| 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. |
