Have you ever seen a road that hasn’t been built for long, but has already started to deteriorate? The asphalt is cracked, there are potholes, or even the road is sinking. These problems often occur because the soil conditions underneath are unstable. Well, one solution that is often used is non-woven geotextile. This material is not visible because it is below the surface, but its role is very important to make the road stronger and more durable.
What is Non Woven Geotextile?
Non woven geotextile is a synthetic fabric made from polypropylene or polyester fibers, without a weaving process. It looks similar to felt or thin carpet, but is stronger and more durable. Compared to woven geotextile, which has a woven pattern, non woven is more flexible and is more widely used for soil stabilization and drainage.
Why is non woven geotextile used for road construction?
In road construction, non woven geotextile has several important functions. First, it acts as a separator between the subgrade and the aggregate layer above it. Without this separation, the soft soil below can mix with the aggregate, causing the road to deteriorate quickly. In addition, geotextile also acts as a filter that allows water to pass through without carrying soil particles, thus reducing the risk of erosion and keeping the soil stable. Another function is to aid drainage, ensuring that water doesn’t get trapped underneath the road and cause it to sink or crack.
Mechanism of Non Woven Geotextile
Although its function has been mentioned, there may still be those who are curious about how geotextile actually works technically.
Pore Structure and Filtration
Non woven geotextile has an irregular fiber structure, but remains tight enough to filter soil particles. It is made using a needle-punched technique that creates micro pores that allow water to pass through but retain larger soil particles. This is important to keep the soil stable and avoid mixing of materials that could cause the road to deteriorate quickly.
Drainage and Effect on Soil Moisture
When it rains, the soil beneath the road can absorb water which is then trapped if there is no proper drainage system. Non-woven geotextile allows water to pass through the soil layer without carrying fine materials that can cause erosion. With this material, soil moisture is kept under control and the road does not easily collapse due to unstable soil movement caused by water.
Interaction with Vehicle Loads
Every time a vehicle passes over the road, there is a huge pressure exerted on the surface. If the soil underneath is unstable, the road may undulate or even crack. Non woven geotextile helps distribute vehicle loads more evenly, reducing the direct pressure to one point and spreading it over a larger area. This increases the bearing capacity of the soil and extends the life of the road.
Examples of Non Woven Geotextile Usage
Many road projects in areas where the soil is soft or often waterlogged use non-woven geotextile. For example, in swampy or coastal areas, without this material, roads can quickly sink into the soft soil. In mountainous areas, geotextiles also help prevent landslides by ensuring rainwater is properly absorbed without eroding the soil below.
Specifications of Good Non Woven Geotextile
If you want to use non woven geotextile for road projects, there are a few things to consider. One of them is its gramation or weight, which usually ranges from 150-600 GSM, depending on the needs of the project. The thicker it is, the stronger the durability. In addition, tensile strength is also important because it determines how well the geotextile can withstand loads from vehicles on it. Permeability must also be good enough to allow water to flow through without washing away the soil underneath.
The Right Way to Install
Non-woven geotextile installation must be done correctly so that the results are maximized. First, the ground surface must be leveled and cleaned of stones or sharp objects so that the geotextile is not easily torn. After that, the geotextile is spread with overlapping joints of at least 30 cm. For projects with high loads, the joints can be sewn to make them stronger. After that, the geotextile is covered with a layer of aggregate such as sand or gravel, and then compacted with heavy equipment to keep it stable.
Comparison with Other Alternatives
There are other ways to stabilize soil, such as using limestone or cement, but these methods are more expensive and less flexible. Compared to woven geotextile, non-woven is better for filtration and drainage, but if higher soil reinforcement is required, woven may be a better choice. So, the selection depends on the project conditions.
Is Non Woven Geotextile Environmentally Friendly?
There are some types of geotextile that are made from recycled materials, so they are more environmentally friendly. In addition, because they make roads more durable, they also help to reduce frequent repairs, which means less heavy equipment use and carbon emissions from construction projects.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Geotextile Filter Fabric for Your Project
Conclusion
Non-woven geotextile may not be visible on the surface, but it plays a huge role in making roads more durable and less prone to damage. With the right selection of specifications and proper installation, roads can be more durable, more stable, and more cost-effective. So, if you have a road project that needs an effective solution, this material is worth considering.
For more information about Geotextile Non Woven please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +628111721338 (Ms. Ais) or Email :info@urbanplastic.id