Whether you are trying to build a logging road and wish to make sure the fountain is secure or you are protecting your steep hillsides from erosion, the uses of geotextiles can be endless. These versatile fabrics are designed to help protect the soil.
The main types of these wonderful fabrics are needle punched, heat bonded and woven. Each fabric has its strengths to add to different projects. Some are created to allow drainage while others are created to prevent erosion long enough for plant life to return to a damaged area.
For projects such as reinforcing logging roads or placing under pavement, the fabric works to keep different layer of materials separate. By performing this task, the stability of the road is increased because the weight of vehicles and equipment does not cause the layers to intermix. This helps prevent ruts in the road and breakage in the pavement. This fabric is also helpful in this way in the foundation of railroads.
Another use for the fabrics is to contain plant growth. Some fabrics can prevent tree roots from growing into areas where they can cause damage to sidewalks and building foundations.
Erosion control blankets can be used to contain areas of landscape which may be in danger of washing out. They can also help rebuild areas which have already had erosion damage by allow the plant life a place to take root again. Once the roots are firm, the fabric soon degrades into the soil.
Landfills are another place which can benefit from these designs. By allowing drainage but also creating containment, the fabrics allow water and gases to escape from the pits. They can also be used along drainage ditches to keep the soil in place during heavy run off.
Lack of drainage along structures such as retaining walls can cause erosion as the water moves along the top of the wall. By using fabric along with a drainage core when the wall is built, you give the water a place to safely move. The water moves down the drainage core and the fabric protects the soil from further erosion.
The uses of geotextiles are boundless. Depending on the projects you need to do, you can find a fabric which will serve you well. Some fabrics will serve you for many years or can degrade within a year or so as you need
