Geosynthetic product selection guide
Start with the engineering function. Compare the relevant material families, identify the project information needed and build a clear supply, fabrication or installation enquiry.
Match the product family to its function
These are starting points for product selection. Final grades, layer arrangements and installation details must follow the project design and the selected manufacturer’s current technical data.
| Project need | Material families to consider | Information that determines selection | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water, waste or mining containment | Geomembranes, GCLs, protection geotextiles and leak-detection drainage | Contained liquid, chemical exposure, temperature, subgrade, slopes, interfaces and integrity-testing requirements | Containment products → |
| Separation and filtration | Nonwoven or woven geotextiles selected for the intended function | Soil grading, retention, permeability, survivability, loading and installation conditions | Geotextiles → |
| Ground stabilisation and reinforcement | Geogrids, reinforcement geotextiles and geocells | Ground conditions, aggregate, load cases, design life and the specified reinforcement mechanism | Reinforcement products → |
| Subsoil drainage and leak detection | Drainage pipes, drainage cores, composites and compatible filter geotextiles | Flow capacity, gradients, external loading, pipe stiffness, filter compatibility, joints and outlets | Drainage products → |
| Erosion, slope and watercourse protection | Erosion-control blankets, geocells, gabions and geotextile containers | Slope, soil, hydraulic exposure, anchorage, vegetation objectives and design loading | Erosion-control products → |
| Sludge dewatering and sediment management | Dewatering bags or tubes and sediment-control systems | Slurry characteristics, solids content, pumping arrangement, available footprint, filtrate management and trial requirements | Dewatering products → |
Compare performance, not product names alone
Check the design duty
Identify what each layer must do: contain, separate, filter, reinforce, drain or protect. One material may serve more than one function, but the specified performance must cover each duty.
Check the grade and test basis
Compare the current datasheet, test method, units and reporting basis. Thickness, mass per unit area or tensile strength alone does not establish equivalence between products.
Check the installed system
Allow for overlaps, wastage, seams, connections, penetrations, anchorage and protection. Access, ground conditions and construction sequencing affect quantities and installation scope.
Choose the delivery scope you need
Material supply
Agreed product grade, quantities, documentation, packaging and delivery requirements.
Custom manufacturing
Dewatering tubes, sand containers, welded gabions, drop-in liners, PVDs, filter socks and drainage-pipe fabrication to agreed requirements.
Supply and installation
Coordinate materials, mobilisation, installation, applicable testing and handover records in one defined project scope.
Prepare your project enquiry
- Project location, application and required delivery date.
- Specified product, grade, dimensions and quantities or BOQ.
- Drawings, interfaces, site access and installation requirements.
- Required material certificates, inspections, testing and handover records.
Our Johannesburg and Cape Town teams can help clarify material supply, fabrication, delivery and installation requirements.
Discuss the next step
Share the project scope and the information available. Product selection remains subject to the approved design and specification.
See product systems in practice
Mining containment
GSE HDPE lining, protection geotextile and installation QA/QC at West Wits Mining.
Reservoir lining
Composite EVA lining and leak detection around 37 internal support pillars at Danielskuil.
Ground stabilisation
Geogrid supply for the Amsterdam Bulk Water Scheme.