Selection of Woven Geosynthitics and Geofabrics for Subsoil Stabilization & Reinforcement

Abstract

When a high tensile strength geosynthetic is installed in soils, which have been placed and compacted in layers, it forms a composite of geosynthetic and soil. The geosynthetic acts as reinforcement due to its high frictional properties and its ability to absorb combined tensile forces. Geofabric of great tensile strength produced from high modulus polyester and polypropylene withstand high tensile forces even at low elongation and creep after a long period of high stress ratio. Thus, it is suitable in many applications where soil reinforcement is required in earthworks having small, acceptable deformations. The research contains a description of how to choose the best proper type of tested woven geofabric to solve the problems encountered during the construction of mounds and embankments on cohesive soil with low bearing capacity calling for measures preventing loss of stability. It was found that using geofabrics as integral element for subsoil stabilization and reinforcement can save up to 50% of the aggregate layer thickness.

Keywords: Geosynthetics, Composite, Geofabrics, Soil, Subsoil, Bearing Capacity, Stabilization and Reinforcement, Embankment, Polyester, Geogrid, Polypropylene, Polethylene, Warp, Weft, Weave