Geocomposite
Geocomposites are combinations of two or more geosynthetic materials for civil engineering applications that perform multiple geosynthetic functions. Such composite materials may enhance technical properties of the soil or the geotechnical structure and minimize application costs.
Benefits of Geocomposite
Stabilisation
Where geocomposites are used to stabilise granular soils, this typically occurs via an interlocking mechanism. With geogrids, for example, the apertures between ribs allow aggregate to strike through and interlock, confining the aggregate material. Provided that the geogrid has strong junctions, and ribs that offer high stiffness at low strain, movement of the soil particles can be minimised, improving the mechanical behaviour of the soil. This mechanical stabilisation creates a composite layer that is stronger and more resistant to deformation.
Geogrid stabilisation is common in roadway foundations and in working platforms that will endure heavy loads, as it increases bearing capacity and reduces deformation under load.
Reinforcement
Geocomposite that have high stiffness and high strength, such as certain types of geogrids and some geotextiles, can improve the mechanical properties of a soil mass by adding a reinforcing element that provides increased strength and deformation resistance.
The use of geocomposite providing a reinforcement function enables engineers to build embankments on soft foundations and create earth slopes with steeper slope angles.
Drainage
The drainage function of geocomposite allows groundwater or other fluids, to be collected and pass through less permeable soils. Drainage geocomposite can be used to dissipate pore pressure below embankments, intercept groundwater in slopes or behind structures, and provide edge drainage to road pavements.
Drainage geocomposites are usually geocomposites, typically combining a geonet drainage core with one or more layers of geotextile. They are able to pass water (and other liquids or gas) through their structure to a collector or open space.
Good drainage is essential for roadways as water under the surface can lead to softening of subgrade soils and eventual loss of strength in the road structure. Therefore geocomposite can commonly be found in roads and railways, behind retaining walls, as well as below embankments where less permeable soils exist.
Erosion control
Erosion control is the practice of limiting damage to land due to the action of wind or water. Once the top layer of land is eroded, re-growth takes a long time, and this is where erosion control geocomposite come in to give nature a helping hand.
Erosion control geocomposite, typically, in the form of multi-layered mats, reduce soil erosion caused by impact of water droplets and surface runoff. They are rolled onto a surface and pegged in place. Some products combine synthetics with natural materials to provide enhanced moisture retention to encourage vegetation growth.
In areas where land is exposed to water flow or rainfall, erosion control geocomposites are ideal for protecting the top layer of soil, encouraging vegetation to grow and preventing soil loss in the future. This is particularly common around areas of water and embankment slopes.
Filtration
Soil particles, particularly finer particles, can be transported by water passing through soils. Filtration geocomposite, usually geotextiles, are designed to retain soil particles on the upstream side of the filter, while allowing water to pass freely through. Even fine soil particles can be retained due to the ‘bridging' effect of larger particles on the upstream side of the filter. Filtration is therefore most effective with one-directional water flow.
The filtration properties of geotextiles can be designed by varying the type and density of fibres, and the thickness and structure of the fabric. They are often combined with a drainage core in the form of a geocomposite. Suitably engineered products may be used to prevent soil migration into drainage aggregate layers or gravel filled drains, or for critical applications below riprap protection in river or coastal works.
Separation
To function as a separator, the geosynthetic must prevent soil with different particle size distributions from intermixing and causing the structural integrity to fail.
Separation is a required function in many applications, however it is vitally important to the layers of roads and pavements. Geotextile separators are routinely used below road and rail construction, in isolation or combined with a geogrid in the form of a geocomposite.
A geogrid can prevent expensive subbase material from punching into the soft subgrade. When a well-graded subbase is stabilised with a geogrid the geogrid/soil composite layer can prevent finer grained soil from migrating up into the subbase. When soil moisture levels are high, a geocomposite with geogrid and separator/filter properties may be used.
Barrier
Geocomposite can be used to provide a relatively impermeable barrier for the containment of fluids or gasses. There are several forms of barrier geosynthetic. Geomembranes manufactured from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or rubber, offer high impermeability. Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL's) are an alternative with a degree of self-healing capability.
Geosynthetic barriers are used for fluid containment in mining, industrial and agricultural applications. They are also used in conjunction with drainage composites in waste containment and landfill capping.
Protection
Geocomposite can perform a protection function by acting as a cushion to a sublayer. Non-woven geotextiles can be designed to protect geomembranes from puncture damage during placement of covering fill. Geonet type materials can be used to provide protection to coated pipelines during backfill operations.
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Geogrids
Geogrids consist of a regular open network of integrally connected, tensile elements (ribs), which may be linked by extrusion, bonding or interlacing. The apertures between the ribs are larger than the constituents. The ribs are made of polymeric materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, or other durable polymers. The manufacturing process may involve stretching of the polymer material to orient the molecular structure, increasing strength and stiffness of the ribs.
The stiff ribs and strong junctions of a geogrid enable a high degree of interaction between the geogrid and the surrounding soil. Soil particles are able to partially penetrate into the apertures and become restrained by the ribs or confined within the apertures. Geogrids are ideal for stabilisation or reinforcement of soils, with applications such as construction over weak soils, road foundations and earth retaining structures – as such, they are one of the most commonly used geosynthetics.
Geotextiles
Geotextiles are the largest group of geosynthetics, as well as one of the earliest types to be created. They are permeable fabrics that consist of synthetic fibres such as polyester or polypropylene, and can be created as either woven, knitted or non-woven textiles. The non-woven types are manufactured from directionally or randomly oriented fibres/filaments mechanically or thermally/chemically bonded together. They can vary in strength and weight, from lightweight filter products to high strength reinforcement materials.
This category of geosynthetic, when used in association with soil, can provide a wide variety of functions including separation, filtration, drainage, protection and reinforcement, Although most commonly used as a separator before construction of roads, or as filter/separators in drainage applications, they can be used across a range of applications in engineering projects.
Geocells
Geocells are three-dimensional geosynthetic products composed of ultrasonically welded polyethylene webs or geotextile strips, that expand into a honeycomb-like structure intended to be filled with soil, sand or gravel.
The cellular structure contains and stabilises the infill material, minimising soil movement. This allows geocells to have multi-functional uses, including soil erosion protection, and stabilisation.
Geonets
Geonets have extruded polymer strands in a parallel design to form a diamond shaped net structure. Sometimes geonets will be laminated with geotextiles to establish them as a ‘drainage composite'.
Geopipes
Geopipes are any polymeric pipes, either perforated or solid-wall, that facilitate the drainage of gases and liquids on construction projects. They are most commonly wrapped in a geotextile filter, to maintain their drainage capability.
There are a variety of situations in which geopipes can be applied, including leachate or gas collection in landfill applications.
Geofoam
Geofoam, also known as EPS (Expanded Polystyrene), is an incredibly lightweight durable material that's can be used in numerous applications as an alternative to soil backfill. Geofoam blocks are created via polymeric expansion of the polystyrene, which produces many gas-filled, closed cells throughout the block. This design is what makes them so low in density.
The low density of geofoam makes it very useful on engineering projects as a fill material over soft or compressible foundation soils. Used as a lightweight core for an embankment, it will reduce settlements and may make it possible to avoid staged construction.
Geomembranes
A geomembrane is an impermeable (or low-permeability) synthetic membrane. They're typically used as a barrier for liquids or gas, controlling the movement of fluids and providing containment on geotechnical engineering projects.
Geomembranes can be especially useful where there is the potential for leakage of hazardous contaminants as this geosynthetic offers chemical-resistant properties. Otherwise, they're generally used as liners in landfill, mining, or agricultural industries.
Geosynthetic clay liners
Geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) are built using two sheets of non-woven geotextile with a layer of sodium bentonite clay sandwiched between. The sheets are bonded together (using stitching or needle punching) to create structural integrity; they're then heat treated to secure the layers in place.
GCL's provide a faster more convenient alternative to traditional clay lining of containment ponds. These materials have an added advantage in that the sodium bentonite layer has swelling properties. As such, clay liners offer a degree of self-sealing that reduces leakage. GCL liners benefit many geotechnical applications, including waste treatment and landfill.
Geocomposites
Geocomposites combine of two or more of the geosynthetic types discussed above. Combining the features of each geosynthetic creates a product with more benefits than any individual product type, particularly useful in drainage and containment applications and some road foundation situations.
Application of Geocomposite
Roads, pavements & trafficked areas
Geocomposites are often applied in areas such as roadways, railways, airports and more.
For roads and runways, they're primarily useful in stabilising and separating unbound pavement layers. However, they can also be used to address issues with the underlying soil, or in providing side drainage.
Geogrids have been used to aid construction and enhance the performance of roads over soft ground since the 1970s. More recent advancements have led to their increased use to enhance the service life of paved roads, reducing whole life costs.
Rail trackbed improvement
Geocomposite can be applied to solve a variety of problems below rail track. Stabilisation geogrids are routinely used to increase the bearing capacity and stiffness of the trackbed over areas of weak soils. They can also be placed below the ballast layer to control lateral migration and deterioration of the ballast particles. Differential stiffness issues associated with transitions from rigid to flexible foundations can be addressed with geogrid stabilised transition zones.
Geotextile separators and drainage geocomposites are used to control moisture related problems, while highly specialised sand filled geotextile mats can replace sand filters below trackbed.
Earth retaining structures and steep slopes
Reinforcing geogrids and high strength geotextiles can be used to construct steepened slopes that have a reduced footprint compared to natural slopes. Geogrids are also used to construct reinforced soil walls and bridge abutments. These are quicker and cheaper to construct compared to concrete or piled retaining walls.
Embankment foundations
The construction of earth embankments over weak soils presents challenges that can be addressed by the use of geocomposite. Over-stressing of the foundation soil as construction proceeds can result in a deep rotational failure. The inclusion of geosynthetic reinforcement in the base of the embankment can maintain stability against this failure mechanism.
Drainage systems
Geocomposite are well established for use in drainage systems, for filtration, separation and water movement. Geocomposite drainage materials can replace aggregate filled ‘French drains' alongside roadways or as slope interceptor drains. They also provide drainage and pore pressure relief behind buried structures. Filter geotextiles are used to prevent contamination of perforated drainage pipes and drainage aggregate layers, while prefabricated vertical drains relieve pore pressure below embankments, accelerating construction.
Containment and landfill
New landfill sites can be lined with layered geosynthetic systems comprising geocomposite protection, drainage composites and impermeable barriers. Capping of landfill sites will utilise drainage composites and barriers for gas containment and venting. The mining industry uses impermeable membranes to line tailings lagoons, while geogrids and geocomposites may be used to stabilise lagoon capping after use.
How to Choose the Right Geocomposite for a Project
Identify the Main and Secondary Purposes
Start each soil reinforcement project by identifying all of the primary functions needed. This usually begins with extensive soil and site testing to determine the cohesion of soil particles, the absorption rate of water, and the amount of slope of each area. Once the challenges of the particular soil in question are identified, it's a simple matter of matching the needed functions to the materials that provide them. It's not enough to simply follow the minimum standards set by the state for construction or roadway applications. Always perform custom soil testing to determine what a particular site will need for containment, reinforcement, and other geocomposite functions. Most projects will include one to three main functions and up to three more secondary purposes, depending on the complexity and the number of layers of material being used.
Find a Matching Material
Even after picking the general categories of geocomposite, you'll need to narrow down your selections to specific materials. A geomembrane made from PVC won't perform as well or handle the same conditions as one made from RPE. The same fact is true for all geocomposite, making product selection a little more complicated than many project managers realize. Set aside at least a week or two for this process, since it begins with a full set of categories and takes multiple stages of selection. Rushing the process will result in geocomposite that don't quite meet the requirements of the project, creating further delays and expenses as you order replacements and rework the construction.
Focus in on Features and Characteristics
Don't expect to find the same features and characteristics listed for each geocomposite across the various categories. For example, permeability is rarely listed for widely woven geogrids and geonets since they're designed to let water through the material. In contrast, impermeable materials like geomembranes should definitely list this function for engineering purposes. Consider important secondary characteristics in addition to the primary functions. For example, a liner intended for use in a fish farming pond will need a high safety rating for food use. Chemical leaching from the wrong geomembrane liner could kill off expensive populations of fish, stunt their growth rate, or result in fish that are unsafe to each. Expand your considerations beyond the main five functions to settle on the right geocomposite for your installation.
Consider a Combination
You may obtain better results from your geocomposite by installing two or more on the same project. Some areas may need geogrids or geonet to stabilize steep slopes, that are then covered partially with geomembranes, to create a smooth transition into a ditch. Erosion control and bank stabilization, in particular, tend to require multiple types of geocomposite at the same time. Pond and containment area liners may require a geotextile underlayment to cushion the puncturing effects of uneven ground and sharp buried rocks. Geogrids can be installed under geomembranes and other liners to keep loose soil from shifting and settling unexpectedly as well.
Pair with the Right Fill and Cover
Geomembranes and geotextiles perform better, and last longer, when properly covered and hidden from the sun. The constant exposure to UV rays from the sun, when these materials are installed on the surface of the soil, accelerates the breakdown of the polymers. Most liners and stabilizers are designed for covered installation. If you need to install one of these materials in an exposed setting, make sure it's designed to withstand the UV rays.
Step 1: Prepare the installation area by removing trees, rocks, stumps and brush from the top layer of soil and vegetation from the subgrade materials. Weak pockets of soil should be replaced with granular fill. On hillsides, trenching (and anchoring practice) is recommended at the top of the slope. Call us for more instructtions, if needed.
Step 2: Grade and level the ground in the project area..
Step 3: Place the geocomposite in the prepared installation area. Roll it out according to engineered plans or site recommendations. Fabric should be stretched as tight and as flat as possible.
Step 4: Overlap the edges of adjacent rolls..
Step 5: Secure the fabric with staples, pins, soil or other suitable materials. Fabric should be secured along the edges and then at overlapping portions.
Step 6: Loosely place fill directly on the geocomposite in 8" to 12" lifts. For very weak subgrades, 18" or thicker may be required.
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Feicheng Lianyi Engineering Plastics Co.,Ltd., is established in 1998 and located in Feicheng, a well-known "Peach Town" in China, 500km away from Beijing City and 800km away from Shanghai City, closed to Mountain Tai railway station and JINAN international airport, very convenient transportation and developed communication. Our company mainly produces geogrid,geotextile,geocomposite,geomembrane and other geosynthetics materials.
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We are currently biggest geosynthetics manufacturer in China,the leader of geosynthetics products. Our products have been certificated by the CE,ISO, SGI,TRI, etc and are exported all over the world,including more than 120 countries. These products are widely applicable to the fields of highway, railway, water conservancy, electric power, water and soil conservation, circumstance afforestation and fundam ental construction, with favorable comments from engineering experts and clients.
Asked Questions
Q: What is a geocomposite used for?
Q: What is the difference between geotextile and geocomposite?
Q: What is an example of a geocomposite?
Q: Does geotextile fabric let water through?
Q: Do I need geotextile under gravel?
Q: What is a geocomposite liner?
Q: What is the difference between geogrid and geotextile?
Q: What is an example of a geotextile fabric?
Q: What is the lifespan of geogrid?
Q: Do I need geogrid for a 4 ft retaining wall?
Q: What is the life expectancy of geotextile fabric?
Q: Is landscape fabric the same as geotextile?
Q: Can grass grow through geotextile fabric?
Q: What are the 3 main uses of a geotextile?
Q: What is the best landscape fabric to put under gravel?
Q: Do gravel grids keep gravel in place?
Q: What are the three types of geotextile fabric?
Q: Is geotextile a root barrier?
Q: Where are geocomposites used?
Q: What is the difference between geotextile and geomembrane liner?
Feicheng Lianyi Engineering Plastics Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional geocomposite manufacturers and suppliers in China. With more than 20 years' experience, our factory offers high quality geocomposite made in China with competitive price. Welcome to place an order.
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