Supplier of Geosynthetic Materials
Mirafi® AR Series – Virgin Polypropylene Abrasion-Resistant Geotextiles
Geosynthetics Africa – Leading Supplier of MIRAFI AR Geotextiles in Africa
Geosynthetics Africa supplies MIRAFI® and Bidim® nonwoven geotextiles manufactured by Solmax. Both MIRAFI® and Bidim® are registered trademarks of Solmax. Geosynthetics Africa distributes these products under authorization and does not own the trademarks.
The MIRAFI® AR Series is a specialist high-strength, abrasion-resistant nonwoven geotextile developed for extreme mechanical loading conditions. Manufactured from continuous-filament, UV-stabilized virgin polypropylene, it provides exceptional durability against angular aggregates, dynamic impact, and high shear stresses, making it ideal for railway ballast, haul roads, drainage layers, and heavily trafficked working platforms.
In South Africa, Geosynthetics Africa markets this as the MIRAFI® AR Series, highlighting its distinct identity as a premium virgin-polypropylene fabric. Internationally, the same range is specified by Solmax/TenCate as MIRAFI® Bidim® AR Series, ensuring brand alignment and technical recognition across global markets.
Why Virgin Polypropylene AR Performs Better
Abrasion is one of the toughest challenges for non-wovens. Recycled polyester fabrics may degrade quickly under shear and wear, leading to system failure. Virgin polypropylene Mirafi® AR offers:
High abrasion resistance: Built to withstand repeated contact with coarse aggregates.
Long-term durability: Maintains integrity where recycled products often wear out.
Predictable properties: Engineers can specify confidently without grade over-compensation.
Global recognition: Mirafi AR is a proven solution across international markets.
Proven Applications of MIRAFI® AR Across Africa
Railway Ballast Separation
Prevents contamination of ballast by subgrade slurry
Extends track life, reduces tamping and cleaning costs
Mining Haul Roads & Crusher Pads
Withstands dynamic loading from haul trucks and mobile equipment
Maintains permeability even under compacted base layers
Port Infrastructure & Laydown Areas
Abrasion-resistant under heavy container and crane loading zones
Military Routes & Tracked Vehicle Paths
Withstands high surface abrasion while preserving drainage flow
Why chose MIRAFI AR
Superior Abrasion Resistance: Outperforms standard nonwoven geotextiles in harsh mechanical environments
Long-Term Track Stability: Demonstrated performance in over 20 years of simulated railway use
Hydraulic Reliability: Maintains vertical permeability and in-plane drainage under load
Reduced Maintenance: Minimizes ballast fouling, cleaning, and tamping cycles
Independent Testing & Rail Industry Approval
MIRAFI® AR 20 has been verified using the rigorous Vibrogir test, simulating over 100,000 tonnes per day of rail traffic loading. After 200 hours of testing (equivalent to 20 years of traffic), the material maintained:
Full puncture resistance
High drainage and permeability
Minimal wear or structural degradation
🎯 Designed and validated in collaboration with European rail authorities.
Roll Formats & Availability
We stock and distribute MIRAFI ® AR across Africa in the following configurations:
3.5m × 10m
4.0m × 20m
Custom lengths or pre-slit widths – Available on request
Our network ensures reliable delivery to sites in South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania, Senegal, and beyond.
Why Choose Mirafi® AR
For abrasive conditions, Mirafi® AR delivers assurance where recycled alternatives cannot. Its virgin PP construction is proven to last, minimising maintenance and replacement costs while ensuring project performance.
Specs at a Glance
Construction: Non-woven, needle-punched, virgin polypropylene.
Primary function: Abrasion Resistance.
Secondary: Filtration, separation, installation durability.
Grades: AR-series options to suit aggregate angularity and traffic intensity.
Regional Naming Clarity
In South Africa, we supply this product as Mirafi® AR Series, ensuring no confusion with other locally marketed non-wovens. Internationally, Solmax/TenCate specify the same series as Mirafi® Bidim AR Series.
| Property | Test Method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Geotextile Type | – | Continuous filament needle-punched nonwoven with abrasion-resistant additive |
| Raw Material | – | Polypropylene, UV-stabilized |
| Abrasion Resistance | ASTM D3884 | 3000 revolutions |
| Mechanical Sustainability (100,000 t/day traffic) | – | ≥ 20 years |
| Puncture Resistance | NF G 38-019 | 4.5 N |
| Vertical Permeability (Δh = 50 mm) | EN ISO 11058 | 10 mm/s |
| Opening Size (O90) | EN ISO 12956 | 55 µm |
| Flow Capacity (in-plane @ 20 kPa) | EN ISO 12958 | 60 l/m²·h |
| Hydraulic Conductivity (in-plane @ 20 kPa) | EN ISO 12958 | 1.67 × 10⁻⁷ m²/s |
| Thickness @ 2 kPa | EN ISO 9863‑1 | 7.00 mm |
| Standard Roll Sizes | – | 3.5m × 10m; 4.0m × 20m |
High Quality Product Standard Guaranteed
Leading Supplier of Mirafi Bidim Non Woven Needlepunched Geotextiles
Mirafi® and Bidim® are registered trademarks of Solmax. Geosynthetics Africa distributes these products under authorization and does not own or claim rights to the trademarks