What are Geosynthetics:
Geosynthetics are materials made from different types of plastic polymer materials, the most prevalent include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PET). The utilization of polymers is chosen because of their ability to withstand geological and chemical breakdown. Most commonly resembling a mesh-like mat, although there are a wide variety of applications depending on the scope of the project in which they are being utilized.
A large reason that the interest in the use of geosynthetics
has grown is due to their versatility. They can be integrated into the construction
of walls, buried underground, and underwater. Their main purpose is to
stabilize the natural topography.
Different Types of Geosynthetics:
Geotextiles are one of the most commonly used applications of
geosynthetics that resemble woven cloth. In soil projects, they are used
in drainage, reinforcement, filtration, and separating materials.
Geogrids are net-like mats used in soil reinforcement. The geometry
allows the soil to integrate within the netting, strengthening weak soils and strengthening
a variety of retaining structures.
Other types of geosynthetics include geocells, geonets,
geopipes, geofoam, and geosynthetic clay liners. Geocomposites are also commonly
used and involve incorporating multiple types of geosynthetics into one
project. Although these types contain a makeup of different polymers and geometry,
they all serve the same intended purpose; to provide protection and strengthen various
elements of organic topography.
Application to Climate Change Solutions:
By strengthening the weaker soil that would otherwise be
unusable, the various processes that are involved in construction that are
environmentally costly are avoided. The transportation of engineered fill to
sites and extraction of weak soil are two of the major carbon-costly practices
that geosynthetics eliminate. These structures' increasing resilience and sustainability also help avoid frequent repairs and associated carbon costs.
Due to the increase in extreme weather events that a majority
of the world will see due to climate change, encompassing geosynthetics into structures
can
help communities endure and recover from these events. Not only will geosynthetics
support the foundations for buildings in communities, but they can also help
design roadways along power transmission lines where the soil and terrain would
usually be difficult to implement. With roads in these hard-to-reach areas,
repair crews will have easier access to fix the power for communities when the
power goes out due to hurricane and tornado damage.
This is a very nice look at a solution to agricultural lands being unusable to the impacts of climate change. I would hope that we could use geosynthetics in a cost effective way worldwide in order to mitigate climate damage, and make it easier for cleanup to occur when disaster does strike. I had no idea all of these things were already implemented on a small scale, it's so cool.
ReplyDeleteYes! Super cool! I have seen them used in many construction projects I have been a part of and hope to see increased use in the future!
DeleteI found this blog really insightful! The breakdown of geosynthetics, especially the roles of geotextiles, geogrids, and geomembranes, made it clear how versatile these materials are in modern construction!
ReplyDeleteExactly! As someone who is heavily involved in the construction industry, even I had no idea about the multifaceted purposes they served so I was excited to share.
DeleteYou mention at the start how these materials do not break down easily and how this makes them more useful. Do you think this can have negative impact if these materials are polluted into the wild?
ReplyDeleteI had the same concerns because when you discuss purposely putting polymers in nature it definitely raises some red flags. But actually, they do the opposite. For one, most geosynthetics are used on a large scale so they aren't able to migrate like single-use plastic does and are weighed down by tons of soil. Geomembranes are actually implemented in landfills to contain solid waste and prevent toxic leakage from seeping into the ground and water sources. I think it would be super cool if we could figure out a way to use the polymers from single-use plastic that usually cannot be recycled to create these geopolymers, I'm not sure if there has been any research on that front.
DeleteOn the other hand, I imagine there is some risk involved if these were to be ripped out of the ground and not properly discarded or reused. From what I have witnessed firsthand, contracting companies have taken great care with the placement and discarding of geosynthetics if there was some previously put into the ground. But I think additional measures should be put in place to ensure the appropriate precautions are taken.
DeleteI had never heard of some of these terms before reading this post. Hopefully, we can talk more about them during class. If this material is so complex and difficult to break down, does this mean we can use this as a long-term answer for other types of construction?
ReplyDeleteThe use of geosynthetics in modern infrastructure enhances soil stability and resilience, reduces carbon-intensive construction practices, and provides critical support for communities facing the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events due to climate change.
ReplyDeleteI am curious, do these geosynthetics pose any risk to the environment in their own right? I noticed that you said the materials are primarily composed of plastic elements, could these leech toxic materials into the environments they are used in?
ReplyDeleteGeosynthetics could be a useful material when it comes to building eco-friendly infrastructure in the future, I am interested to learn more specifically about geo membranes and their various potential uses going forward. I appreciate the list of various geo-synthetics you provided, and I plan to write those down for future reference and later compare usage of geosynthetics presently to the use of geosynthetics in the near future.
ReplyDeleteExtremely well done you did a fantastic job at providing us with the definitions of geotextiles and geo grids I've never heard of either of these until now.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Abby! Geosynthetics sound like a smart way to strengthen infrastructure while cutting environmental costs. With climate change making storms worse, do you think more industries will start using them? Also, since they’re made from plastic, how can we make sure they stay eco-friendly in the long run?
ReplyDeleteI think that the things we can see are what attract the most attention, forests, bodies of water, glaciers, etc, but we also need to look at the smaller side of things. What an interesting idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post! It is becoming more and more important to consider alternatives to construction as lands begin to weaken from the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. I love the idea of geomembranes, especially to be used within agriculture to strengthen croplands so sediments can be repurposed to continue to grow more crops.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know too much about Geosynthetics before reading this post and how prevalent they are in a lot of things we do with geotextiles and other materials.
ReplyDeleteFascinating. I wonder, are geosynthetics created from oil? What are the greenhouse gas impacts of creating geosynthetics? Are they "compostable" - or what impact do they have on soils etc. over time?
ReplyDeleteThose are sincere questions - I don't know the answers, though your answers to Joe are relevant.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting topic, and you are so smart! I love how you bring in your daily life and the job you love into these posts. I think it's so fascinating to learn these things that most of us wouldn't think about. This sounds like a great solution. Are there any negatives that would affect us in the long run?
ReplyDeleteI know you have mentioned geosynthetics in class, but I truly never have looked into it to know about it. This is a great idea as you said to put geosynthetics into structures as it will really help with the effects of climate change. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is some fascinating technology. I wonder if it will be used to help make rain gardens or go underneath all new roads to help with irrigation and durability.
ReplyDeleteI've always seen these but never knew what they were for! Such a cool thing to be able to learn and recognize.
ReplyDelete