USES AND

FUNCTIONS OF
GEOSYNTHETICS
The types of Geosynthetics
The categories of Geosynthetics are:
1. Geogrids
2. Geotextiles
3. Geocells
4. Geonets
5. Geopipes
6. Geofoam
7. Geocomposites
8. Geomembranes
9. Goesynthetics clay liners
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.

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.
Types of Geogrids

Multiaxial
 Geotextile
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.

Geotextile is a synthetic
permeable textile material
used to improve the soil
characteristics. It has the
ability to separate, filter,
reinforce, protect and drain
when used in association
with soils. Geotextiles are
ideal materials for many
infrastructure works such as
roads, harbors, landfills,
drainage structures, and
other civil projects.
•Functions of Geotextiles
The mode of operation of a geotextile in any application is
defined by six discrete functions :
• Uses of Geotextile in Construction
1. Road Work
Geotextiles are widely used in the construction of
the road. It reinforces the soil by adding tensile
strength to it. It is used as a rapid de-watering
layer in the roadbed, the geotextiles need to
preserve its permeability without losing its
separating functions.

2. Railway Works
The woven fabrics or the non-woven ones are used to
separate the soil from the sub-soil without impeding
the groundwater circulation where the ground is
unstable. Enveloping individual layers with fabric
prevents the material from wandering off sideways due
to shocks and vibrations from running trains.
3. Agriculture
It is used for mud control. For the improvement of muddy paths and trails those used by cattle
or light traffic, nonwoven fabrics are used and are folded by overlapping to include the pipe or a
mass of grit.
4. Drainage
The use of geotextiles to filter the soil and a more or less single size
granular material to transport water is increasingly seen as a
technically and commercially viable alternative to the conventional
systems. Geotextiles perform the filtering mechanism for drainages in
earth dams, in roads and highways, in reservoirs, behind retaining
walls, deep drainage trenches, and agriculture.

5. River, Canals and Coastal Works

Geotextiles protect river banks from erosion due
to currents or lapping. When used in conjunction
with natural or artificial enrockments, they act as
a filter.
Geocell
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.
Geocells were first developed in the early 1990s as a way to improve the stability of roads
and bridges. They quickly gained popularity for their ability to stabilize soils and control
erosion on steep grounds. Today, geocells are used in a variety of applications, including
road construction, landfills, mining operations, and green infrastructure projects.
What are the Different Applications of Geocells?
1. Landscape Architecture
Protecting plants and soil against erosion in landscape architecture entails the use of
specialist technologies such as geocells. Geocell grids will reduce undesired runoff or
groundwater flow while also preventing the construction of erosion channels that endanger
the landscape. Other advantages include the preservation of riverbeds and tree roots, the
stabilization of ground, soil, and channel walls, and the prevention of erosion in greenbelts,
slopes, and vegetation
2. Road Construction
About four-fifths of the world's roads are unpaved gravel access roads. These roads are
frequently built over shaky ground, such as vast clay, peat bogs, or sand. These materials
will disintegrate if correct technology is not in place, threatening the safety, stability, and
lifespan of the highways. Geocells offer the rigidity and creep resistance required for soft soil
road stabilization. They prevent the clay from shrinking and cracking, sandy soils from
lateral dispersion and strain, and all soft soils from subgrade reinforcement.
3. Load Platform
Geocells are an excellent method for constructing semi-rigid platforms over weak soils and in
regions where digging is restricted. The load capacity of grade slabs, foundation spread, and
strip footings is increased by using geocell grids. Cellular confinement systems may also be
used to minimize pavement sections in laydown areas, parking lots, and highways.
4. Retaining Wall, Embankment, and Levees Reinforcement
Geocells are an excellent solution for erosion control on embankments and slopes. They also
prevent water channelization, pond linings, or any other structure that needs to be installed
safely in soil with high levels of risk due to natural factors such as slope stability problems.

5. Green Roofs and Walls

Rooftop flower and vegetable gardens, for example, are becoming increasingly popular in
cities. Geocells, with their expanded honeycomb construction that retains soil and
enhances structural stability, make these places conceivable. Green walls are also popular in
certain houses and companies, thanks to geocell grids.
In conclusion, geocells have many engineering, economic and environmental benefits. They
are a versatile, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution for various applications.
Geocells are the future of slope protection and should be used in any situation where stability
and erosion control are necessary.
Geonet
Geonets are three-dimensional, synthetic drainage materials used to address a variety of
environmental and geotechnical challenges. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
or polypropylene, these durable and versatile nets are designed to provide cost-effective
and efficient drainage solutions in various industries, including waste management,
mining, and construction
• Applications of Geonets
1. Erosion control: Geonets serve as soil stabilizers, preventing erosion and ensuring the
safety of slopes and embankments.
2. Landfill leachate management: As a critical component in landfill liner systems,
geonets help collect and remove leachate, thus preventing groundwater contamination.
3. Gas venting: Geonets installed in landfill cover systems allow for safe and effective gas
venting, mitigating the risk of explosions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Mining: Geonets are employed for heap leaching processes in the mining industry,
aiding in the collection and management of leachate and maintaining the integrity of the
heap.
5. Road construction: Geonets improve the strength and stability of subgrade soils,
extending the lifespan of roads and reducing maintenance costs.
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.
The main function of Geopipe is for drainage
Examples of use of Geopipes
 Subsoil Drainage for Roads
 Drainage in Residential and Commercial Constructions
 Drainage in Mining
 Agricultural Lands
 Building Foundations
 Retaining Walls
 Construction Sites
 Sport and Recreational Fields
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.
Geofoam Applications
Road Construction
Geofoam acts as a major support material for different aspects of road construction. When
new roads are built, the soil that they are often created on is soft or loose, which calls for a
flexible yet reliable fill material that can provide more stability than traditional compacted
fill.
Landscaping and Slope Stabilization
Due to its lightweight build, EPS geofoam is often used within landscaping structures such
as roof gardens in urban areas. Custom geofoam blocks bode well with the odd geometries
that are often required to create different landscapes.
Geofoam can also be used to help stabilize slopes, which can prevent landslides. It is used to
replace existing soil within a slope to improve stability and reinforce the structure.
Insulation and Foundation
The material it is made from is able to withstand pressure, yet is lightweight and easy to
manage, making it the perfect material to use for insulation and building foundational
structures. A high-density geofoam can act as a buffer between the earth and a wall which
can help distribute the weight of the earth more evenly and reduce pressure.
Entertainment and Sporting Facilities
Geofoam is used widely within entertainment and sporting facilities such as
auditoriums, stadiums and gymnasiums. Geofoam blocks are stacked to create the
desired structure and framework of the site, especially seating areas. For example,
the tiered-level seating arenas are created using geofoam blocks.
Bridge Support and Levee Protection
Many bridges rely on the support provided by geofoam. It is a lightweight fill that
reduces the imposing weight on the ground foundation as well as evenly distributes
that weight across the entire surface of EPS. Geofoam can be used to fill gaps in a
bridge that are no longer structurally sound to support traffic and weight as a
quick fix that provides superior compression characteristics.
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. For example, Tensar combines stabilisation geogrids with
separation/filtration geotextiles for use in road and rail foundations where fine soil
migration may be an issue.
The Applications Of Geocomposite
1.Filtration: Geocomposites act as efficient filters, allowing the passage of fluids
while retaining soil particles and preventing their migration. They are used
to control soil erosion, stabilize slopes, and provide separation between different
soil layers.
2.Drainage: Geocomposites facilitate the efficient flow of water or other fluids
within the soil. They provide pathways for drainage, preventing the buildup of
excess water and maintaining the stability of structures. Geocomposite drainage
systems are commonly used in applications such as roadways, sports fields, and
landfills.
3.Separation: Geocomposites create a barrier between different soil layers or
materials, preventing their mixing and maintaining the integrity of the
construction. They are used to separate dissimilar soils, such as soft subgrades
and granular fill materials, to prevent their intermixing and potential settlement.
4.Reinforcement: Geocomposites incorporating reinforcement components, such
as geogrids, provide enhanced strength and stability to soils and structures. They
improve the load-bearing capacity of foundations, retaining walls, embankments,
and other geotechnical applications.
5.Containment: Geocomposites with impermeable components, like geomembranes
or geosynthetic clay liners (gcls), are used for containment purposes. They create
barriers that prevent the migration of liquids or gases, protecting the environment
from potential contamination. Containment applications include landfill liners, pond
liners, and hazardous waste storage facilities.
6. Protection: Geocomposites offer protection against punctures, abrasion, and
damage to underlying materials or structures. They act as a protective layer,
preventing the intrusion of sharp objects or offering resistance to external forces.
7. Erosion Control: Geocomposites are utilized in erosion control applications, such
as stabilizing slopes, riverbanks, and coastal areas. They help prevent soil erosion
by providing a protective barrier against water flow, wave action, or wind, allowing
vegetation to establish and stabilize the soil.
8. Gas Venting And Collection: Geocomposites are used to facilitate the venting
and collection of gases, such as methane or radon, from landfills, brownfield sites,
or underground structures. They provide pathways for the efficient collection and
removal of gases to prevent their buildup and potential hazards.
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.
Uses of Geomembrance
1.Liner Systems for Landfills: Geomembranes are commonly used as liners in landfills to
prevent the leachate (liquid that drains from the waste) from contaminating the
surrounding soil and groundwater. They create a barrier that isolates the waste from the
environment, helping to protect against pollution.
2.Geomembrane Covers for Landfills: Besides lining, geomembranes are also used as
covers or caps to contain odors, reduce gas emissions, and control moisture infiltration.
3.Pond Liners: Geomembranes are used as liners for various types of ponds, such as
wastewater treatment ponds, decorative ponds, and agricultural ponds. They prevent water
seepage and soil erosion while maintaining water quality.
4.Waterproofing for Dams and Canals: In hydraulic engineering, geomembranes are used
to waterproof dams, canals, and reservoirs. They ensure water containment and prevent
seepage, which is crucial for the safety and efficiency of these structures.
5.Stormwater Management: Geomembranes are employed in stormwater management
systems to create detention basins and retention ponds. They help control the flow of
stormwater and protect against soil erosion.
6. Secondary Containment: In industries handling hazardous materials, geomembranes
are used for secondary containment systems to prevent leaks and spills from reaching the
environment.
7. Aquaculture: Geomembranes are used to line fish and shrimp ponds in aquaculture.
They help maintain water quality and prevent contamination of the surrounding
ecosystem.
8. Tunnels and Underground Structures: In tunnel construction and underground
structures, geomembranes are used for waterproofing to prevent water infiltration and
protect against corrosion.
9. Erosion Control: Geomembranes can be used in erosion control systems, such as
retaining walls and slope stabilization, to prevent soil erosion and landslides.
10. Geomembrane Canals: In some cases, geomembranes line canals, ensuring efficient
water transport and preventing seepage.
Geosynthetics 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.
Geosynthetic Clay Liner Applications
1. Geosynthetic Clay Liners for Landfills
Landfills are specifically built to contain and manage waste in a responsible, effective
manner. When they’re managed improperly, they can be one of the biggest contributing
factors to environmental damage.
Landfills need a containment solution to prevent solid and liquid garbage waste from
seeping into the soil and contaminating the surrounding groundwater and environment.
That solution often involves geosynthetic clay liners, which are proven to ensure protected,
safe conditions for years to come.
2. API Tanks & Foundation Liners
API stands for the American Petroleum Institute, which is an industry authority on all
things oil. They’ve established standards for the design and fabrication of steel storage
tanks that store oil, gasoline, and chemicals. One such API standard is the requirement
that API tanks be lined with a low-permeability solution at the bottom to prevent damage
from leaks or spills. There are also some API tank applications that require another layer of
lining on the foundation where the tank is set, providing maximum environmental
protection.
3. Geosynthetic Clay Liners for Ponds
Geosynthetic clay liners aren’t just great for managing harmful materials — they’re also
great for containing something as pure as water in a designated area. One instance where
this is helpful is lining a pond.
While some ponds have natural clay bottoms that provide enough of a barrier, some require
an artificial or custom-fabricated solution. Installing a geosynthetic clay liner, then adding
the proper soil cover, is a great option for keeping necessary water in the pond, while also
blocking sediment and other debris from entering it — preserving its natural, ecological
beauty and all that resides within it.
4. Earthen Spill Containment Berms
Earthen spill containment berms are containment areas with earthen walls that can vary in
size They’re built to prevent hazardous materials from spilling and contaminating the
environment, and they’re most commonly placed underneath high-risk devices like oil
drums and tanks.
Geosynthetic clay liners can provide spill containment berms with an extra layer of
protection. When placed on the surface of the berm, they’re covered with the proper soil
cover, and then they can contain any spills and prevent rough terrain like rocks or sticks
from poking through and causing contamination.
5. Secondary Containment Dikes, Berms & Levees
Secondary containment is an essential safeguard in stopping the release of spills. In the
event that your primary containment system fails, having a backup can save you and the
environment from a lot of costly damage. The versatility and durability of geosynthetic clay
liner systems make them the ultimate backup for complete compliance and safety.
The benefits of geosynthetics in geotechnical engineering
Improved lifespan: maintaining high performance for an extended lifetime.
Cost savings: reducing the quantities of imported fill, aggregates and waste, accelerating
construction, providing more efficient design options
Simplicity of construction: straightforward and fast installation using well proven
methods.
Strength: in reinforcement applications they have a high strength to weight ratio.
Durability: highly resistant to weathering, biodegradation and chemical contaminants. As
an example, allowing the use of lower-cost non-standard fill in reinforced soil structures.
Customisable: can be tailored to the needs in terms of structure, size and
composition.
Design creativity: new solutions, new construction methods and new ideas.
Environmentally beneficial: can enable alternative construction methods that
reduce material volumes, transportation and construction methods – and their
associated carbon emissions, to offer a net environmental benefit
Resilience: geosynthetics have enabled new and innovative solutions that help
safeguard infrastructure against the effects of environmental change, such as
higher rainfall, flooding, and changes to freeze-thaw weathering and degradation of
roads
Sustainable: geosynthetics like geogrids can improve the service lives of structures,
cut maintenance requirements and reduce whole life costs.