Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it Geotextile Geotextiles are permeable fabrics which, when used in association

with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain. Typically made from polypropylene or polyester, geotextile fabrics come in three basic forms: woven (looks like mail bag sacking), needle punched (looks like felt), or heat bonded (looks like ironed felt).

Examples of geotextiles. Geotextile composites have been introduced and products such as geogrids and meshes have been developed. Overall, these materials are referred to as geosynthetics and each configuration-geonets, geogrids and others-can yield benefits in geotechnical and environmental engineering design Design considerations To use geotextiles to reinforce a steep slope, two components have to be calculated: the tension required for equilibrium the appropriate layout of the geotextile reinforcement. Woven Geotextiles Several yarn types are used in varying weaving patterns for geotextiles fabrics. A multifilament yarn consists of many fine continuous filaments that are held together by twisting or intermingling the strands. A monofilament is a single strand. A slit film yarn is a flat, tape-like strand produced by slitting an extruded polymeric film. Fibrillated tapes are made by splitting and twisting extruded films. Geotechnical fabric for soil, embankment and roadway stabilization and separation. This geotechnical fabric is woven from UV non-degradable polypropylene tapes and has been NTPEP tested and approved. AEF geotechnical fabric increases the life expectancy of permanent ad temporary roads, trails, paths, and driveways.

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it Properties Woven Geoxtextiles are from high UV, non-biodegradable polypropylene tapes. Resistant to sun, soil chemicals, mildew and insects. Speeds construction, reducing overall costs. Increases life of paved and unpaved areas. Suitable for use with riprap. Nonwoven Geotextile Nonwoven fabrics are produced by fiber formation and results in either a continuous filament or a staple fiber. Fibers are then bonded by needle punching, heated calender or other processes or combinations. 100% staple polyester and polypropylene needle-punched filter fabric / geotextiles designed for multi-purpose engineered use. Non woven geotextiles / filter fabric provide tensile reinforcement, filtration, and separation for roads, roofs, railroads, ponds, dams, trenches, landfills and many other civil engineering and construction uses. Filter fabric / non woven geotextiles are resistant to tears, soil chemicals, puncture, ultra violet light exposure, and are virtually unaffected by hydrocarbons, mildew, rot and freeze-thaw. Applications

A silt fence on a construction site. Geotextiles and related products have many applications and currently support many civil engineering applications including roads, airfields, railroads, embankments, retaining structures, reservoirs, canals, dams, bank protection, coastal engineering and construction site silt fences. Usually geotextiles are placed at the tension surface to strengthen the soil. Geotextiles are also used for sand dune armoring to protect upland coastal property from storm surge, wave action and flooding. A large sand-filled container (SFC) within the dune system prevents storm erosion from proceeding beyond the SFC. Using a sloped unit rather than a single tube eliminates damaging scour. Erosion control manuals comment on the effectiveness of sloped, stepped shapes in mitigating shoreline erosion damage from storms. Geotextile sand-filled units provide a "soft" armoring
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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it solution for upland property protection. Geotextiles are used as matting to stabilize flow in stream channels and swales. Geotextiles can improve soil strength at a lower cost than conventional soil nailing. In addition, geotextiles allow planting on steep slopes, further securing the slope. Geotextiles have been used to protect the fossil hominid footprints of Laetoli in Tanzania from erosion, rain, and tree roots. In building demolition, geotextile fabrics in combination with steel wire fencing can contain explosive debris. Coir (coconut fiber) geotextiles are a popular solution for erosion control, slope stabilization and bioengineering, due to the fabric's substantial mechanical strength. Coir geotextiles last approximately 3 to 5 years depending on the fabric weight. The product degrades into humus, enriching the soil. Geotextile Applications Green Roofs Geotextiles play an important role in building green roofs. The modern green roof concept was developed in Germany over 50 years ago. Many European cities have been mandating green roofs for over 30 years. However, they date back considerably further: The Vikings used turf roofs centuries ago. But, green roofs are a relatively new phenomenon in the U.S. The first Green Roof for Healthy Cities (CRHC) conference took place in Chicago in 2003. Its linear roof garden offers a sophisticated planting and drainage plan that is beautiful, useful and green! Centuries Old Concept Increasingly Popular Absorbs Storm Water Insulates Reduces Noise A Garden on Your Roof! Last 3 Times Longer Earn LEED credits! Green Roofs Green roofs are simply gardens on your roof. They can be a simple layer of turf or a complicated and beautiful hanging garden. But green roofs are more than just beautiful. They absorb storm water and heat, reduce noise pollution and add an extra layer of insulation to buildings. In fact,
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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it they can cut cooling costs in half. However, many building codes require an insulation layer such as polystyrene. And while green roofs may cost as much as twice that of a conventional roof, studies show they last three times longer. And many green roofs are part of the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system and therefore can help earn LEED credits Four basic components to a green roof system: 1. Waterproofing This is the most important component of a green roof, or any roof for that matter. The waterproofing membrane must be completely leak-free. In the geosynthetic industry, geomembranes are known to have a few leaks per acre installed. The roofing industry uses 3 types of membranes: thermo set, thermoplastic and modified bitumen. This type of waterproofing may consist of a single-ply sheet membrane, or a system consisting of multiple layers. Liquid applied membranes, including polyurethane and polymeric materials, can reduce labor costs, reduce mechanical transitions and result in an excellent seal because the material easily spreads in difficult to reach areas and around structures such as HVAC and roof-top lighting. 2. Root Barrier Membranes that are not root-resistant, such as bituminous-based membranes, require a root barrier. These root barriers are typically thermoplastic sheets laid on top of the finished waterproofing or a liquid applied polyurethane imbedded into the surface. As such, thermoplastic membranes and many polyurethane spray on liners are inherently root resistant and do not require a root barrier. 3. Insulation Green roofs effectively absorb heat, cool roof surfaces and stabilize temps at the freezing point. But this is a seasonal phenomenon and thus varies. They offer minimal thermal insulation. As such, many building codes require an insulation layer such as polystyrene for installation above the waterproofing membrane and polyisocyanurate under the membrane. 4. Water Management A green roof system must provide water drainage, filtration, retention and aeration. A geonet is one way of achieving good drainage and aeration. A lightweight nonwoven geotextile provides the filtration element. Geonets can be purchased with a nonwoven geotextile bonded to them.

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it Stabilizing a Green Roof For roof slopes exceeding a few degrees, a reinforcement material may be required to prevent downward sliding. Cellular confinement such as US Fabric's Envirogrid offers flexibility in achieving this goal. Next time you are at the new Washington Nationals Park, check out the batter's eye in center field. Envirogrid is reinforcing the vegetation in this unique architectural feature! J-Drain Green roof (GRS) In addition to most of the individual components of a green roof system, US Fabrics offers JDrain GRS for your green roof drainage application. GRS is an "all-in-one" green roof product. J-DRain GRS is a pre-assembled drainage composite consisting of a high-strength dimpled core with a layer of geotextile filter fabric/protection media attached top and bottom. The dimples in the core create chambers that store some of the excess rainwater while allowing most to pass through into the roof's collection system. The top geotextile filter fabric allows excess water to pass, while holding the planting media in place as a root barrier. The bottom layer of geotextile fabric acts as a protection media for the roofing membrane. Animal Waste Remediation Eutrophication and Animal Waste Eutrophication is the over fertilization of lakes with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphates and the often negative effects. Excess nitrogen and phosphates can enter waterways from agricultural animal waste or from wastewater treatment plants. In particular, corporate farming results in large amounts of animal waste that must be remediated. If too much phosphate is present in the water, the algae will grow rapidly (algal blooms). This can choke the waterway, diminish water quality and use up large amounts of oxygen, resulting in the death of fish and other important aquatic organisms. The EPA, in response to lawsuits brought by environmental groups, has agreed to begin setting legal limits in some states on excess nutrients that trigger harmful algal blooms. Contact US Fabrics to learn more about the use of EcoTubes in dealing with the safe remediation and disposal of animal waste

Boat Cleaning and Repair For over a decade, a 7oz nonwoven geotextile has been utilized as a solution to the debris dislodged and discharged into the environment as a result of the cleaning and repair of boats at marinas. A nonwoven geotextile screens paint chips and debris such as nails and screws while

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it

still allowing water to pass through. In addition to a less polluted environment, this results in cleaner pads from which to enter a boat, less debris underfoot, fewer pedestrian falls and the reduction of punctured car and trailer tires. Over A Decade As A Solution Screens Paint Chips & Debris Reduces Pollution Cleaner, Safer Pads The Environmental Protection Agency reports on their website: During 1995, Port Annapolis Marina spent approximately $2,000 for filter cloth tarps that screen debris and solid waste from water under boats being repaired outdoors. That resulted in clear benefits of increased slip rentals, public recognition, cleaner grounds and water, and fewer flat tires. The marina saves an estimated $3,500 in cleanup costs annually. The cost of the filter cloth was recovered by selling it to each boat being repaired. Less an estimated $1,500 labor cost, Port Annapolis saved an estimated $2,000 by investing in these environmentally sound screen tarps. Clearly, the use of a 7 oz nonwoven geotextile not only results in significantly reduced suspended solids pollution and a much cleaner and safer marina, but realizes a net costs savings for the marina. It's a classic win-win situation! Please click on the link below for a data sheet on US 180NW, a 7oz nonwoven geotextile perfect for boat cleaning & repair. Municipal Waste Water & Water Treatment US Fabrics EcoTubes are an excellent solution for municipal waste water and water treatment operations. The volume of sludge at municipal sewage treatment facilities can result in digesters and lagoons operating inefficiently. Traditionally, removal of this sludge first requires the use of heavy equipment such as belt filter presses or centrifuges to dewater it. These techniques have many drawbacks including: high cost, bad odors, excessive noise, high energy usage, extensive maintenance and blinding and short-circuiting due to a lack of optimal flocculation.

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it

EcoTubes provide dewatering and containment in one solution as the sludge can be pumped directly from the digester or lagoon into the tube. These permeable geotextile tubes offer efficient dewatering while containing fine grained solids. EcoTubes can be used year-round with the solids safely stored onsite between uses. When full, the solids can be disposed of in a landfill or directly applied to the land. Driveway Fabrics

A geotextile driveway fabric placed between the sub-base and the gravel surface in a driveway has many benefits. Chief among them are reducing ruts and potholes, preventing "pumping" and reducing the need to replace the rock surface of your driveway every few years. It also offers benefits for your asphalt or concrete driveway by reducing cracking and prolonging life. Reduce Ruts & Potholes Prevent Pumping Save Aggregate Reduce Cracking of Asphalt Prolong Life US 200 is the geotextile that we recommend for the typical residential driveway. Some jobspecific conditions may require utilizing a heavier stabilization fabric. We are happy to discuss this with you. Use Wovens US 200 is a woven stabilization geotextile. Some companies promote a nonwoven for driveways. A nonwovens' primary function is as a filter fabric and not a stabilizer. Woven geotextiles provide the crucial stabilization/separation required, while still allowing plenty of water to pass.
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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it In addition, a nonwoven geotextile stretches much more than a woven geotextile, which makes a nonwoven geotextile a less appealing option for driveways. Permanent Erosion Control

A geotextile can help to mitigate the negative impact of soil erosion. Wind and water erosion can be absolutely devastating to property. Sometimes the erosion happens very quickly and catastrophically due to a major storm event such as a hurricane or tropical storm. More often, it develops slowly as the ocean's tide, the current of a river, or years of storm water runoff work with time to eat away at land and property with similarly devastating results. Mitigate Impact of Erosion Control Reduce Property Loss Standardized Specifications The choice comes down to controlling the soil erosion before it takes place or dealing with the aftermath. Since failing to address potential erosion areas in advance can lead to loss of property, time and money, the most effective approach is to stop the erosion before it starts. That's where Geotextile can be helpful. Most governmental agencies have methods and specifications developed for permanent erosion control. US Fabrics has a complete line of woven and nonwoven filtration geotextiles. Please click on the links below for a listing of US Fabrics' products that meet these specifications. Landscaping Landscaping fabric is an excellent addition to your gardening or landscaping project. In addition to choosing quality mulch, laying down a good foundation with a sturdy landscaping fabric will prevent soil erosion and greatly reduce weed growth. In particular, a spun bond geotextile is an excellent choice as landscape fabric due to its large fiber construction. A spun bond geotextile provides excellent durability and strength at lower weights. A good weight to choose is 3 oz/sy. Anything heavier will not result in a significant improvement in performance. Anything lighter will likely rip or tear.

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it

Spunbond geotextiles are also versatile. In addition to being an excellent landscape fabric, they work well as drainage fabric for wrapping pipe, separating the drainage medium in a retaining wall or wrapping the rock in a French drain or foundation drain. They are an excellent product for the homeowner to have on hand. While there is nothing difficult about installing landscape fabric in your gardens and planting areas, there are a few common mistakes of which to be mindful. Do not use plastic sheeting. Think about it: Soils need to breathe to support healthy plant life. Plastic sheeting prevents the soil from breathing. In addition, it also inhibits the passing of water and rainfall, creating an environment for nasty things like fungus, bacteria and mold. Make sure to overlap several inches in areas where two sheets meet. While these landscape fabrics are UV resistant, they do deteriorate when subjected to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Therefore, make sure the landscape fabric is completely covered with mulch and/or soil to prolong its life. Three to four inches is a good depth. Pins or staples are not required. A good landscape fabric will lay relatively flat with minimal wrinkles. Finally, make cuts for plantings only as large as is required for the planting to poke through. US Fabrics offers a 3 oz/sy spunbond landscape fabric for landscaping and drainage applications. Please click on the link below for more information on landscape fabric Applications Use of Geotechnical Fabric in Internal Reinforcement of Retaining Walls

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Application of Geotextile and Properties desired from it Steep Slope Reinforcement with Woven Geotextiles

Geotechnical

Fabric

used

for

Subgrade

Stabilization

Woven

Geotextiles

used

in

Reinforcing

Embankments

Over

Soft

Soils

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