Non-woven geotextiles for separation and filtration
The Transport for NSW specification R63 covers geotextiles used for separation and filtration in earthworks and road construction.
Choosing geotextiles that comply with this specification is an important part of delivering a successful project for your clients, so we’ve put together this guide to help you identify which Polyfabrics products comply with R63.
mastaTEX PET Non-Woven geotextiles are available from Polyfabrics in a range of grades to suit NSW road projects.
mastaTEX® Non-Woven is a quality needle-punched geotextile made from polyester, ideal for separation, filtration, protection or reinforcement. It enhances the performance and design life of granular layers and meets all the requirements of R63.
What does R63 cover?
This NSW RMS specification includes strength and filtration class requirements, product certification and site sampling and testing methods. Additionally, it contains special instructions for the correct storage, packaging and delivery of geotextiles to site, as well as a series of construction requirements for contractors.
Proper site preparation is also covered, including clearing and grading the area, placing and covering with fill, and overlap requirements, and recommended fill material thicknesses.
The most relevant section for many contractors is the selection table that indicates which strength class is necessary for a successful project. The application types are summarised below, however in all cases, there is a style of mastaTEX PET Non-Woven to suit.
Geotextile strength and filtration requirements for different applications
Using geotextiles for separation under or within embankments
G1 Unsaturated ground
In applications on unsaturated ground where the CBR is greater than 3, geotextile strength classes A through E are suitable depending on fill particle size, which can range from less than 37.5mm to 600mm.
G2 Saturated ground
In saturated ground applications and where filtration is not a critical function, geotextiles can be used to prevent different soil types from mixing in applications such as working platforms and bridging layers. Strength classes C, D or E are recommended depending on fill particle size.
G3 Trench drains, edge drains, counterfort drains and drainage layers
Geotextiles are often used in trench drains to provide the combined functions of separation and filtration.
mastaTEX Non-Woven meets the R63 spec, suiting a range of fill particle sizes. Different drain depths and CBR values have different geotextile requirements, so we recommend referring to the specification for specific details.
G4 Drainage and separation behind retaining structures, including rock filled mattresses and joints of pipes and arches
This kind of application calls for a geotextile that can provide the combined functions of separation and filtration. For concrete retaining walls, block walls, gabion walls and similar applications, mastaTEX PET Non-woven geotextile with a strength class of B or C is typically used.
G5 Geotextiles placed under rock armour revetment layer in embankments
Rock revetment sizes of 200mm require a geotextile with a strength class D, whereas larger 400mm rock requires a product with E strength class. mastaTEX Non-woven is suitable for both these applications, offering good separation and reinforcement properties.
The Polyfabrics team is here to help. Our experienced engineering and sales staff can help you order the exact non-woven geotextile you need for your application.
Contact our team today for helpful advice, competitive pricing and fast delivery Australia wide.
