Geotextile fabrics play a vital role in many civil engineering and landscaping projects. They help with soil stabilization, filtration, and drainage, among other functions. But how do you know which type of geotextile fabric to choose for your project – woven or non-woven?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics, compare their durability, and determine which one is better suited for drainage applications.
Table of Contents
What is the Difference Between Woven and Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric?
Woven geotextile fabrics are made by weaving together individual threads or yarns to form a tight, uniform structure. They have a high tensile strength, which makes them ideal for reinforcing soils and preventing erosion. Woven fabrics are also relatively lightweight and easy to install.
Non-woven geotextile fabrics, on the other hand, are made by bonding fibers together through a process like needle-punching or heat treatment. This creates a more random, porous structure that is excellent for filtration and drainage applications. Non-woven fabrics are generally thicker and heavier than woven fabrics.
Comparison Table of Woven and Non-Woven Geotextile Fabrics
| Aspect | Woven Geotextile Fabric | Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing process | Weaving threads or yarns | Bonding fibers |
| Structure | Uniform, tight | Random, porous |
| Tensile strength | High | Lower than woven |
| Filtration & drainage | Less effective | Highly effective |
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Which Type of Geotextile Fabric is More Durable?
Woven geotextile fabrics generally offer greater tensile strength, making them more durable for applications that require reinforcement and soil stabilization. However, non-woven fabrics can still provide adequate durability for many projects, especially those involving drainage and filtration.
Which Type of Geotextile Fabric is Better for Drainage?
Non-woven geotextile fabric is better for drainage than woven geotextile fabric.
Non-woven geotextile fabric is made of polypropylene fibers that are randomly connected through a network, creating a felt-like feel to it. Non-geotextile provides separation, filtration, and drainage when installed due to its porous structure.
Non-woven geotextile fabric is most commonly used as a landscape material to support adequate drainage, filtration, and ground stabilization especially for projects like French drains (learn more about filter fabric for French drain systems here).
On the other hand, woven geotextile fabrics have limited drainage capabilities compared to non-woven geotextile fabrics. They are commonly used in road construction, parking lots, etc where they can provide strength and stability to the soil
Applications and Recommended Geotextile Fabric Types for Home Projects
Woven geotextile fabric has several applications in the construction industry. Woven geotextile fabrics are mainly used for reinforcement purposes, such as reinforcing the soil in retaining walls, below highway embankments, and beneath driveways, parking lots, residential streets, and highways. They have a high load capacity and are commonly used in road construction and parking lots, where they can provide strength and stability to the soil. Woven geotextile fabrics provide biaxial resistance, which means they can resist forces in two directions. They are also used to increase the strength of the soil and perform the function of separation. However, woven geotextile fabrics have limited drainage capabilities compared to non-woven geotextile fabrics.
Non-woven geotextile fabric has several applications, including soil separation and permeability, wrapping French drains, sub-surface drainage solutions, rock riprap revetment, filtration, and drainage. Non-woven geotextile fabric is typically used in applications where filtration and separation are required.
| Use | Recommended Geotextile Fabric |
|---|---|
| French drains | Non-woven |
| Road stabilization | Woven |
| Erosion control | Woven |
| Filtration & separation | Non-woven |
| Landfill lining | Non-woven |
| Retaining wall drainage | Non-woven |
| Garden landscaping | Non-woven |
| Under a deck or patio | Non-woven |
| Under brick walkways and patios | Woven |
| Driveway stabilization | Woven |
| Slope reinforcement | Woven |
| Weed barrier in garden beds | Non-woven |
Remember, these recommendations are general guidelines, and it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your project. When in doubt, consult with a professional or the geotextile fabric manufacturer for guidance.
Weights of Woven vs. Non-Woven Geotextile Fabrics
When it comes to selecting the right geotextile fabric for your project, understanding the different weights available for both woven and non-woven fabrics is crucial. The weight of a geotextile fabric is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or ounces per square yard (oz/sy), and it can greatly impact the fabric’s performance, durability, and application suitability.
Woven Geotextile Fabric Weights
Woven geotextile fabrics are available in various weights, typically ranging from 100 gsm (3 oz/sy) to 400 gsm (12 oz/sy). Lighter-weight woven fabrics, such as those around 100 gsm (3 oz/sy), are best suited for less demanding applications like garden pathways, while heavier weights, like 400 gsm (12 oz/sy), are ideal for heavy-duty applications like road stabilization and erosion control.
The weight of a woven fabric will generally impact its tensile strength and durability.
| Weight Range (gsm) | Weight Range (oz/sy) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 3 | Garden pathways, light landscaping |
| 200 | 6 | Patio and walkway stabilization |
| 300 | 9 | Driveway stabilization, slope reinforcement |
| 400 | 12 | Heavy-duty road stabilization, erosion control |
Non-Woven Geotextile Fabric Weights
Non-woven geotextile fabrics also come in various weights, generally ranging from 70 gsm (2 oz/sy) to 1000 gsm (30 oz/sy). Lighter weights, such as 70 gsm (2 oz/sy), work well as weed barriers in garden beds and for light drainage applications. Heavier weights, like 1000 gsm (30 oz/sy), are commonly used in more demanding applications like landfill lining and retaining wall drainage.
The weight of a non-woven fabric will generally influence its filtration, drainage, and puncture resistance capabilities.
| Weight Range (gsm) | Weight Range (oz/sy) | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 2 | Weed barrier, light drainage |
| 200 | 6 | Garden landscaping, under decks or patios |
| 400 | 12 | Retaining wall drainage, French drains |
| 1000 | 30 | Landfill lining, heavy-duty drainage |
Selecting the appropriate weight for woven or non-woven geotextile fabrics is crucial for ensuring optimal performance in your project.
The tables above can serve as a general guideline but always consult with a professional or the geotextile fabric manufacturer for the best recommendation tailored to your project’s specific requirements.
Conclusion: The Right GeoTextile Fabric is Different For Each Project
In summary, the choice between woven and non-woven geotextile fabrics depends on your project’s specific needs.
Woven fabrics are ideal for projects requiring reinforcement and soil stabilization, while non-woven fabrics excel in drainage and filtration applications.
Use the information provided in this blog post to help guide your decision and ensure the success of your project.
thewriteDuffy
At home, April is a mom, wife, and DIY darling. Among other home projects, she helped her husband Dan renovate their 1986 bungalow and is currently designing and decorating the 2023 custom home they are building themselves. Professionally, April is a writer, author, and online marketer with 15 years of experience writing for newspapers and magazines, building online authority websites, and publishing books.
With any project, 80 percent of the work is done in the planning stage. We have simple checklists to help you get organized and make sure you’re prepared for every step along the way. Download them now for FREE: