Geotextile Anti-Seepage Construction Technology

1. Introduction

Geotextile is a permeable synthetic material made from polymers such as polypropylene or polyester. Due to its excellent filtration, drainage, isolation, reinforcement, and anti-seepage properties, it is widely used in civil engineering, water conservancy projects, environmental protection, and transportation infrastructure. Anti-seepage geotextiles are primarily used to prevent fluid leakage and soil erosion, ensuring the long-term stability of engineering structures.

2. Materials and Performance Requirements

2.1 Types of Geotextiles

• Woven Geotextiles: Made by weaving fibers, offering high strength and puncture resistance.

• Non-Woven Geotextiles: Produced by needle-punching or thermal bonding, providing good filtration and drainage.

• Composite Geotextiles: Combine multiple layers to enhance anti-seepage and mechanical properties.

2.2 Key Performance Indicators

• Tensile Strength: Must meet engineering load requirements.

• Permeability Coefficient: Should be low enough to prevent seepage.

• Puncture Resistance: Must withstand soil and external pressures.

• Durability: Resistant to UV radiation, chemicals, and biological corrosion.

3. Construction Process

3.1 Preparation

• Site Leveling: Remove sharp objects, rocks, and debris to prevent damage to the geotextile.

• Subgrade Treatment: Compact the soil to ensure a stable foundation.

3.2 Geotextile Laying

• Unrolling the Material: Lay the geotextile smoothly without wrinkles or folds.

• Overlap Joints: Ensure a minimum overlap of 30–50 cm, with seams aligned perpendicular to the flow direction.

• Anchoring: Secure the edges with sandbags, staples, or trench backfilling to prevent displacement.

3.3 Seam Treatment

• Hot-Welding: Suitable for thick geotextiles, ensuring a strong bond.

• Adhesive Bonding: Apply specialized glue for non-woven geotextiles.

• Sewing Method: Use high-strength threads for woven fabrics.

3.4 Protection Layer Installation

• Cover the geotextile with a layer of sand or gravel (typically 20–30 cm thick) to prevent mechanical damage.

3.5 Quality Inspection

• Check for tears, poor seams, or uneven laying.

• Conduct permeability and strength tests if necessary.

4. Key Considerations

• Avoid dragging the geotextile during installation to prevent wear.

• Prevent prolonged exposure to sunlight to reduce aging.

• Ensure proper drainage to avoid water accumulation.

5. Applications

• Landfill Liners: Prevent leachate contamination.

• Reservoirs & Canals: Reduce water seepage losses.

• Roadbeds: Enhance soil stability and drainage.

6. Conclusion

Proper geotextile anti-seepage construction significantly improves project durability and environmental safety. Strict adherence to technical standards and quality control ensures optimal performance.

This article provides a concise yet comprehensive guide to geotextile anti-seepage construction. Let me know if you need modifications or additional details.