Geotex 801
The GEOTEX 801 is a high strength non-woven geotextile made of polypropylene staple fibers in a random network to form a very strong, dimensional stable fabric. The polypropylene fibers are specifically formed to resist UV light deterioration and are immobile to commonly encountered soil chemicals. This fabric won’t rot or form mildew and is non-biodegradable.
Nonwoven Geotextiles look like felt and serve many purposes. Its main purpose is filtration and separation.
Most nonwoven geotextiles are needle-punched. The staple fibers or continuous filaments are bonded by mechanically interweaving the fibers with barbed needles. The product looks like and feels like black felt. In some cases, the product comes in white or orange. The orange nonwoven geotextile is used as a warning barrier indicating contaminated soil.
Another manufacturing process for nonwoven geotextiles is spunbonding. With this process, extruded filaments are spun onto a collecting belt and bonded by applying heated rolls. It has resulted in a smoother and stiffer product with smaller pores and increased strength. The product is usually gray in color.
Various nonwoven products include:
- Needle-punched Nonwoven
- Spunbonded Nonwoven
- Civil Nonwoven
- Environmental Nonwoven
Nonwoven filtration includes wrapping geotextile around pipes or enclosing stone with geotextile to create a system that will allow water to pass through but prevents soil from getting in and clogging the system. This system is best known as French drains. Nonwoven fabrics are an inexpensive alternative to graded aggregate and sand filters. These fabrics can remove many issues related to using, purchasing, and transporting aggregate.
Geotextiles are also used in separation applications which include paver patios, walkways, outdoor areas where animals, such as horses and cows, roam to prevent mud, and stream crossings in light traffic areas, under playground mulch, or for park/drive on applications in wet areas. AREMA recommends heavy-weight nonwovens as separators under railroad ballasts.
Up Close Look at Geotex 801
Geotex is often used as an asphalt overlay fabric. Overlay fabric will increase the life of the pavement by removing water and increasing pavement flexibility. The environmental grade, or M.A.R.V weight, performs the integral job of protecting impenetrable liners in public and private landfills.
Geotex Being Installed on Road Construction Job
Various nonwoven products include:
- French Drains
- Asphalt Overlay
- Filter Fabric
- Rip-Rap
- Weed Barriers
- Geomembrane Cushioning
