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Functions, Applications and

Design of non-woven
geotextile as a Filter
FOR JKR CREaTE-Melaka
BY
Kim Har

FHWA (Federal Highway Authority)

Guidelines for the Design of
Subsurface Drainage Systems.
Using
AASHTO Method

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Introduction to Geotextile Design

• Engineers throughout Asia are commonly faced with the problem of
having to design and construct roads or earthworks over very soft
soils. Saturated soils with shear strength less than CBR 1% are
common.
• In addition, many of the clay and peat soils that prevail throughout
Asia are highly compressible necessitating additional soil
improvement works to stability and prevent uneven settlements.
• Geotextiles are increasingly used to improve the stability of soft soils
and reduce the cost of constructing earthworks over such soils.
However, many engineers remain unfamiliar with the benefits of
geotextiles and how to design with geotextile and assess their
performance.

Introduction to Geotextile Design

• Today we will provide guidelines for the design and construction of
unpaved and paved road structures over soft Asian soils using
nonwoven needle-punched geotextiles.
• It helps engineers to identify and qualify critical geotextile
performance criteria under prevailing construction conditions that
allows geotextiles “design by function” approach to be adopted.
• The design procedure considers standard design codes of practice
widely used in Asia base on AASHTO or FHWA (USA) and the method
developed by Stewart et al (1977) for paved and unpaved roads.
• The successful construction of paved and unpaved road structures
over saturated soft soils begins with the stabilization of the
underlaying soft subgrade.

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The introduction to Geotextile Design

Correctly designed, geotextiles provide the most cost effective means
of stabilizing initial layers of fill placed over soft subgrades with the
following benefits:
• Prevent contamination of subbase and base aggregates by the soft
subgrade and subsequently allows effective distribution of traffic load
through fill layers
• Eliminates loss of fill aggregate into the soft subgrade and hence
reduces additional( aggregate sacrificial layer” requirement and costs
• Reduces the depth of excavation required to remove unsuitable
subgrade and minimizes site preparation works.
• Increases the resistance of aggregate fill against “local failure” directly
beneath the loaded area by reinforcing the soil fill.
• Reduces uneven settlement and deformation of the finished
structure.

Roles of Geosynthetics

 Separator
 Reinforcement
 Drainage
 Filter
 Energy absorber
 Container
 Barrier

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Important Criteria as per Functions

Important Criteria as per Functions

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Important Criteria as per Functions

Design of non-woven geotextile as Filter Function

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Design of non-woven geotextile as Filter Function

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Water flow normal to the fabric

• Permeability is the rate of flow per unit area per unit
hydraulic gradient. Hydraulic gradient is the ratio of
head to the thickness of the geotextile and it can be
difficult to measure the fabric thickness during the
test.
• Alternatively the permeability may be expressed as
permittivity.
The equation for the flow through the fabric is,

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Permeability
q ΔH
= Kg
ag tg

Where q = rate of flow (m3/s)

ag = surface area of geotextile (m2)
ΔH = head loss (m)
tg = geotextile thickness (m)
Kg = permeability of geotextile (m/s)

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Permeability
• In a constant head permeability test, q, ag and ΔH are known
so , the permittivity is readily available obtained;
kg q
Ψ= =
tg ag . Δ H

• Therefore permittivity can be directly calculated from the test

results and expresses the rate of flow through the geotextile
per unit area and per unit head.
• Generally permeability is obtained straight from the test although
permittivity is useful in comparing geotextiles because permittivity
varies less than permeability when there is a change of normal
stress applied to the geotextile.
• This is because as the pressure increases both permeability and
thickness decrease and so for the application of geotextiles in
revetments the permittivity may be considered constant.
• Permittivity of geotextiles varies between 10-2 s-1 and 10 s-1

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Filtration characteristics
• The filter must maintain a higher permeability than the soil and the head loss
through the filter must be lower than a given value.
• Assuming the rate of flow in the soil next to the geotextile is equal to the rate of
flow through the geotextile, then
Ψ.ΔH=Ks .i
Where ΔH = head loss through the geotextile (m)
ks =soil permeability (m/s)
i = hydraulic gradient in the soil.
Assuming the head loss to be less than 0.1m (100mm), then
Ψ = 10 Ks. I and
for 0.05m (50mm head)
Ψ = 20 Ks. i

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Retention Criteria
• The geotextile filter must have an opening size small enough
to prevent soil particle migration. When assessing the
opening size of the geotextile the following factors need to
be considered,
• Type of fabric- woven, non-woven, thick non-woven, etc
• Type of soil-compact or loose
• Grading of soil- uniform or non-uniform
• Magnitude of hydraulic gradient

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Retention criteria
The retention criterion can be expressed as
On < λ. dn
Where
• On = is the opening size of the geotextile corresponding to the diameter of
the largest particles able to pass through the geotextile, On corresponds
to the dn of the soil passing through the geotextile; n is normally taken as
90, 95 or 98.
• dn = is the chosen as a characteristic diameter of the retained soil. As a
representation of the large diameter particles within the soil d85 or d90 are
normally used whereas for medium size particles d50 is used.
• λ= is a coefficient depending upon the factors listed above together with
the type of test to determine On (dry, wet, wet turbulence or wet
alternate flow).

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Water Permeability of Soil and Sand

Example

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Calculation and specification on the permeability of non-woven

geotextile
Permeability
• Permeability is commonly
measured in terms of the rate of
water flow through the soil in a
given period of time. It is usually
As Per JKR requirement,
• Permeability of the nonwoven
geotextile is 10 times that of the Darcy
permeability of the soil. Hence, if the
permeability, K of the silty Sand is 1x 10-
5m/s, then

expressed either as a • Permeability of the nonwoven

permeability rate in centimetres
per hour (cm/h), millimetres per
hour (mm/h), or centimetres per
day (cm/d), or as a coefficient of
permeability k in metres per
second (m/s) or in centimetres
per second (cm/s).
geotextile is
= 10 X 1x 10-5m/s = 1x 10-4m/s
which is less than 1 l/m2.sec.
Hence you do not need a very high
permeability nonwoven geotextile as a
filter cloth as explained in clause in
JKR/SPJ/2013-S3.

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Minumum Permeability Requirement of nonwoven geotextile

as Filter . *1
Groundwater condition of
Subgrade Q50 (l/m2.sec)
1. Where no groundwater Q50 > 5
movement in the subgrade
or it is stagnant water.
2. When the subgrade is Q50 > 25
mostly granular.
3. When the subgrade is Q50 > 25
mostly silt and silty sand
4. When the subgrade is clay
or of mostly clayey content. Q50 > 10
Q50 is the Flow rate of the nonwoven geotextile with 50mm Head.
*1 – Technical Note from Tencate Brochure

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Guidelines for Evaluating the Critical Nature or Severity of

Drainage and Erosion Control or Filter Applications

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Guidelines for Evaluating the Critical Nature or Severity of Drainage and

Erosion Control or Filter Applications

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Guidelines for Evaluating the Critical Nature or Severity of

Drainage and Erosion Control or Filter Applications

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Type of Stitches and Seams

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Geotextile Filter Design

• Designing with geotextiles for filtration is essentially the same as
designing graded granular filters. A geotextile is similar to a soil in that
it has void (pores) and particles (filament and fibers).
• However, because of the shape and arrangement of the filaments and
the compressibility of the structure with geotextiles, the geometric
relationships between filaments and voids is more complex than in
soils.
• In geotextiles, pore size is measured directly, rather than using
particle size as an estimate of pore size, as is done in soils.

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Geotextile Filter Design

These simple concept and analogies with soil filter design criteria are
used to established design criteria for geotextiles. Specifically, these
criteria state:

• the geotextile must retain the soil (retention criterion), while

• allowing water to pass (permeability criterion), throughout
• the life of the structure (clogging resistance criterion).

To perform effectively, the geotextile must also survive the installation

process (survivability criterion).

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Geotextile Filter Design

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Geotextile Filter Design

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Retention Criteria
Steady State Flow Conditions

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Retention Criteria

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Retention Criteria

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Retention Criteria
In the absence of the detailed, the AASHTO M 288 Standard Specification
for Geotextiles (1997) provides the following recommended maximum
AOS values in relation to percent of situ soil passing the 0.075mm sieve:
i) 0.43mm for less than 15% passing
ii) 0.25mm for 15 to 50% passing and
iii) 0.22mm for more than 50% passing.
However, for cohesive soils with a plasticity index greater than 7, the
maximum AOS size is 0.30mm.
These default AOS values are based upon the predominant particle sizes
of the in situ soil.

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Retention Criteria
Dynamic Flow Conditions

Dynamic flow conditions can occur in pavement drainage applications. For reversing
inflow-outflow or high gradient situations, it is best to maintain sufficient weight or
load on the filter to prevent particle movement.

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Permeability /Permittivity Criteria

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Permeability /Permittivity Criteria

For actual flow capacity, the permeability criteria for noncritical
applications is conservative, since an equal quantity of flow through a
relatively thin geotextile takes significantly less time than through a
thick granular filter.
But for critical or severe applications, Equation 2-7a is recommended to
provide an additional level of conservatism.

The AASHTO M 288 Standard Specification for Geotextiles (1997)

presents recommended minimum permittivity values in relation to
percent of situ passing the 0.075mm sieve. The values are the same as
presented in Equation 2-8a, 2-8b and 2-8c above.
The default permittivity values are based upon the predominant
particle sizes of the in situ soil.

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Clogging Resistance Criteria

• For less critical/less severe conditions;

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Survivability and Endurance Criteria for Filtration/Drainage.

Geotextile Strength property Requirements for Drainage Geotextiles
(after AASHTO, 1997)

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Design Sample Calculation

Definition of Design Example

• Project Description: Drains to intercept groundwater are to be placed adjacent to a
two-lane highway.
• Type of Structure: Trench drain
• Type of Application: Geotextile wrapping of aggregate

Given Data
• Site has a high groundwater table
• Drain is to prevent seepage and shallow slope failure, which are currently a
maintenance problem.
• Depth of trench drain is 1 meter.
• Soil samples along the proposed drain alignment are non-plastic
• Gradation of three representative soil samples along the proposed drain
alignment.

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Design Sample Calculation

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Design Sample Calculation

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Design Sample Calculation

Step 1. Evaluate Critical Nature and Site Conditions
From the data, assume that this is a noncritical application.
Soils are well graded, hydraulic gradient is low for this type of
application, and the flow conditions are steady state for this
type of application.

Step 2. Obtain Soil Samples

A. Grain Size Analyses
Plot gradations of representative soils. The D60, D10 and D85 sizes
from the gradation plot are noted in the table on the next page
for Samples A, B and C. Determine uniformity coefficient, Cu,
coefficient B, and the maximum AOS.

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Design Sample Calculation

Step 2. Obtain Soil Samples
A. Grain Size Analyses
Worst case soil for retention(i.e. smallest B xD85) is Soil C, from the table

B. Permeability Test
Non-critical application, drain will be conservatively designed with an
estimated permeability.
The largest D10 controls permeability; therefore, Soil A with D10 = 0.15mm
controls. Therefore; K=(D10)2 = (0.15)2 =2 x 10-2 cm/s =2 x 10-4 m/s

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Design Sample Calculation

C. Select Drain aggregate
Assume drain stone is a rounded aggregate.

Step 3. Dimension Drain System

Determine depth and width of the drain trench and whether a pipe is
required to carry low –draw and details the drainage system.

Step 4. Determine Geotextile Requirements.

A. Retention Criteria
Sample C controls (see table above), therefore AOS < 0.72mm
B. Permeability criteria
From given data, it has been judged that this application is a less
critical/less severe application. Therefore, kgeotextile > ksoil
Soil C controls, therefore kgeotextile > 2 x 10-4 m/s.

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Design Sample Calculation

Step 4. Determine Geotextile Requirements
C. Permittivity Criteria
All three soils have < 15% passing the 0.075 mm, therefore Ψ > 0.5 sec-1

D. Clogging Criteria
From the given data, it has been judged that this application is a less
critical/severe application, and soils A and B have a Cu greater than 3.
Therefore, for soils A and B, O95 > 3 D15
O95 > 3 D15 =3 x 0.15 = 0.45mm for Sample A and
=3 x 0.075=0.22mm for Sample B
Soil A controls, therefore AOS > 0.45mm. But earlier calculation for soil C, a
geotextile with the maximum AOS value determined from the retention criteria
should also be used. Therefore AOS = 0.72mm must be used.

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Design Sample Calculation

Hence,
for the primary function of filtration, the geotextile should have
0.45mm > AOS < 0.72mm
and kgeotextile > 2 x 10-4 m/s
and Ψ> 0.5 sec-1 .
Woven slit film geotextiles are not allowed

E. Survivability
From Table 2.2, the following values are recommended:
Woven Geotexile Nonwoven geotextile ASTM Test Method

Grab Strength 1100 N 700 N D 4632

Sewn Seam Strength 990 N 630 N D 4632
Tear Strength 400 N 250 N D 4533
Puncture Strength 400 N 250 N D 4833
Burst Strength 2700 N 1300 N D 3786

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Design Sample Calculation

Step 5. Estimate Costs

Step 6. Prepare Specifications
Step 7. Collect Samples
Step 8. Monitor Installation
Step 9. Observe Drain System During and After Storm Events.
Step 10. Evaluate Performance of the recommended geotextile.

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5. Cost from manufacturer

Every engineer can get the costing from the
manufacturers and they are always willing give the
costing of non-woven geotextile and woven
geotextile market prices

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6. Preparation of Specification

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Collect Samples-
Manufacturer

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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8. Monitor Installation

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Road Construction
FT54 – NW-300g/m2

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8. Method of installation of Non woven Geotextile

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8. Method Statement

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8. Method Statement

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8. Method Statement

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8. EQUIPMENT LISTS
• Sewing Equipment, cutter, equipment oil, sewing book
manual

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Observation and Evaluation on Site

9. Observe Drain System During and After Storm Events.
The design engineer must at least visit the site during
construction or installation stage to ensure that the non-woven
geotextiles are installed accordingly. Any problem that is encountered
on site must be dealt with and settle on site.

10. Evaluate Performance of the recommended geotextile.

The design engineer must evaluate the performance of its design
and evaluate the performance of the non-woven geotextile so that
he/she will know how one can improve further on the non-woven
geotextile design as a filter. Different site conditions have different
problems

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Design Method Using Non-Woven

R e i n f o r cGeotextile
i n g t h e W oas
r l da Filter
w i t h G e o g r i d

EENNDD OOFF PPRREESSEENNTTAATTIIOOnn

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