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Module 7:Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Lecture 19:Basic functions of Geotextiles and Geomembranes
The Lecture Contains:

Geotextiles And Geomembrane

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Module 7:Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Lecture 19:Basic functions of Geotextiles and Geomembranes
GEOTEXTILES AND GEOMEMBRANES

BASIC FUNCTIONS

Drainage
Filtration
Separation
Reinforcement

Drainage:
Collecting and redirecting seepage water within a soil mass or adjacent to retaining walls culverts and
tunnel linings .
Ex - Non-woven fabrics or composits have sufficient inflow capacity to fulfill this function.
Geotextiles acts as a filter if it allows seepage from a water bearing layer while preventing most soil
particles from being carried away by the water flow.
Separation
It is achieved if the fabric prevents mixing of adjacent dissimilar soils which may occur during
construction or may be caused by repeated external loading of a soil layer system Most fabrics can act as
separators provided they have adequate strength.
Reinforcement
Means the inclusion of the fabric to provide tensile strength, redistribution of stresses and / or
confinement, thereby increasing the stability of a soil mass, reducing earth pressures, or decreasing
deformation or susceptibility to cracking.

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Module 7:Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Lecture 19:Basic functions of Geotextiles and Geomembranes
Geotextiles and Geomembranes
Fabrics are used to provide containment if they are used to form soil or concrete filled bags, tubes, or
mattresses.
Fabrics are used to act as a tensioned membrane if it supports loads across a gap or plastic zone of soft
soil
Fabrics may be required to provide cushioning against localized stresses which may cause puncturing or
abrasion
If placed on the surface of a slope the geotextile may prevent erosion and dispersion of soil due to wind,
surface runoff or wave action.

The function of fabrics in major area of application

Major functions
Most important properties
in order of
SpecialConsideration
priority
Separation,
Pore size ,permeability
Primary roads
drainage,
Repeated loading
strength ,elongation .
and rail roads
Reinforcement

Application

Retaining walls ,
Embankment,
and foundations

Reinforcement
Creep
Separation
Reinforcement

Unpaved roads

Strength
Repeated loading

Separation
Erosion
protection
Seepage

Strength
Soil fabric friction

Elongation

Filtration
Drainage
Reinforcement

Rapid change in water

level

Pore site
Permeability strength abrasion

control
Drainage
Soil drainage

Clogging
Filtration

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Pore size

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Module 7:Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Lecture 19:Basic functions of Geotextiles and Geomembranes
Geotextiles and Geomembranes

Figure 19.1
Stress- strain modulus = slope of stress strain curve
Initial tangent modulus
Offset tangent modulus
Secant modulus at particular strain

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