Geotextile vs Geogrid: which is the best solution?

This is a debate we are living each time we have to build internal roads on soils with a low (<5) to very low (<2) CBR.

Basically when the others alternatives (mainly soil substitution and soil improvement) are not feasible we are adopting two different solution, either a strong geotextile with reinforcement and separation properties or a geogrid (coupled with a thin geotextile used as a filter if necessary).

Presently both of them are working well, but only after many years we will know which one works best. I’m hearing very different opinion on the subject, so there is not an universal consensus.

As geotextile, both woven and nonwoven alternatives seem reasonable. Both of them provides separation of the aggregate from the subgrade and have high tensile strength and modulus, adding reinforcement to the foundation soil. Right now the woven solution is widely preferred.

As woven geotextile we have used the US250 from US Fabric, with the following properties:

PROPERTY TEST METHOD ENGLISH METRIC
Tensile Strength ASTM D-4632 250 lbs 1,112 N
Elongation @ Break ASTM D-4632 15% 15%
Mullen Burst ASTM D-3786 450 psi 3,102 kPa
Puncture Strength ASTM D-4833 100 lbs 445 N
CBR Puncture ASTM D-6241 900 lbs 4,005 N

And as nonwoven, something like the US Fabric US 160NW  looks like the best option:

PROPERTY TEST METHOD ENGLISH METRIC
Weight – Typical ASTM D-5261 6.0 oz/sy 203 g/sm
Tensile Strength ASTM D-4632 160 lbs 711 N
Elongation @ Break ASTM D-4632 50% 50%
Mullen Burst ASTM D-3786 305 psi 2,103 kPa
Puncture Strength ASTM D-4833 90 lbs 400 N
CBR Puncture ASTM D-6241 410 lbs 1,824 N

Regarding geogrid, it has been used in several wind farms all around Europe. I had a meeting with the representative from Tensar, and their product looks interesting.

It is a triangular net, providing support to the stone aggregate. It works equally well in every direction.

We have used it in Spain, and it have been used in several other projects in UK and Romania.

2 responses to “Geotextile vs Geogrid: which is the best solution?”

  1. Braden Bills Avatar
    Braden Bills

    It’s interesting that there are ways to make ground more sturdy. It makes sense that it would be important for building big things on! If the ground buckled underneath a big construction then there would be the chance of it breaking.

  2. taminyaran Avatar
    taminyaran

    thank you for this great post and detail about geotextile

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *