Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement

2025/03/11 14:00

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

  1. Weak Subgrade Soil: The existing clay-rich soil had low bearing capacity and poor drainage.

  2. Heavy Traffic Loads: Anticipated high-volume truck traffic required durable reinforcement.

  3. 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:

  1. Subgrade Preparation: Leveling and compacting the existing soil.

  2. Geotextile Deployment: Rolls of geotextile were laid longitudinally over the subgrade with 30 cm overlaps.

  3. Anchoring: Secured using biodegradable stakes and soil anchors.

  4. Aggregate Layer: A 15 cm crushed stone layer was placed atop the geotextile for load distribution.




Protective Functions of the Geotextile

  1. 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 InstallationAfter 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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    Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement Case Study: Protective Role of Polyester Filament Nonwoven Geotextile in Subgrade Reinforcement