Your Ultimate Guide to the Types of Geosynthetics

Overview

There are 6 main types of geosynthetics: geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, geonets, geocells, and geocomposites. In this blog, we will discuss every type in detail: their appearance, function, application + use case, and the materials they can replace. Towards the end, we will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the different types of geosynthetics.

Any canal, road, bridge, or building you see being constructed – all of them have one thing in common. 

They use geosynthetics as a material that increases their strength and lifecycle.

But here’s the thing: they all use different types of geosynthetics!

They are all made from the same basic material (polymer) but have different appearances, physical properties, functions, and applications. 

But with terms like geotextiles, geomembranes, and geogrids, it can be difficult to know which material is right for the job.

This guide from Indonet, India’s leading geosynthetics provider, will walk you through the core types of geosynthetics. 

We’ll explore their unique properties, functions, and the specific applications of geosynthetics that are transforming construction and environmental protection across the nation.

Type of Geosynthetics: Table of Contents

• What are Geosynthetics?
• Types of Geosynthetics Explained
• Indonet: India’s Leading Geosynthetics Supplier
• Types of Geosynthetics: FAQs

Table Explaining Types of Geosynthetics

What are geosynthetics?

Geosynthetics are a family of synthetic polymer materials that help us solve complex civil and environmental engineering challenges. 

While they are all polymer-based compounds, different types of geosynthetics are manufactured to have unique properties that make them suited to performing specific functions for specific applications.

Types of Geosynthetics Explained

In this section, we’ll explore the 6 main types of geosynthetics, their appearance, functions, and industrial applications: 

1. Geotextiles

Geotextiles are the most common and versatile of all geosynthetics. 

They function as permeable fabrics that resemble felt or other woven products. But instead of cotton or wool, they are made from polypropylene or polyester.

There are two sub-types of geotextiles: woven ones for high strength or non-woven ones for filtration and separation.

Their primary functions include separation, filtration, drainage, and reinforcement.

Since they can fulfil such a vast range of functions, geotextiles have a vast range of functions. For example, they are fundamental in road construction (they stabilise the underlying subgrade), drainage systems, and erosion control on slopes.

They are also used as a protective layer for geomembranes in landfills.

Why Geotextiles Replace

Geotextiles replace granular soil layers used for separation and filtration, which are more labor-intensive and less effective.

2. Geomembranes

Geomembranes are the impermeable liners of the geosynthetics family.

Their impermeability makes them ideally suited to containment applications.

You’ll typically see them as continuous, thin sheets made from polymers like HDPE, LDPE, or PVC. 

In addition to low permeability, they are known for their excellent resistance to other chemical compounds.

So they are most commonly used for containment, creating barriers, and lining materials in water bodies.

For example, they are primarily used in environmental projects such as landfill liners and caps, water reservoirs, and canal linings. It’s also a cheap but durable material that can contain hazardous liquids in mining operations.

What Geomembranes Replace

A geomembrane is a superior alternative to lining materials like compacted clay, which is less consistent, requires more space, and might crack under pressure build-up.

3. Geogrids

The next type of geosynthetic is a geogrid. 

You can call them the workhorses of soil reinforcement since they are specifically to provide tensile strength.

They have a grid-like structure with large openings that allow soil to strike through and interlock over the membranes. 

Geogrids are usually manufactured from polyester, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene.

You can get them in two different forms: uniaxial (strong in one direction) or biaxial (strong in multiple directions).

Their physical properties make geogrids very good for reinforcement and stabilization functions. 

They are thus widely used in road construction, where they offer stable foundations on weak subsoils. Geogrids also help us construct steep reinforced soil slopes and retaining walls.

What Geogrids Replace

Geogrids significantly reduce or eliminate the need for massive concrete retaining structures or deep soil excavation and replacement. Their use thus leads to faster, more cost-effective construction.

4. Geonets

Geonets are specialized materials whose primary role is to facilitate in-plane drainage.

They are net-like structures formed by two sets of intersecting ribs. Geonets thus help us create and maintain a continuous channel that allows fluids to flow in a specific direction. 

One important feature of geonets is that they are usually made from only one material – polyethylene.

The two main functions of geonets are drainage and fluid transmission. 

Geonets are ideally suited to support retaining walls and collect leachate in landfills. Another important application of geonets is that they help manage water pressure (gas and liquid) on farms and fields.

What Geonets Replace

Geonets replace drainage materials like gravel or sand, which are heavier, less efficient, and more expensive to transport. Geonets are also much easier to install compared to the other materials.

5. Geocells

Geocells provide a powerful 3D solution for soil confinement by creating a rigid “mattress” that distributes loads over a wide area or surface.

They are three-dimensional, honeycomb-like structures made from connected strips of HDPE or polyester. 

Geocells are typically filled with soil, aggregate, or concrete, following which they form a rigid mat.

Due to their ability to retain their shape and accommodate other materials, they are used for confinement, erosion control, and load support/distribution.

They are thus widely used for channel and slope protection. Geocells are also excellent for supporting unpaved roads and railways. Lastly, they are also perfect for preventing soil erosion due to washing away or landslides. 

What Geocells Replace

Geocells typically replace traditional methods like loose riprap for erosion control or deep-lift paving for road subgrades. This is because they offer both superior performance and cost effectiveness (as they reduce material usage in industrial and commercial operations).

6. Geocomposites

Last on our list is a hybrid geosynthetic called a geocomposite. 

It combines two or more different geosynthetics to create a multi-purpose product that can fulfil different functions. 

Since it’s a hybrid of two or more geosynthetics, a geocomposite can take many forms.

For example, it can be a geonet bonded to a non-woven geotextile that is perfect for drainage and filtration. It can also be a geogrid bonded to a geomembrane for reinforcement and containment.

Just like its form, the function of a geosynthetic varies based on the combination. However, it commonly includes at least three primary functions: enhanced drainage, filtration, and reinforcement.

Since they’re complex products, geocomposites are used in equally complex civil engineering projects. These include advanced landfill drainage systems, building prefabricated retaining walls, and creating unique pavement structures.

What Geocomposites Replace 

Geocomposites replace multiple layers of different natural materials (e.g., sand, gravel, and geotextiles) with a single, high-performance, easy-to-install sheet. This means you save time, space, and cost, all at the same time!

Indonet: India’s Leading Geosynthetics Supplier

The reason geosynthetics have a wide range of applications is that we can engineer them into different types to perform different functions.

And in this blog, we’ve discussed 6 main types of geosynthetics, all suited to specific industries and applications.

We also explored the materials they replace and the benefits that each type can provide for your operations.

Now, the only question is: which type do you need and where should you get it? From us at Indonet Group!

For nearly two decades, we’ve been one of India’s most reliable geosynthetics suppliers to domestic and international clients. 

Connect with us today, and our experts will help you understand which type of geosynthetic is perfect for your operations!

Types of Geosynthetics: FAQs

1. What is the primary role of geosynthetics in civil engineering?

They enhance soil and project performance through reinforcement, separation, filtration, and drainage, providing superior, cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods.

2. What is the main difference between geotextiles and geomembranes?

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics for filtration and drainage, while geomembranes are impermeable sheets used as fluid barriers for containment applications like ponds and landfills.

3. Why are geosynthetics important in road construction?

They stabilize weak subsoils, prevent material mixing, and reinforce the road base, leading to more durable, longer-lasting roads with reduced maintenance needs and costs.

4. What are the most common applications of geosynthetics?

Common applications include road and railway construction, erosion control on slopes, landfill liners, retaining walls, and drainage systems for various civil engineering projects.

5. Can different geosynthetics be combined?

Yes. Geocomposites combine types like geotextiles and geonets for multi-functionality. Different geosynthetics are also often used together on-site for combined performance, like protection and containment.