Blog
Beginners Guide Series: When should I use a geocomposite in construction?
13 August 2024
David Fisher
Head of Geosynthetics Sales
If you’re just entering the world of geosynthetics, the choice of product and its application can seem a little daunting. Their vast range of applications play an integral role in building and civil engineering projects and typically fit into six broad categories - separation, protection, filtration, erosion control, reinforcement and drainage. Further expert advice on where to start can help you get to grips with geosynthetics quicker.
The Geoworks team has put together this short piece of advice to better inform you on when to use a geocomposite in construction. What is a geocomposite? And how is it different to a geotextile or geogrid?Geotextiles, geogrids and geocomposites are all geosynthetics: man-made products that aid land conditions. But each has its own unique use. A geotextile is a permeable synthetic material, or textile, that can be used to separate layers of soil. These can be woven or nonwoven in their construction. Geogrids are grids made from polymers and are used to reinforce different soil or earth conditions. They can be manufactured in different ways, such as punch and drawn or thermally bonded. WHEN WOULD I USE A GEOCOMPOSITE OVER OTHER GEOSYNTHETICS, SUCH AS A GEOGRID OR GEOTEXTILE?If you find yourself on-site during your construction or civil engineering project, and are using geogrids and geotextiles in the same area, then a geocomposite, such as SX Composite 3030 may have been the better solution. We appreciate that isn’t much help during a project, but talking to the team at Geoworks while planning your civil engineering or building project will help to identify tasks that can benefit from a geocomposite. This might be when you are looking to reinforce land conditions and allow improved drainage without the loss of infill material. A geocomposite will give you a permeable material that provides filtration and separation too. What are the benefits of using geocomposites?A huge benefit of using a geocomposite is its time and cost savings for your building or construction project. Large civil and infrastructure projects that need multiple geogrids and geotextiles will benefit from large rolls of geocomposites that only need to be installed once. This reduces time on site and time to site, giving you an element of carbon savings from only one product being transported instead of two. You can get an idea of just how much time and cost you can save by using our calculator.  Geoworks: works for allGeoworks has a range of online savings calculators, including a time-to-lay calculator to help you see the benefit of geocomposites in your construction and civil engineering project. Our team are here to help at every stage of your project lifecycle to provide design support, technical expertise and the right geosynthetic for you. Talk to Geoworks and we’ll make sure geosynthetics work for you |
