What Are Geo-Textiles?

Geo-Textiles can be defined as “a fabric or synthetic material placed between the soil and a pipe, gabion or retaining wall; to enhance water movement and retard soil movement and act as a blanket to add reinforcement and separation.” These are generally made up of woven, nonwovens and knitted type of fabrics. Geo-Textiles also known as Industrial Textiles, High Performance Textiles, Engineered Textiles, Technical Textiles and Industrial Fabrics are specially designed and engineered structures that are generally used in processes /services of non textile industries. They are materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties rather than for aesthetic and decorative characteristics.

These are generally made up of woven, non-wovens and knitted type of fabrics. Geo-Textiles are the largest group of geo-synthetics in terms of volume and are used in geo-technical engineering, heavy construction, building and pavement construction, hydro-geology, environment engineering. Technical Textiles is the fastest growing branch of textile industries worldwide with bright prospects. The total global sale of Technical Textiles in 1995 was US$42 bn. It is estimated to be US$72 bn in 2005 and is expected to reach US$126 bn by 2010. Asia is the chief producer and consumer of Technical Textiles.

Uses of different types of Geo-Textiles are as follows:

Woven geo-textiles concrete bases used for coastal works, water ways, embankments and in forming geocell for road

Nonwoven geo-textiles used for Filtration, drainage, reinforcement between soil stone or aggregate and in roads, railways works, erosion prevention and separation. As filter fabric for dams, under drainage system liners for pile foundation, coated pvc and bitumen s to skin traction

Knitted geo-textiles used Knitted bags for protection of dam’s riverbank etc. Warp knitted fabric of Kevlar yarns used in automobile and marine application.

It is also used with foundations, soil, rock, earth or any other related material as an integral part of human man made project, structure or system.