Listed in Stormwater Management
If you’re in the world of stormwater management, you’ve probably heard of geotextile fabrics. These unsung heroes of infrastructure help stabilize soil, manage erosion, and keep things flowing...literally. But not all geotextiles are created equal. The two main types - woven and non-woven - serve different purposes, and using the wrong one can cause more headaches than solutions.
Let’s break down the differences and when to use which.
Woven Geotextile: Strength and Separation
What it is:
Woven geotextiles are made by weaving polypropylene or polyester fibers together, just like fabric. The result is a strong, durable material with high tensile strength and very little stretch.
What it does well:
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Separation: Keeps layers of materials (like aggregate and soil) from mixing.
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Stabilization: Helps support heavy loads by distributing weight.
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Strength: Excellent for high-traffic areas that need reinforcement.
Common uses in stormwater work:
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Under roads or driveways: When you’re building on unstable or wet ground, a woven fabric adds a layer of strength to reduce rutting or shifting.
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Base layer for retention ponds or infiltration basins: Helps keep the soil in place and supports heavy rock layers above.
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Swales or ditches: Especially when combined with riprap or gravel to hold everything in place.
Key thing to know:
Woven fabrics aren’t great at allowing water to pass through. If filtration is a priority, you’ll want to look at non-woven instead.
Non-Woven Geotextile: Filtration and Drainage
What it is:
Non-woven geotextiles are made from polypropylene fibers that are bonded together (not woven), typically using heat or needle-punching. They feel more like felt than fabric.
What it does well:
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Filtration: Allows water to flow through while trapping sediment.
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Drainage: Facilitates subsurface water movement.
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Flexibility: Conforms well to irregular ground surfaces.
Common uses in stormwater work:
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French drains or perforated pipe wraps: Keeps soil out, lets water in.
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Behind retaining walls: Helps relieve hydrostatic pressure by letting water escape while holding back fine particles.
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Under riprap or gabions: Prevents soil loss while allowing water to seep through.
Key thing to know:
Non-woven fabric isn’t as strong as woven, so it’s not ideal for load-bearing situations. But it’s your best friend when managing water flow.
Quick Recap
| Feature | Woven Geotextile | Non-Woven Geotextile |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Woven like fabric | Bonded like felt |
| Strength | High (great for support) | Lower (great for filtration) |
| Permeability | Low | High |
| Best For | Stabilization, separation | Filtration, drainage |
| Common Use | Roads, driveways, rock beds | Drains, retention walls, swales |
Choosing the Right Fabric
If your priority is holding soil together under pressure, woven is your go-to. If you're managing water flow and sediment control, reach for non-woven.
And when in doubt, don’t guess. Get specs from your supplier and match the fabric to the job. A little fabric goes a long way in keeping your stormwater project functioning and low-maintenance.
Need a cheat sheet for your next job? Just remember:
Woven = strength
Non-woven = flow
Let the right fabric do the heavy lifting - literally or hydraulically!