Geotextiles for access roads

When arranging access roads on suburban plots, construction sites, or even in urban environments, it is important to pay attention not only to the surface quality, but also to the road base. One of the most effective solutions for reinforcing and protecting the road subgrade is the use of geotextiles. This material helps improve drainage, increase pavement durability, and prevent damage caused by water and soil exposure.

What is Geotextile?

Geotextile is a synthetic material manufactured from polymer fibers (most commonly polyester or polypropylene) in the form of a non-woven fabric. The main purpose of geotextile is layer separation, reinforcement, filtration, and soil drainage.

Why is Geotextile Needed for Access Roads?

Geotextiles are used in road construction, including access roads, for several key reasons:

1. Layer separation. Geotextile prevents the mixing of soil and crushed stone. This is especially important in conditions where the subgrade can become waterlogged due to precipitation, leading to pavement settlement. Geotextile fabric creates a barrier between different layers, maintaining their stability.

2. Increasing load-bearing capacity. Access roads, especially those intended for heavy equipment or vehicle traffic, require additional strength. Geotextile distributes the load, preventing subgrade settlement and structural failure.

3. Drainage. One of the main causes of road destruction is water. Geotextile fabric facilitates water runoff, preventing moisture accumulation within the road structure. This is particularly crucial for areas with high groundwater levels or rainy climates.

4. Extending road service life. Due to its reinforcing and protective properties, geotextile extends the operational lifespan of the road, reducing the need for frequent repairs.

   ---

   Which Geotextile is Recommended for Use?

For access roads, it is recommended to use thermally set geotextile Santex Geo or Santex Green with a density of 200–250 g/m². This type of geotextile effectively handles drainage and increases road durability, especially under moderate passenger car traffic.

If heavy traffic or heavy machinery is expected on the access road, it is better to choose thermally bonded geotextile TM Fibertex with a density of 150–200 g/m². This option provides enhanced strength and resistance to heavy loads.

Main Stages of Geotextile Application 

Before laying geotextile, the subgrade must be thoroughly prepared. All surface defects, such as potholes, depressions, cracks, vegetation, and other irregularities, must be eliminated. After addressing all issues and leveling the soil, the main stage begins – laying the geotextile. The fabric is carefully unrolled and laid along the prepared area.

Geotextile rolls are laid out so that their edges extend beyond the embankment, ensuring better securing of the material. The strips of geotextile fabric are joined with an overlap, which enhances stability and strengthens the structure.  Geotextile installation can be performed in both transverse and longitudinal directions. Longitudinal laying along the axis of the access road is faster and easier, while transverse laying provides greater structural strength.

The final step is backfilling the geotextile with sand, crushed stone, soil, or other inert materials. The backfill layer thickness should be at least 200 mm.

Thus, the choice of geotextile depends on the expected load on the access roads, soil type, and climatic conditions. With the right selection of material, you can significantly extend the lifespan of the road and improve its operational performance.

Our company offers a wide range of high-quality geotextiles of various densities suitable for the construction of access roads and other road structures. All materials are certified and available in stock.

For more detailed advice on selecting geotextile, you can contact us by calling the phone number below or by submitting a request on our website.