The application of woven geotextile road base for the Trans-Sumatra highway serves as a barrier between the subgrade and the embankment layer to improve soil stability, drainage, and strengthen and enhance the structural stability of the toll road. This geotextile material is recommended for soil stabilization in toll road construction projects and considering that soil conditions in some locations may be unstable. Its use can extend the life and improve road quality.
Functions of Woven Geotextile Road Base Trans-Sumatra Highway
The following are some of the main functions of geotextiles in the Trans-Sumatra highway project.
1. Separation
One important use of geotextiles is to separate soft or unstable subgrade layers from embankment materials or overlying pavement layers, such as aggregates or foundations. This is crucial to prevent fine particles from the subgrade from rising and mixing with the pavement layers.
Mixing materials can reduce the bearing strength and stability of the road structure, which can lead to settlement or deformation. Geotextiles maintain the integrity of each layer and ensure each material functions as intended.
2. Filtration
Geotextiles have a high level of permeability, allowing water to flow through while retaining soil particles. They function as a filter in the drainage system, preventing fine particles from clogging drainage pipes or granular layers, thus ensuring smooth water flow.
By ensuring efficient drainage, geotextiles also contribute to reducing the possibility of ponding beneath the pavement layers, which can damage the road structure due to hydrostatic pressure or soil saturation.
3. Drainage
Geotextiles, especially thicker non-woven types, function as drainage channels in construction environments. This material helps channel water entering the road structure laterally toward the drainage system, keeping the layers above it dry.
In areas with high groundwater levels or intense rainfall, geotextiles help reduce the water content in the subgrade, which is crucial for maintaining soil strength.
4. Reinforcement
In locations with soft subgrade soils and low bearing capacity, geotextiles also serve to reinforce the structure. This material helps distribute traffic loads evenly over a wider area, thereby reducing pressure at specific points and preventing subsidence or soil deformation.
The use of geotextiles can effectively reduce the risk of subsidence and landslides on road embankments, especially on soft soils.
5. Protection
Geotextiles can also protect other geosynthetic materials, such as geomembranes, from mechanical damage caused by contact with rough materials or sharp objects during construction or during use.
Benefits of Using Geotextiles on the Trans-Sumatra Road
By separating layers, improving drainage, and providing reinforcement, geotextiles essentially increase the stability of toll road structures. Efforts to prevent material mixing, provide effective drainage, and strengthen the subgrade significantly contribute to the road’s resistance to damage, thereby extending its service life.
A more stable and durable road will require less maintenance and repairs in the future, positively impacting operational cost savings. In some situations, the use of geotextiles can eliminate the need for soil replacement or reduce the amount of aggregate required, thus speeding up the construction process and saving material costs.
Highway road projects in Indonesia often traverse areas with soft soil. To address this issue, geotextiles have emerged as an effective solution, as demonstrated in the case study of the Trans-Sumatra highway (Kayu Agung-Palembang-Betung) project.
As construction projects become larger and more complex, the use of high-quality woven geotextile road bases becomes increasingly important. Urban Plastic is ready to support infrastructure developers by providing durable and strong woven geotextiles.
For more information about Geotextile Non Woven please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 9151 338 (Ms. Anna) or Email : info@urbanplastic.id