Geotextiles for earthworks and subsurface drainage
There are two main VicRoads standards for geotextiles that are often used in conjunction with each other:
- Section 210: Geotextiles in Earthworks
- Section 702: Subsurface Drainage
Whether they are being used for separation, filtration, drainage or a combination of these applications, the geotextiles selected for use on Victoria’s roads must meet one or both of these specifications.
Section 210 covers a range of different requirements for the supply, handling and placement of geotextiles in earthworks.
Section 702 covers the requirements for the supply and installation of subsurface drainage pipes, geocomposite drains and filter materials.
To make it easy for our customers to find the right geosynthetics, the Polyfabrics team has broken these specifications down with a cross-reference of which products are suitable for different applications.
Using geotextiles for earthworks in VicRoads projects
Geotextiles used on Victoria’s roads can be either woven or non-woven and need to be manufactured from a polymer such as polypropylene, polyethylene or similar. Woven geotextiles should also be UV stable and have two sets of interlaced filaments, whilst non-woven geotextiles need to display needle punched, heat or chemically bonded filaments.
Depending on the application, different robustness levels can be used, with various types suitable for moderate through to extremely robust drainage requirements.
Polyfabrics can supply geotextiles for a range of VicRoads earthworks projects, including the following that meet Section 210:
- For filtration and separation applications that require moderately robust geotextile, Polyfabrics can supply mastaTEX Non-Woven Class A and mastaTEX FiltaFabric
- For robust separation applications, mastaTEX Non-Woven Class B is the recommended product.
- For very robust separation and stabilisation applications, we supply mastaTEX Non-Woven Class C.
- And finally, for stabilisation applications that require an extremely robust geotextile, we can supply mastaTEX Non-Woven Class D and TerraStop Woven 202
Using geotextiles for drainage in VicRoads projects
Section 702 defines the specific way a geotextile filter needs to be constructed or manufactured.
In general, it should be UV stable, made from a polymer like polypropylene or polyester, and must be finished in such a way that it does not disintegrate or unravel when in use. It should also be stored, transported and installed properly.
Polyfabrics can supply two drainage geotextiles that meet the requirements of VicRoads Section 702:
- mastaTEX Non-Woven Class A, and
- mastaTEX FiltaFabric
These can be used for first and second stage filter applications. A first stage filter is a granular geotextile placed in contact with the sides of a trench, and surrounding a second stage filter. The second stage filter is granular filter material or geotextile placed in contact with the slotted or perforated pipe system and surrounded by a first stage filter.
Get advice on the best geotextile selections for your road project
Ankit Lumb from our Victorian technical team can provide personalised engineering advice for your VicRoads projects. Get in touch with Ankit on 0418 756 440 or email alumb@polyfabrics.com.au.
