Geotextiles are indeed textiles in the traditional sense, but they consist of synthetic fibers rather than natural ones such as cotton, wool, or silk. Thus biodegradation and subsequent short lifetime is not a problem. These synthetic fibers are made into flexible, porous fabrics by standard weaving machinery or are matted together in a random nonwoven manner. Some are also knitted. The major point is that geotextiles are porous to liquid flow across their manufactured plane and also within their thickness, but to a widely varying degree. There are at least 100 specific application areas for geotextiles that have been developed; however, the fabric always performs at least one of four discrete functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, and/or drainage.

(Koerner, Robert. Designing with Geosynthetics 5th Edition. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.)

andfills, reservoirs, canals, and other containment facilities. Thus the primary function is always containm

M. Designing with Geosynthetics

geotextiles on both surfaces and