Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement
Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement
Project Overview
Project Name: Highway Subgrade Reinforcement Project
Duration: 2024-2025
Objective: Enhance the stability and longevity of a 15-mile highway section prone to soil erosion, differential settlement, and moisture infiltration.
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Challenges
Weak Subgrade Soil: The existing clay-rich soil had low bearing capacity and poor drainage.
Heavy Traffic Loads: Anticipated high-volume truck traffic required durable reinforcement.
Environmental Factors: Seasonal rainfall exacerbated soil softening and erosion risks.
Solution: Application of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile
Material Specifications:
Type: Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile (200 g/m²).
Key Properties: High tensile strength (≥25 kN/m), puncture resistance, excellent permeability (≥10 l/m²/s), and UV stabilization.
Installation Process:
Subgrade Preparation: Leveling and compacting the existing soil.
Geotextile Deployment: Rolls of geotextile were laid longitudinally over the subgrade with 30 cm overlaps.
Anchoring: Secured using biodegradable stakes and soil anchors.
Aggregate Layer: A 15 cm crushed stone layer was placed atop the geotextile for load distribution.
Protective Functions of the Geotextile
Separation:
Prevented intermixing of subgrade soil and aggregate, maintaining structural integrity.
Filtration/Drainage:
Allowed water to permeate vertically while retaining fine soil particles, reducing pore pressure buildup.
Reinforcement:
Distributed traffic loads evenly, reducing stress concentrations and mitigating rutting.
Erosion Control:
Stabilized soil during heavy rains, minimizing surface washout.
Results
Parameter | Before Installation | After Installation |
---|---|---|
Settlement (mm/year) | 45–60 | 8–12 |
Construction Time | 8 months (estimated) | 6 months (actual) |
Maintenance Costs | High (frequent repairs) | Reduced by 40% |
Additional Benefits:
Extended service life of the pavement by 20–30%.
Minimized environmental disruption due to reduced excavation needs.
Conclusion
The polyester filament nonwoven geotextile proved critical in addressing subgrade instability by combining separation, filtration, and reinforcement functions. Its use not only improved load-bearing capacity but also provided long-term cost savings and sustainability benefits. This case highlights its suitability for infrastructure projects in challenging soil conditions.
Recommendation: Incorporate geotextiles in early design phases for similar road reinforcement projects to optimize performance and durability.
Prepared by: [Shandong TaiWei Engineering Materials Co.,LTD.] | Date: [11.03.2025]
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