Propex® Nonwoven

Propex® nonwoven geotextiles are polymer based products that are manufactured from a variety of processes. Generally the engineering application for the product will determine the most suitable type of geotextile that should be selected for use by the designer or contractor.

There is a very broad differentiation of geotextiles based on the manufacturing processes involved. Global Synthetics can provide continuous filament or staple fibre geotextiles. Polymers offered are polypropylene or polyester.

Product Information: Propex® nonwoven geotextiles are manufactured from the extrusion of fibres which are then laid down on a manufacturing “bed” and then needle punched to entangle the fibres such that a dimensionally stable product is formed. Some additional thermal treatment is then applied to further improve the strength of the geotextile. Because of this manufacturing process nonwoven geotextiles are generally best used in applications of drainage, filtration and protection.

Benefits of Propex® nonwoven Geotextiles: Propex® geotextiles can enhance the performance of paved and unpaved roadways, parking lots, airports, loading docks, and storage areas through stabilisation of the subgrade. The geotextiles provide three important functions: separation, drainage, and reinforcement. The fabric serves as a permeable separation layer, preventing the aggregate and subgrade soils from intermixing while allowing the passage of water.

Installation: Typically two people can easily place Propex® nonwoven geotextiles. The fabric should be rolled out onto the subgrade beginning at a point that allows easy access for construction equipment, yet is consistent with the layout plan. On very soft subgrades (CBR<1) the fabric layout and aggregate placement should begin on firm soil on the site perimeter, to establish an “anchor point”. From there the fabric can be rolled into softer sections. The geotextile should not be dragged across the subgrade. The geotextile is usually laid in the direction of construction traffic; however, specific project dimensions may alter this layout. Geotextile panels should be overlapped both side-to-side and end-to-end, in the direction of aggregate placement.

Global Synthetics offers the Propex® polypropylene nonwoven geotextile in a range of weights, strengths and filtration characteristics for these engineering applications.