| As its name suggests Geotextiles refers to | | | | where durability is not a critical factor. |
| textiles related to earth or soil. When any | | | | |
| permeable material used with rock, soil or | | | | Natural Fiber Based Geotextiles |
| earth it is termed as Geotextiles. The basic | | | | |
| function of this technology is to prevent | | | | Natural fibers like Jute and coir have |
| soil erosion to strengthening heavy concrete | | | | special applications. These different fibers |
| structures. This technology has not yet | | | | degrade at different rates. Coir geotextiles |
| gained much attention in India, but is widely | | | | degrade in 2 to 3 years while jute degrades |
| used in many countries for construction of | | | | in 1 to 2 years. Because of this property |
| bridges, roads, railway tracks to improve its | | | | coir is used in situations where vegetation |
| strength. Many researchers have view that | | | | takes longer to establish, and jute is used |
| this technology is not newly developed but is | | | | in low rainfall areas as it can absorb more |
| in use from past thousands of years. | | | | moisture. Also used for rural unpaved roads. |
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| Formation of Geotextiles | | | | Advantages |
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| Geotextiles can be formed of synthetic | | | | 1. Natural fiber-based geotextiles are |
| fibers, natural fibers or combination of the | | | | environmental friendly. |
| two. In past Geotextiles were made of natural | | | | |
| plant fibers while today are usually formed | | | | 2. Its biodegradable nature has certain |
| of synthetic polymers such as polyester, | | | | cost-effective applications in erosion |
| polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA) and | | | | control and re-vegetation. |
| polyamides (PA). Geotextiles made from | | | | |
| natural fibers are less durable as they get | | | | 3. It is helpful in quick establishment of |
| decomposed with passage of time. | | | | vegetation. |
| | | | |
| Choice of formation depends on the required | | | | 4. It also helps in dust control, sand dune |
| properties and service life for which it is | | | | formation, wind erosion control and |
| used. For example, natural fiber base | | | | stabilization. |
| Geotextiles is used for erosion control mats | | | | |