiles. Numerous geotextile fabric and fiber properties are critical for the performance of geotextiles in the field. All the properties of geotextiles fall under three major categories: intrinsic properties, such as physical and mechanical properties that are called properties of a geotextile in isolation; geotextile properties that influence soil-geotextile interaction; and endurance properties. Geotextile tests can be two types: index tests and performance tests.