| Structure |
Randomly oriented filaments, thermally bonded. |
Monofilaments or tapes woven in perpendicular directions (warp & weft). |
Yarns looped together in an interlocking pattern. |
| Primary Function |
Separation, Filtration, Drainage, Protection. |
Reinforcement, Separation, Stabilization. |
Reinforcement, Separation (often with high elongation). |
| Tensile Strength |
Moderate to High. High elongation at break. |
Very High (especially in machine direction), Low elongation. |
Moderate to High, Very High Elongation. |
| Flow Characteristics |
High Permeability (in-plane & cross-plane). Good filtration. |
Low to Moderate Permeability (cross-plane). Can act as a barrier. Filtration often poor without special weave. |
Moderate Permeability. Depends on stitch density. |
| Puncture Resistance |
Very High. Excellent for protection. |
Moderate to High. |
Moderate. |
| Soil Interaction |
Excellent conformability to soil surface. |
Less conformable, stiffer fabric. |
Good conformability, flexible. |
| Typical Applications |
Separation (roads, railways), Drainage layers, Landfill liners/caps, Filtration, Erosion control under riprap, Protection. |
Reinforcement (steep slopes, walls, embankments), Stabilization (soft subgrades), Separation under very high loads, Sediment control. |
Slope reinforcement, Gabions, Erosion control mats (often combined with other materials), Applications needing high flexibility/elongation. |
| Key Advantages |
Excellent filtration/separation/drainage, High puncture resistance, Good conformability. |
Highest tensile strength/stiffness, Excellent load distribution, High abrasion resistance. |
High flexibility & elongation, Good conformability, Often used in composite structures. |
