The control of soil is an important part of landscaping. Whether in slopes held back by retaining walls or as a base for other structures, soil control allows builders to obtain more usable space. Normally, this requires careful planning to achieve the desired stabilization. One of the ways this is achieved is through the use of Geosynthetics.
Geosynthetics are generally polymers that have been formed in a variety of formats designed to cover an area. Most accomplish some form of soil containment, although they can also be used to separate soil from things (such as stone), provide drainage or filtration, and/or stabilize an area. Geosynthetics are frequently used in conjunction with roadbeds, railways, Retaining Walls, and dams. They are also used for agricultural purposes - particularly for erosion control.
History going back thousands of years (to the Romans and Egyptians) shows examples of the utilization of foreign materials to promote soil stabilization during construction projects. The ancient peoples had only natural substances to rely on, however, while modern builders can take advantage of modern materials, which are much more resistant to breaking down due to soil conditions or insect activity. Indeed, geosynthetics, properly created and employed, will last hundreds of years, or longer.
Geotextiles are a typical geosynthetic. They are indeed textiles insofar as they are created by weaving threads into a sheet. While some natural fibres are still in use today where appropriate (particularly the husk of the coconut), synthetic fibres are normally called for when stabilization is required. Geotextiles may or may not be permeable. They are a good choice for loose soil conditions and are often used to help prevent erosion.
Geogrids are geosynthetics that are more open and more rigid than geotextiles. Geogrids can resemble cages with their larger openings and regular spacing. Geogrids are strong and lend this strength to the earth in which they are embedded. Geogrids are frequently used in conjunction with retaining walls. Meanwhile, geonets resemble geogrids in their wider spacing; however, they are not rigid, allowing them to conform to the soil - which adds stability and allows for maximum drainage.
Geomembranes are a type of geosynthetic that is non-permeable. They are normally sheets of polymer, relatively thin, that completely separate soil from something else. Geomembranes are effective liquid and gas barriers. This is ideal for use in such areas as landfills, where it is not desired for there to be runoff from the contamination.
Geosynthetics are in wide use in all sorts of engineering applications. When properly constructed and installed, they can add tremendous stability to soil, as well as other advantages. Geosynthetics are so important in modern construction that many universities offer courses specifically about them.
Geosynthetics are generally polymers that have been formed in a variety of formats designed to cover an area. Most accomplish some form of soil containment, although they can also be used to separate soil from things (such as stone), provide drainage or filtration, and/or stabilize an area. Geosynthetics are frequently used in conjunction with roadbeds, railways, Retaining Walls, and dams. They are also used for agricultural purposes - particularly for erosion control.
History going back thousands of years (to the Romans and Egyptians) shows examples of the utilization of foreign materials to promote soil stabilization during construction projects. The ancient peoples had only natural substances to rely on, however, while modern builders can take advantage of modern materials, which are much more resistant to breaking down due to soil conditions or insect activity. Indeed, geosynthetics, properly created and employed, will last hundreds of years, or longer.
Geotextiles are a typical geosynthetic. They are indeed textiles insofar as they are created by weaving threads into a sheet. While some natural fibres are still in use today where appropriate (particularly the husk of the coconut), synthetic fibres are normally called for when stabilization is required. Geotextiles may or may not be permeable. They are a good choice for loose soil conditions and are often used to help prevent erosion.
Geogrids are geosynthetics that are more open and more rigid than geotextiles. Geogrids can resemble cages with their larger openings and regular spacing. Geogrids are strong and lend this strength to the earth in which they are embedded. Geogrids are frequently used in conjunction with retaining walls. Meanwhile, geonets resemble geogrids in their wider spacing; however, they are not rigid, allowing them to conform to the soil - which adds stability and allows for maximum drainage.
Geomembranes are a type of geosynthetic that is non-permeable. They are normally sheets of polymer, relatively thin, that completely separate soil from something else. Geomembranes are effective liquid and gas barriers. This is ideal for use in such areas as landfills, where it is not desired for there to be runoff from the contamination.
Geosynthetics are in wide use in all sorts of engineering applications. When properly constructed and installed, they can add tremendous stability to soil, as well as other advantages. Geosynthetics are so important in modern construction that many universities offer courses specifically about them.
About the Author:
Adam Prince is an unaffiliated online writer who has specialized in the construction field and related issues. He has a particular interest in the various types of Geosynthetics, as well as more traditional techniques such as Retaining Walls.
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