Geotextiles are permeable fabrics that are used in a variety of civil engineering applications, including urban water management. They are made from synthetic or natural fibers and are used to separate, filter, reinforce, or protect soil or other materials. In urban water management, geotextiles improve the performance of stormwater management systems and reduce the negative impacts of urbanization on water resources.
Water management and geotextiles
One of the main uses of geotextiles in urban water management is in the construction of stormwater management systems, such as retention ponds and basins. These systems are designed to capture and store stormwater runoff, reducing the amount of water that enters the drainage system and reducing the risk of flooding. Geotextiles are used in these systems to separate the soil from the water, allowing water to enter the pond or basin while preventing soil erosion. When waterproofing liners are used in these systems, geotextiles can provide protection to these waterproofing liners, avoiding them from getting punctured.
In urban areas, where space is limited and installation of retention ponds is not possible, water retention crates are often used. These systems are installed underground and create large voids to store large amounts of water, reducing the volume entering the sewage systems. A geotextile filter is ideal as a wrap around these crates acting as a separation and filtration layer. The geotextile allows the water to flow freely into the retention crates, while preventing soil particles to flow through. This keeps the retention system clean and highly functional.
Geotextiles are also used in the construction of green roofs. These systems are designed to capture and store stormwater, reducing the amount of water that enters the drainage system and reducing the risk of flooding. Geotextiles are used to separate the soil and dirt particles from the water, keeping the drainage system clean.
Additionally, geotextiles are also a part of permeable pavement construction, such as permeable pavers, which allow water to infiltrate the soil below the pavement, reducing the amount of water that enters the drainage system and reducing the risk of flooding.
Geotextiles also help in the protection of water related projects such as pond slopes, riverbanks and coastal areas from erosion by providing a layer of protection.
