Features, applications & raw materials
Membranes (non-wovens)
Features
a mat with fibres/threads which are bound together mechanically, thermally or chemically
very thin to very thick
Applications
separation
filtering
protection, with sufficient thickness
drainage, with sufficient thickness
pressure distribution
Raw materials
PP, PET, PE
natural
Fabrics (wovens)
Features
interweaving of threads/strips/yarns
opening size may vary greatly
Applications
separation
filtering
stabilisation/reinforcement
Raw materials
PP, PET, PE, PA
natural
Geogrids
Features
there are Geogrids made as a whole by means of extrusion, punching holes and elongations: the connection points are made of the original material and do not deform
there are Geogrids that are made of separate warp and weft (threads/strips/yarns) which are joined integrally where they cross
large openings
usually with relatively high strength with little elongation but there are exceptions
uniaxial: forces absorbed in one direction
biaxial: forces absorbed in two directions
Applications
separation
stabilisation/reinforcement with low to very low elongation
Raw materials
PP, PE, PET, PVA, Aramide Overview of geoplastics, Features, application & raw materials
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Structural mats
Features
three-dimensional structure which can be divided into crisscross, rib and grid structures
the mat is thick
Applications
anti-erosion mat as an artificial root system
drainage core
Raw materials
PA, PE, PP
natural
Drainage mats/strips
Features
a drainage core covered with non-wovens
the drainage core may be a structural mat or geogrid
Applications
'flat' drainage
drainage strips
Geomembranes
Feature
thin waterproof layer
examples:
membranes
bentonite mats
bituminous membranes
Applications
waterproof seal
Raw materials
membranes:
PE (from HD to LD), PVC, PP
bentonite mats:
bentonite + membranes and/or fabrics
bituminous membranes:
bitumen + membranes and/or fabrics
Bentonite mats and bituminous membranes are composites consisting of natural material and a plastic.
Geocomposites
Feature
is a combination of more than one geoplastic or geoplastics combined with natural materials
Examples:
bentonite mat
drainage mat
geogrid with membranes or fabrics
combination of membranes and fabrics
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Geocomposites
Feature
is a combination of more than one geoplastic or geoplastics combined with natural materials
Examples:
bentonite mat
drainage mat
geogrid with non-wovens or wovens
combination of non-wovens and wovens
 Explanation
General
The overview shows the most common product groups, features, applications and raw materials and is certainly not exhaustive.
Non/woven geotextiles
Are sometimes called non-wovens in contrast to wovens.
In practice, non-woven geotextiles always provide soil-proof separation.
Woven geotextiles
The separation and filtering capacity depends on the opening size of the fabrics, the grain size of the soil it is laid on and the water flow.
The strength may be very different longitudinally from laterally.
The breakage strength may be very high; the elongation may be small but can also be very large because it is dependent on the plastic used and/or the production method. This must be taken into account in stabilisation/reinforcement.
Geogrids
Geogrids generally have mesh sizes from one to a few centimetres.
With small elongation they can absorb large forces. They are ideal for reinforcing soil, foundation materials, asphalt etc.
Structural mats
As an anti-erosion mat, the structural mat takes on the function of the plant root system on a temporary or permanent basis. The structural mat can be filled with soil and/or gravel or asphalt depending on the application: wind or water erosion.
Anti-erosion mats may be made of plastic or natural materials, depending on the required service life.
When use as the core for drainage mats, the structural mat must be made of plastic.
Drainage mats/strips
The drainage mats can be used horizontally, vertically and at any angle in between and is available in widths from 1m to 5 to 6m.
The drainage strips are narrow and are usually applied vertically in the ground for faster consolidation.
Geomembranes
These are thin waterproof layers. Therefore membranes are also covered by this term.
Geocomposites
These products are always combinations of geoplastics and/or other materials including natural materials.
New types of geocomposites may be developed at any time depending on market requirements.
Raw materials
The abbreviations stand for:
PP - polypropene
PE - polythene
HDPE - high density polythene
LDPE - low density polythene PET - polyester
PVC - polyvinylchloride
PA - polyamide
PVA - polyvinylalcohol
Examples of natural raw materials include:
coir
jute
flax
wool
glass (fibre)
bentonite
bitumen
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