Dam construction is an infrastructure project that requires geotextile fabric to withstand high water pressure and soil conditions. In Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, a dam construction project uses non-woven geotextiles for its filtration system and structural reinforcement.

The use of 400 – 500 GSM geotextile fabric for dams increases dam stability, controls soil erosion, and maintains drainage performance.

In this article, by BaliGEOTEX, discusses in depth the specifications and functions of geotextile fabric for dam, specifically as a filtration fabric and slope protection geotextile in dam projects with high water pressure.

The Role and Function of Geotextile Fabric for Dam Projects in Banyuwangi

The use of geosynthetics such as geotextiles has become essential in various construction projects, including dam.

Geotextile fabrics for dams serve several roles and functions, including separation layers, filtration, drainage, soil reinforcement, filtration fabric, and slope protection.High water pressure can cause the movement of fine soil particles (soil migration), potentially leading to erosion.

If left uncontrolled, this can reduce the structural strength of the dam. Therefore, non-woven geotextiles are used to ensure water can flow safely without carrying soil particles.

The Reasons for Using Non Woven Geotextiles

Non woven geotextiles are made from polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET) fibers processed using a needle-punch method. This structure produces a strong and highly flexible material. Some of the advantages of non woven geotextiles for dam projects include:

1. Good water permeability, making them suitable for filtration

2. High tear and puncture resistance

3. Flexibility follows the contours of the soil and is resistant to chemicals and microorganisms

For the Banyuwangi dam project, a non woven geotextile with a grammage of 400-500 GSM was selected. This selection is intended to achieve a combination of mechanical strength (tensile strength) and filtration capacity (water filtration with sand).

Non Woven geotextile specifications 400 – 500 GSM

Selecting geotextile specifications is crucial, especially for dams with high water pressure. The specifications of the nonwoven geotextiles used are:

1. Composition of Component Materials

Non woven geotextiles are made of 100% polypropylene (PP), which has high resistance to chemicals, biological materials, and wet environmental conditions.

2. Gramage and Thickness

The weight and thickness of geotextiles used in dam construction projects are typically 400 – 500 GSM and approximately 3.5 – 5.0 mm thick.

This weight provides additional stability and the ability to withstand hydrostatic forces without compromising filtration performance.

3. Kekuatan Tarik (Tensile Strength) dan Permeabilitas

The high tensile strength allows geotextiles to function as a reinforcing layer, distributing loads and reducing stress on the subgrade.

Meanwhile, the controlled pore structure allows water to flow smoothly while retaining fine soil particles. This makes geotextiles suitable for use as filtration fabric in dam drainage systems.

Function of Geotextile for Dam in Project in Banyuwangi

1. Filtration Fabric Functions to Withstand High Water Pressure

One of the functions of geotextile fabric for dams is filtration. In the Banyuwangi project, non woven geotextile fabric was installed between the soil layer and the drainage aggregate to prevent erosion due to water seepage. Under high water pressure conditions, geotextiles function to:

1. Enable water to flow smoothly due to the fine sand and gravel material

2. Retain soil particles from being carried away by the flow

3. Prevent blockages in the drainage system

With this effective filtration system, the risk of erosion can be minimized, thus extending the dam’s lifespan.

2. Structural Strengthening and Stability Function

In addition to filtration, non woven geotextiles also play a role in soil reinforcement.

When installed within embankments or beneath layers of rock, geotextiles help increase the soil’s bearing capacity. The benefits of geotextile reinforcement in dam projects include increasing embankment stability and reducing uneven settlement.

3. Slope Protection Using Geotextile Fabric

Dam slopes are highly susceptible to erosion due to rain, waves, and water fluctuations. Slope protection geotextiles are used as a protective layer beneath riprap or protective concrete.

Non woven geotextiles function as a separation and filtration layer, preventing the soil from being washed away by water while reducing pore water pressure behind the protective layer. The flexibility of the material allows for optimal slope contouring installation.

Choosing Geotextile Fabric for Dam (Filtration Fabric and Slope Protection) at BaliGEOTEX

The dam construction project in Banyuwangi demonstrated that 400-500 GSM non woven geotextiles are a suitable material for filtration, reinforcement, and slope protection under high water pressure conditions.

This material plays a crucial role in preventing erosion, increasing the structural stability of the dam and surrounding area, reducing maintenance, and extending the dam’s service life.

Regardless of the geosynthetic project (especially dam projects), the need for geotextile fabrics will continue to exist. Therefore, BaliGEOTEX consistently delivers quality products, such as the geotextiles we discussed previously.

For more information about Geotextile Non Woven please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 1721 338 (Ms. Ais) or Email : info@baligeotex.com

Dam Construction Project in Banyuwangi Using Geotextile Fabric for Filtration and Reinforcement