Landscape architects recognize that soil control is a vital part of any project. Sloped earth must be kept in place (using retaining walls, most likely), and flat earth must be stabilized so that structures can be safely put there. With proper designs, additional practical building square footage can be gained. An important means of realizing that goal is the employment of Geosynthetics.
Designers use geosynthetics, which are normally some type of polymer, to envelop the soil as needed. This can either contain the earth in place, keep it separate from other substances (gravel, for example), allow for draining or even filtering ground water, or perform some combination of these abilities. Road- or rail-building projects use geosynthetics, as do damming projects and Retaining Walls. Preventing erosion is another popular use of geosynthetics.
History going back thousands of years (to the Romans and Egyptians) shows examples of the utilization of foreign materials to promote soil stabilization during construction projects. The ancient peoples had only natural substances to rely on, however, while modern builders can take advantage of modern materials, which are much more resistant to breaking down due to soil conditions or insect activity. Indeed, geosynthetics, properly created and employed, will last hundreds of years, or longer.
One common type of geosynthetic is geotextiles. These are textiles in the sense that they are normally woven like cloth; frequently, the threads that are woven are polymers that last a long time, although natural fibres (such as coconut hair) are also sometimes used for shorter term uses. Geotextiles are porous and flexible, and are ideal for erosion control and soil stabilization with very loose soils.
Geogrids are geosynthetics that are more open and more rigid than geotextiles. Geogrids can resemble cages with their larger openings and regular spacing. Geogrids are strong and lend this strength to the earth in which they are embedded. Geogrids are frequently used in conjunction with retaining walls. Meanwhile, geonets resemble geogrids in their wider spacing; however, they are not rigid, allowing them to conform to the soil - which adds stability and allows for maximum drainage.
Geomembranes are normally different than the previous types of geosynthetics as they are not woven, but rather created whole. They are thin, flexible, and impermeable. This makes them ideal for preventing contamination between soil layers in such places as dumps and hazardous materials storage facilities.
All kinds of geosynthetics are used, in a number of configurations, to solve engineering problems. They are an important tool for landscapers and builders looking to make sure they build in stable and safe ways. Their use is now so common many engineering colleges teach entire classes on geosynthetic materials.
Designers use geosynthetics, which are normally some type of polymer, to envelop the soil as needed. This can either contain the earth in place, keep it separate from other substances (gravel, for example), allow for draining or even filtering ground water, or perform some combination of these abilities. Road- or rail-building projects use geosynthetics, as do damming projects and Retaining Walls. Preventing erosion is another popular use of geosynthetics.
History going back thousands of years (to the Romans and Egyptians) shows examples of the utilization of foreign materials to promote soil stabilization during construction projects. The ancient peoples had only natural substances to rely on, however, while modern builders can take advantage of modern materials, which are much more resistant to breaking down due to soil conditions or insect activity. Indeed, geosynthetics, properly created and employed, will last hundreds of years, or longer.
One common type of geosynthetic is geotextiles. These are textiles in the sense that they are normally woven like cloth; frequently, the threads that are woven are polymers that last a long time, although natural fibres (such as coconut hair) are also sometimes used for shorter term uses. Geotextiles are porous and flexible, and are ideal for erosion control and soil stabilization with very loose soils.
Geogrids are geosynthetics that are more open and more rigid than geotextiles. Geogrids can resemble cages with their larger openings and regular spacing. Geogrids are strong and lend this strength to the earth in which they are embedded. Geogrids are frequently used in conjunction with retaining walls. Meanwhile, geonets resemble geogrids in their wider spacing; however, they are not rigid, allowing them to conform to the soil - which adds stability and allows for maximum drainage.
Geomembranes are normally different than the previous types of geosynthetics as they are not woven, but rather created whole. They are thin, flexible, and impermeable. This makes them ideal for preventing contamination between soil layers in such places as dumps and hazardous materials storage facilities.
All kinds of geosynthetics are used, in a number of configurations, to solve engineering problems. They are an important tool for landscapers and builders looking to make sure they build in stable and safe ways. Their use is now so common many engineering colleges teach entire classes on geosynthetic materials.
About the Author:
Adam Prince is an unaffiliated Web-based blogger who specializes in the building industry and related issues. He has a particular interest in the various types of Geosynthetics, as well as more traditional techniques such as Retaining Walls.
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