Comparative Study of Woven and Non-Woven Geotextiles Using CBR

Geosynthetics are man-made geotextile fibres that provide high performance and long-term solution to challenges in geotechnical works. This study aims to discuss the potential of using polypropylene woven and non-woven geotextiles as reinforcement to weak soil and thereby improving the bearing capacity and making it more durable for construction projects. The main aim is to compare the effect of woven and non-woven geotextiles on soil stabilization using controlled laboratory test and verifying and analysing their impact. Specific gravity, Grain size distribution, Atterberg Limit tests are performed to determine the basic index properties of the three different soil samples. Modified Proctor Test (to determine OMC and MDD) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were conducted on unreinforced soil sample and reinforced soil sample with polypropylene woven and non-woven geotextiles. For the CBR test the geotextile was placed at three different heights of the mould: at the bottom of the mould, at mid height of the mould and at 1/3rd height from top of the mould in a single layer for three different soil samples. The results indicate improvement in the CBR value of soil sample with woven geoxtile giving higher CBR value than non-woven geotextile. On the other hand, there is a different trend for the granular sub-base soil sample (GSB) as the geotextiles tends to get puncture. The study also showed woven textile works best when placed at bottom of the mould and non-woven works best when placed at 1/3th height from the top of the mould. Therefore, from our study, woven geotextiles are a more suitable option for long-term soil reinforcement applications due to their superior durability and sustained mechanical performance.