Materials for drainage, waterproofing and civil engineering
What Does Nonwoven Geotextile Do?
Learn how nonwoven geotextile supports filtration, separation and protection in geosynthetic assemblies.
The Short Answer
Nonwoven geotextile is a permeable fabric made from bonded fibers. Depending on the specification and assembly, it can provide filtration, separation or protection.
Three Roles to Understand
| Function | Purpose | Selection focus |
|---|---|---|
| Filtration | Allow water movement while limiting soil migration | Soil compatibility, opening size and permeability |
| Separation | Keep adjacent materials from mixing | Strength and suitability for the construction conditions |
| Protection | Help cushion an adjacent material | Puncture resistance and the complete loading arrangement |
These functions are related, but they are not identical. A fabric chosen for one duty is not automatically suitable for another. Begin with the job the fabric needs to perform, then request product data for that purpose.
How It Works with Drainage Materials
In a planted roof or landscape deck, a geotextile may separate the growing medium from the drainage layer. Beside a below-ground wall, a compatible filter can help keep soil from entering the drainage path. In a barrier system, a protective geotextile may be specified next to a geomembrane.
Placement, overlaps and terminations should follow the product and project guidance. Continuity matters, particularly around drains, corners and changes in level. Keep the fabric clean and protect it from damage during installation.
Compare More Than Fabric Weight
Required function
Confirm filtration, separation, protection or a combination of duties.
Performance properties
Review permeability, opening characteristics and mechanical properties relevant to the application.
Roll and installation details
Confirm width, length, overlaps, storage and handling requirements.
Adjacent materials
Identify the soil, aggregate, drainage core or membrane in contact with the fabric.
Common Questions
Is geotextile a waterproof membrane?
No. A typical nonwoven geotextile is permeable and serves different functions from a barrier geomembrane.
Can fabric weight alone determine suitability?
No. Weight is useful product information, but the required performance properties must also be checked.
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