ABSTRACT
Geotextiles have been successfully applied in road works, performing several functions in granular layers. Geotextile structure and their hydrophobic/hydrophilic characteristics are of great relevance. The resistance of dry geotextiles to penetration by water, WPR, is one of the parameters employed to evaluate the hydraulic behavior of geotextiles in unsaturated media. The papers discuss the influence of additives used in the manufacturing process and the soil/geotextile interface in the resistance to water penetration by experimental tests. The tests conducted in this study indicate that products presenting hydrophilic behavior in virgin samples can show a hydrophobic behavior after light washing. The tests on the sample with an initial water penetration resistance indicate an increase of up to 373% after washing. The evaluation of the soil influence indicates that the phenomenon is also present in this condition, but the rate of water pressure increase affects the WPR.
