Geomembrane vs. Geotextile

Geomembrane uses a plastic film that plays the role of anti-seepage material in these cases. On the other hand, geotextile materials use nonwoven fabrics. Since they are geosynthetic materials, geotextiles are used in applications such as drainage and separating gravel & soil. They are also used for dewatering polluted liquids and protecting geomembranes. Water can pass through geotextile material rather easily since it is made using geosynthetic materials. This means that it is made up of synthetic fibers by using techniques such as needle punching and weaving. The good thing is that these days you get great products in both these segments.

There are some prominent areas of difference between these products.

Difference in terms of water permeability

Geomembrane happens to be impermeable to water but geotextile materials are not so.

Difference in terms of application

Geotextiles are made using nonwoven fabrics and, as such, these materials are used for strengthening foundations. Geomembrane is made using the likes of high-density polyethylene and it is used commonly to prevent seepage.

Difference in terms of characteristics

Geotextile is exceptional in terms of drainage isolation, strengthening properties, anti-seepage, and filtration. On top of that it has features such as the following:

· low weight

· heat resistance

· high tensile strength

· anti-freezing properties

· permeability

The main reason for this is the materials that are used to make it. Yet another great quality of geotextiles is their ability to resist corrosion. On the other hand, geomembranes are made using plastic films which are well known for their anti-seepage qualities. They are also blessed with qualities such as the following:

· a small specific gravity

· resistance to corrosion

· robust elongation

· low-heat resistance

· malleability

· average frost resistance

You can use both these materials together or either one of them for strength in your intended application. Geomembrane is used normally in engineering constructions where you need seepage-proof materials that also have other qualities.

The most prominent among those are isolation, good drainage material, firm foundations, and anti-cracking. Yet another major difference between these two materials is that geotextile is highly preferred in case of applications with anti-filtering purposes. On the contrary, geomembrane is used mainly for seepage-proofing. As their name would indicate, geotextiles are made using nonwoven fabrics and are used mainly for consolidating subsoil. Geomembranes are made mainly of high-density polyethylene and are used primarily for seepage-proofing. When you combine both you get composite geomembrane that can be divided into one cloth & one membrane or two cloths & one membrane.

There are different kinds of geomembranes that you get for lining purposes. It also helps that you get them in such various qualities and designs for various requirements. The most prominent among them are FPP (permaliner flexible polypropylene) and FPE (permaflex flexible polyethylene). When it comes to geotextiles the two varieties are woven and nonwoven. Nonwoven geotextiles are used mostly in drainage applications because they are capable of filtering without getting clogged and woven geotextiles are used mostly in unpaved roads. Nonwoven PP (polypropylene) geotextiles are made mostly using needle-punched PP staple fibers.