Which fibres are suitable as Geotextile ?

 Which fibres are suitable as Geotextile?

Unlike synthetics, natural fibres are biodegradable, annually renewable, noncarcinogenic and therefore health-friendly. Natural fibres do not pollute and decompose within biological cycles of soil penetrability. The decomposing fibres support the retention of moisture and enhance soil permeability. Natural materials blend easily with soil and increase the organic content of soil, fertility and texture; hence they enhance the growth of vegetation by coalescing with the soil and creating a microclimate that is conducive to vegetative growth.

 

Natural fibres include those collected from a natural source; according to their origin, natural fibres are further grouped into three classes: vegetable, animal and mineral. Vegetable fibres contain cellulose as a fundamental constituent whereas animal-based fibres are protein, eg, silk and wool. Asbestos is an example of mineral fibre. Of the natural fibres, vegetable or plant fibres are the only ones that have suitable properties to meet technical requirements cost-effectively for use as natural geotextiles. Plant fibres can be further classified according to the part of the plant as principal sources from which they are extracted: bast fibres, leaf fibres and fruit or seed fibres.

                      

                                                                  Natural fiber

 

In numerous ground engineering situations such as temporary haul roads, basal embankment reinforcement and consolidation drains, geotextiles are only required to function for a constrained lifetime, whereas suitable synthetic materials often have a long life. Hence, the user is paying for something which is surplus to a requirement. Natural geotextiles are eco-friendly and biodegradable, and although they have a short viable life, it is sufficient to enhance soil behaviour.

 

Engineered polymer fibres in form of both staple fibres and filaments are used for geotextile manufacturing. Synthetic fibres such as polypropylene, polyester and polyethylene are extensively used in geotextiles because of their high strength and durability, although there are certain geotechnical applications in which natural fibres can be used to greater effect than their synthetic counterparts.

 

Synthetic fiber