1. Main functions of geotextiles

2. Types of geotextiles

3. Selecting the material density

4. Geotextile laying technology

5. Advantages of using geotextiles

Geotextile is a modern synthetic material widely used in various construction and landscaping applications. Thanks to its unique properties—high strength, elasticity, and water permeability—this material performs several important functions in garden paths, drainage systems, and other structures.

Main functions of geotextiles

Geotextile fabric performs three key functions:

Drainage function
The material effectively wicks away excess moisture from structures, preventing erosion. It also resists clogging with soil particles, maintaining its permeability throughout its entire service life.

Reinforcing function
Geotextiles significantly increase the load-bearing capacity of the foundation by evenly distributing the load across the entire surface. This is especially important when constructing paths and areas subject to heavy traffic.

Separation function
The fabric reliably separates different layers of materials (soil, sand, crushed stone), preventing them from mixing and settling. This allows each layer to maintain its original properties for many years.

An additional benefit is protection against weed growth, which is especially valuable when creating garden paths and other landscape elements.

Types of geotextiles

Classification by composition:

• Polypropylene – characterized by maximum strength and chemical resistance. Ideal for critical structures.

• Polyester is a more environmentally friendly option, but is less resistant to aggressive environments.

• Blended - contains natural fibers (cotton, wool), which makes it more affordable, but less durable.

Classification by production technology:

• Needle-punched - has excellent filtering properties, ideal for drainage systems.

• Thermally bonded - has increased strength, but is somewhat inferior in terms of water permeability.

• Knitted and stitched - has limited resistance to mechanical stress.

For garden paths, experts recommend choosing heat-bonded polypropylene geotextiles, which combine strength and durability.

Selecting material density

The density of geotextile is a key parameter determining the area of ​​its application:

• 60-100 g/m² — ideal for landscaping: flowerbed design, creating pedestrian paths with light traffic.

• 100-150 g/m² — used to strengthen the soil, laying under paving slabs and paving stones.

• 150-300 g/m² — used in drainage systems, in the construction of car driveways and parking lots.

For most garden paths, a material with a density of 100-150 g/m² is sufficient, which will provide the necessary strength and durability of the structure.

Geotextile laying technology

Proper installation of the material ensures the durability and reliability of the structure. Let's look at the process using the example of creating a garden path from paving slabs:

1. Preparation of the base:

   • Marking the contours of the future path

   • Excavation of soil to a depth of 30-40 cm

   • Careful compaction of the trench bottom

2. Laying the first layer of geotextile:

   • Cutting the fabric taking into account an overlap of 15-20 cm

   • Loading the material onto the trench walls with a 10-15 cm release

   • Fixing the edges with improvised means

3. Formation of structural layers:

   • Filling with crushed stone of 20-40 mm fraction (layer 10-15 cm)

   • Laying the second layer of geotextile

   • Filling the sand cushion (10-15 cm) with careful compaction

4. Installation of the coating:

   • Laying paving slabs

   • Filling the joints with a sand-cement mixture

   • Installation of curbstones

5. Final works:

   • Trimming excess geotextile

   • Final surface leveling

For areas with complex terrain, it is recommended to use high-density geotextiles (150-200 g/m²) and additionally reinforce the structure with curbs.

Benefits of using geotextiles

The use of geotextile fabric in construction and landscape design offers many advantages:

1. Extending the service life of structures by 2-3 times by preventing layer mixing and subsidence.

2. Reduction of costs for bulk materials (up to 40% savings on crushed stone and sand).

3. Installation is simplified – work can be carried out in any weather conditions.

4. Environmentally friendly – ​​the material does not emit harmful substances.

5. Versatility of application – from garden paths to highways.

Geotextiles are a modern solution that combines affordability, ease of installation, and outstanding performance. Properly selected and installed, this material will provide a reliable foundation for any landscaping or construction project.