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Beginners guide series: Why do we need to use geosynthetics?

14 August 2024
David Fisher
David Fisher

Head of Geosynthetics Sales

Geosynthetics are relatively new products when it comes to civil engineering and construction. However, for as long as we’ve been building, we’ve always been looking at ways to improve and stabilise different soil and land conditions.

From the ancient pyramids to roads in Rome, builders, architects, and specifiers have used a range of materials to stabilise their projects. But the introduction of polymers has led to a stronger range of products that will last for longer without fail. They enable the civil engineering industry to be more innovative while saving time and money.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of geosynthetics? 

While geosynthetics maybe a relatively new product, the International Geosynthetics Society was founded in 1982, highlighting the commitment the industry has to the development of geosynthetics and how they can benefit our civil engineering and infrastructure projects. But as with all products, there can be a range of advantages and disadvantages.

Let's look at some of those here:

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1.  Versatility. One of the main advantages of geosynthetics is the innovations they bring to projects, enabling projects to be developed on previously unsuitable ground. Traditional methods and materials can be more time-consuming and costly. However, while being an innovative product, awareness has to be raised to get buy-in from stakeholders if they are new to geosynthetics.

2.  Time savings. The use of geosynthetics can dramatically reduce the time required for construction projects. Their lightweight nature and ease of handling mean that installation is quicker and less labour-intensive compared to traditional materials. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in phases where groundwork and foundation stabilisation are critical, allowing subsequent stages of construction to commence sooner.

3.  Cost savings. Given the reduced need for traditional materials when using geosynthetics, there is a corresponding decrease in the cost associated with transporting these materials to the site. This is especially beneficial for projects in remote or inaccessible locations, where transportation costs can be prohibitively high. Additionally, the lightweight nature of geosynthetics compared to conventional materials further reduces transportation expenses.

4.  Environmental impact. There is argument to say that putting plastic into the Earth is not a positive. However, the engineering properties of geosynthetics, such as their strength and durability, mean that they can effectively replace more traditional construction materials. This leads to a reduction in the cross-sectional area needed for build-ups, significantly lowering the quantity of material required.

Where to start if you are new to geosynthetics? 

This article provides a broad overview of geosynthetics. They have multiple uses in a range of markets, from housing and residential to infrastructure to commercial and warehousing. Understanding the product you need is not always straightforward. 

That’s why we’ve developed Geoworks with a collaborative approach at its core. Our team is on hand throughout the construction lifecycle to talk to estimators, specifiers, merchants, contractors, and others about how geosynthetics can solve your problems and provide you with new ways of working that will save time and money. Talk to Geoworks today to find out how geosynthetics works for everyone.

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