Application of natural fibre geotextiles

Geotextiles are widely used in developed nations to overcome numerous geotechnical engineering-related problems efficiently, safely and economically. Geotextile materials may be of a nonwoven, woven, knitted, netted, sandwiched or composite stracture. The use of geotextiles is specific to the location, so in addition to the inherent 

Geosynthetics are omnipresent in all spheres of applications but natural geotextile products have been used in a limited way for centuries in different ground engineering applications to overcome a number of soil-related problems. There are some important application areas in which treated or untreated, blended or unblended and natural geotextiles are used. 

Geotextile fabrics can be manufactured with a suitable stmcture to enable liquid or gas to flow within the plane of the fabric. The fluid s in-plane transmission property of a geotextile is also known as its transmissivity. Examples are beneath railroad ballast, to dissipate seepage water from exposed soil or rock surfaces, and drainage of pavement layers. 

Compacted soils and aggregates generally have good compressive modulus but poor tensile modulus and hence can be readily separated when subjected to high tensile loads. Geotextiles with fibres of suitable tensile moduli can effectively be used as reinforcing tension elements when embedded in compacted soils and aggregates. Some major uses are over soft soil unpaved roads, mnways, railroads and landfills, to stabilize a temporary bunds slope, as closure systems over unstable landfills, ash ponds and to reinforce asphalt pavement layers. 

Natural fibre geotextiles are considered especially suitable for stabilization and protection of soil surfaces from erosion. GeotextUe can be used as an erosion control material 

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The dimensions of natural fibres represent an alternate important aspect. The geometrical dimensions of these fibres, especially the fibre length, depend mainly on the fibre s location within the plant. Fibres from fruits and seeds are a few centimetres long whereas fibres from stems and leaves are much longer (>1 m). Table 4.4 compares some related properties and characteristics of natural fibres for geotextile applications. 

Environmental concerns have regenerated interest in the use of natural fibres for a much wider variety of products, including high-tech applications such as geotextiles, and in composite materials for automotive and light industry use. This new study covers the chemical and physical structure of these natiual fibres fibre, yam and fabric production dyeing handle and wear characteristics economics environmental and health and safety issues. 

The biodegradability of natural fibres led to their use in nonpermanent short-term geotechnical applications (6 months to 10 years) to fulfil the technical requirements of limited-life geotextiles. The short life of natural geotextiles is a matter of concern for end users but their eco-compatibility gives them an edge over man-made geotextiles. 

Nonwoven geotextHes are permeable geosynthetics made of nonwoven materials used with soil, rock, or other geotechnical-related material as an integral part of a civil engineering project, structure, or system. They are frequently made from synthetic polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, and polyester, as well as natural fibres such as jute, sisal, and coir. The European standards (EN) for the specifications and performance requirements of geotextiles in 11 application areas (roads and other... 

For some applications such as erosion control, natural fibre—based geotextiles are used. These products can be used when degradability is required or where environmental requirements are high. You can find more information about this type of product in the following chapter Geotextiles Made From Natural Fibers. ... 

Geotextiles are manufactured from both namral and synthetic fibres. However, the market is dominated by synthetic polymer-based geotextiles and related products these account for more than 90% of the market share (Elwood, 2004). The success of synthetics is mainly due to cost and customized properties. Unlike natural fibres harvested by farmers, synthetic fibres are generally mass produced from petrochemicals to achieve uniform strength, length and colour, and can easily be customized for specific applications. 

Hemp is one fibre type used today for producing modem natural geotextile products this plant is considered native to Central Asia and was subsequently introduced into China where for over 4,500 years it was grown for a wide range of end-uses including geotechnical applications. Thus, in their various primitive forms, natural geotextiles existed for many years. 

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