geotextiles

Soil-stabilizing synthetic sheets

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics used in civil engineering and construction projects involving soil.

Made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene or polyester, they separate, filter, reinforce, or drain when placed in contact with earth: The contractor laid geotextiles beneath the gravel driveway to prevent erosion.

Common in road construction, retaining walls, and erosion control.

properties

permeability

Ability to transmit fluids

elongation · thickness · weight

materials

polypropylene

Versatile thermoplastic resin

knitted · permeable · porous · UV-resistant · biodegradable · coir · jute · polymer · monofilament

applications

drainage

Liquid removal system

roadwork · landscaping · embankments · landfills

geosynthetics

gabions

Stone-filled wire enclosures

infrastructure

roads

Paved paths for vehicles

tunnels · embankments · dams · levees · foundations · airports · pipelines · culverts · canals · reservoirs

Opposites
material origin

geotextilesbare soil

Uncovered earth surface

native vegetation · grass · leaf litter · topsoil · plant roots

engineering intervention

geotextilesvirgin ground

Previously unworked earth

Family

geotextile

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G