Geosynthetics reviewed in new report

A new Rapra Review Report discusses the materials, production methods and applications of each category of geosynthetics.

Geosynthetics are sheet polymeric materials used in civil engineering.

They have been used since the 1970s in geotechnical (soil) structures for functions such as separation, reinforcement, drainage, filtration, liquid containment and as gas barriers.

A new Rapra Review Report, "Geosynthetics", discusses the materials, production methods and applications of each category of geosynthetics.

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics accounting for around 75% of all geosynthetics; polypropylene and polyester are the most commonly used materials.

Geomembranes are thin flexible sheets with very low permeability; polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene are the most common materials.

Geosynthetic clay liners are used as water barriers; a covering geotextile provides the polymer constituent.

Geogrids are sheets of tensile elements with a regular network of apertures, usually constructed of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester.

Geonets are composite grid constructions used for drainage capabilities, consisting of a drainage core covered by a geotextile.

Geosynthetics often play critical roles in civil engineering and it is important that the materials in use can withstand the physical and chemical pressures of the environment.

These range from resistance to leachates from landfill to resistance to root damage in soil liners, as well as standard properties such as resistance to creep, oxidation and UV light, and tensile strength.

"Geosynthetics" provides an overview of the functions of geosynthetics, the materials in use and their properties, the test standards in force, and application areas.

It will prove a useful volume for those working in the construction, civil engineering, and landfill management sectors, as well as technical textile companies, sheet manufacturers, polymer suppliers, and material testing companies.

The review is accompanied by around 400 abstracts from papers and books in the Rapra Polymer Library database, to facilitate further reading on this subject.

A subject index and a company index are included.

The author, Dr David I Cook is a graduate of the Royal Institute of Chemistry.

He is a chartered chemist and has a PhD in chemistry from UMIST.

His career includes work as a Senior Research Scientist for ICI Fibres, and in testing of geosynthetics for the British Textile Technology Group for 19 years.

He has been a member of the British, European and International geosynthetics standards committees.

"Geosynthetics" retails at GBP 85 (plus postage and packaging) and is available from Rapra Technology.

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