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Geocomposites

Geocomposites are a combination of any of the above three. The materials and manufacturing methods vary with the composite geosynthetics used. For example, a geonet sandwiched between two non-woven geotextile layers can be used to provide a drainage layer with high transmissivity.

Applications
Table showing the general suitability of geosynthetic products to certain applications
Table showing the general suitability of geosynthetic products to certain applications
Collection of illustrations showing the basic functions of geosynthetics
Collection of illustrations showing the basic functions of geosynthetics

Among other uses, geosynthetics can be used for separation, filtration, reinforcement, drainage, protection and moisture barriers[5]. Different geosynthetics are suited for various applications and the diagram to the right illustrates their suitability.

Filtration can significantly enhance the performance of a geotechnical structure, and geosynthetics can be used to produce an effective filtration system[6]. The job of a filter is to allow water to pass through the plane of the filter, whilst retaining particles of the filtered soil. Filtration can improve the performance of a geotechnical structure by controlling the erosion of the structure and reducing the amount of fines that are washed out of the soil matrix. When fines get washed out of a soil it can reduce the cohesion of the matrix and thus the strength of the soil, referred to as piping. Mitigating these two problems also improves the durability of a structure. Geosynthetic filters can improve the reliability and performance of traditional graded soil filters and require less work to construct. Geotextiles are well suited to this application.

Drainage is required in nearly all geotechnical structures. Whether used to remove surface water from a sports field or to reduce lateral...