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Geosynthetics are a broad class of materials such as polymers, geotubes, and geotextiles. Today, the role and importance of geosynthetics in the civil engineering process has increased as they can solve a wide range of problems with a smaller budget.
One of the popular applications of geosynthetics is to support weak foundations and act as a barrier to regular hazardous materials and waste. There are many other applications of geosynthetics in civil engineering. Read on to know all about them.
What are Geosynthetics?
The application of geotechnical technology to environmental problems falls under the umbrella of geoenvironmental engineering. Cleaning up contaminated sites, water resources engineering, wastewater treatment, handling and storing garbage, pollution control, rebuilding and protecting coastal areas, and flood control are some examples. In terms of application, geosynthetics play a greater role in the interaction with soil, rock, and numerous geotechnical materials. There are a variety of geosynthetics to choose from; they can be synthetic or natural. Geotubes and geotextiles are some of the many examples of geosynthetics.
Applications of Geosynthetics in Roads
Impermeable polymer sheets called geomembranes are used as solid and liquid waste containment barriers. Geogrids are rigid or flexible polymer sheets that resemble a grid. They have large gaps and are often used to reinforce waste piles and unstable soils. Geonets are rigid polymer sheets that resemble a net and have in-plane perforations. They are primarily used as drainage media for landfills. Bentonite layers incorporated between geotextiles and/or geomembranes and used as liquid and solid waste containment barriers are known as geosynthetic clay liners. Geotubes are polymer tubes with solid or perforated walls that are used to drain a range of liquids. The following geosynthetics types can be combined to create geocomposites, through which hybrid systems can be utilized to address soil, rock, waste, and liquids. Lightweight geofoam blocks can be used to fill gaps in specific construction projects.
Applications of Geosynthetics in Drainage Systems
Besides replacing traditional granular materials, geosynthetics can be used as drains and filters in civil and environmental activities. Geosynthetics are more convenient to use on site and are often more affordable when granular materials are unavailable, scarce, or their use is restricted by environmental regulations. Traditional graded granular materials are used for filtration and drainage in many civil engineering projects. There are many different sizes and shapes of aggregate drains. A common type of drain with aggregate fill is the French drain, which is a ditch filled with free-draining aggregate. The drainage requirements of traditional graded filter designs are difficult to meet. The conditions can be created quickly and economically using a geosynthetic drainage system with modern geotubes. It has a drain and a filter. Along the plane of the geosynthetics, water can flow unrestricted. In addition, geosynthetics hold soil particles in place while allowing water to pass through its plane. This is one of the most effective uses of geosynthetics.
Application of Geosynthetics in Slope Stabilization
Geotextiles have been successfully used on several occasions to maintain steep slopes in reclaimed soils and weathered rocks. As a tensile reinforcement and filter, geotextiles are used to stabilize slopes or embankments. Geotextiles are usually layered horizontally within the slope. It runs parallel to the slope and through areas where soil is likely to slide. The geotextile will reduce the pore water pressure of the slope during the rainy season and increase shear strength. In addition, as a filter, geotextiles can stop soil migration within a slope, also known as internal erosion. Soil along possible sliding areas or planes is reinforced with geotextiles. All of this increases the stability of the slope. This is one of the effective uses of geosynthetics. Many variables affect the choice of geotextiles in geotechnical engineering. One is that granular materials are used to build geotechnical structures; erosion, settlement, and earthquakes affect the continuity of granular soil layers, but geotextile layers do not. A two-dimensional flexible material called geotextile is also very suitable for geotechnical structures that are subject to various movements. Geotextiles can also be used on the surface of large geotechnical structures as a lining, protective layer, or layer interface. Contractors, designers, and owners choose to use geotextiles in geotechnical engineering for a variety of reasons. In summary, many problems faced in civil engineering can be solved by geosynthetics. This substance prevents erosion, shields or redirects water, and stabilizes soil and buildings. It can be made of a variety of substances, including rubber, plastic, and fiber. Geosynthetics are an important part of sustainable construction because they reduce environmental consequences and create a more livable environment for people.
