Composite geotextiles

Qian C and Chu C, Fatigue properties of the two composite geotextiles . Journal of Dong Hua University, English edition, 2002, 19, 53-55. 

Fourie, A. B. and Fabian, K. J. (1987), Effect of particle size on the mechanical behaviour of sand-geotextUe composites. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 6, 275-294. 

An impressive example of the performance of such a last defense line behind a beach nourishment is the wrapped sand containment needle-punched composite geotextile (woven PP slit film and nonwoven PET) to reinforce a dune on the island of Sylt (North Sea, Germany) is shown in Fig. 21.8. 

We have also seen new products appear that combine materials and are manufactured using the methods already mentioned, or combined with other geosynthetic products. These new multilayer products are generally grouped together as composite geotextiles. 

Figure 20.1 Types of geotextiles used in marine engineering, (a) Woven geotextiles, (b) nonwoven geotextiles and (c) composite geotextiles.

Composite geotextiles are formed by the integral combination of two geotextile types into a single (composite) geotextile material nonwoven plus nonwoven or woven plus nonwoven. The resulting composite stmcture exhibits the positive attributes of both component parts. Fig. 20.1(c) shows the stmcture of a woven—nonwoven composite geotextile. 

Furthermore, they can blend in aesthetically with beach environments because they can be manufactured in different colours. Also, the use of composite geotextiles (see Section 20.2.3) as bag skins provides a durable surface that is highly resistant... 

It is common to use geotextile mbes that blend in well with the surrounding beach environment. The geotextile skin used is normally sand-coloured or has a sand-coloured coating. Furthermore, the use of composite geotextiles has proved particularly beneficial because of sand s abihty to remain embedded within the outer geotextile stmcmre. 

The required size and exposed location of the submerged breakwater/sUl necessitates the use of heavily stabilised woven polypropylene geotextiles for the tube skins or composite geotextile skins. Although these types of structures have been observed to attract extensive marine growth relatively quickly after construction (which acts as a form of natural protection), they must still have the required U V stability and abrasion resistance to perform in these exposed locations over their design life. 

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