The construction of a horse racing track Medan is a sports infrastructure project that requires planning for various aspects, including soil stability and track durability. Unlike conventional sports fields, horse racing tracks must be able to withstand loads while also protecting against moisture from rain and watering.
Therefore, horse racing tracks are specially designed using soft synthetic materials to protect the horses’ feet and maintain the durability of the track surface.
To address this, the Medan horse racing project use geotextile fabric for the racetrack.
Specifically, woven geotextiles are made from polypropylene (PP) with a fabric grammage of 200-250 GSM. This material is used to increase the bearing capacity of the subgrade while ensuring the track surface remains stable, level, and safe, even in damp conditions.
Therefore, this BaliGEOTEX article will explain the function of geotextiles for horse racing tracks, including the selection of woven geotextiles with a grammage of 200-250 GSM, etc.
The Problems in Horse Racecourse Construction
Horse racing tracks require a strong soil structure to support the weight of horses and training activities.
However, how can this be done to ensure stability and resistance to deformation?
Locations with soft or water sensitive soil can increase track damage and reduce its lifespan.
Some common problems during racetrack construction include subsidence and unevenness, changes in track contour due to water infiltration.
Furthermore, the soil’s low bearing capacity for various loads and high maintenance costs due to track surface deformation are significant.
In the context of Medan’s horse racing track, the tropical climate with its high rainfall intensity makes soil reinforcement a priority from the outset.

The Function of Geotextile Fabric for Racetrack
Geotextile fabric is a geosynthetic material designed to increase soil strength and stability.
Geotextile fabric generally consists of woven and non woven geotextiles made of polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET) with varying grammage levels.
In horse racing track construction, soil reinforcement fabric serves as a material that helps stabilize the subgrade.
The use of geotextile fabric for racetrack serves several purposes, including:
1. Reinforcement of soft soil to withstand loads and control soil deformation.
2. Separation between the subgrade and the aggregate layer (sand, fine gravel, and the like).
3. More even load distribution under the racetrack.
The Reasons for Selecting 200-250 GSM (PP) Woven Geotextiles as Soil Reinforcement Fabric
The geosynthetic material used in this project is a 200-250 GSM, non woven geotextile made of polypropylene (PP).
The selection of this type and specifications is based on the fact that horse racing tracks require materials with high tensile strength.
This high tensile strength makes it suitable for soil reinforcement fabric, particularly in resisting lateral tensile forces and pressure caused by horse movements. There are several other reasons why woven geotextiles are chosen as the foundation for horse racing tracks, including:
1. Stable in Humid Conditions
Polypropylene (PP) is water-resistant and resists soil moisture. At Medan’s horse racing track, geotextiles protect the frequently wet soil, ensuring the track’s stability and minimizing damage.
2. Maintains Soil Layer Separation
Woven geotextiles act as a separator, preventing the subgrade from mixing with the overlying aggregates (sand and gravel). This ensures the track’s structure is maintained and the soil’s bearing capacity remains stable, even after prolonged and frequent use for horse racing.
3. Durable and Efficient
PP material is resistant to soil chemicals, microorganisms, and UV light. This makes woven geotextiles stable and durable over the long term, lasting at least five years or more with proper care.
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How to Install Geotextiles Fabric for Racetrack
For the Medan horse racing project, geotextile fabric for the racetrack was installed on top of the pre-leveled and compacted subgrade. Afterward, a layer of aggregate and track material was placed on top of the geotextile.
The steps for installing geotextiles include:
1. Subgrade preparation and compaction
2. Launching woven geotextile and adjusting the track width
3. At the joints, there must be an overlap of at least 30-50 cm between geotextile sheets
4. Placing an aggregate layer (gravel, fine gravel, sand, fine soil, grass) on top of the geotextile
When you use these steps, you can create a more even load distribution and reduce pressure on the soft soil beneath the non woven geotextile layer.
Guide to Selecting Geotextile Fabric (Non-Woven) in BaliGEOTEX
The application of 200-250 GSM (PP) woven geotextiles in the Horse Racing Track Medan is the right step for reinforcing the racetrack soil.
This material can increase the bearing capacity of the subgrade, maintain track stability when wet, and extend its service life. The explanation above explains its advantages, benefits, and application instructions. Geotextile fabric for racetracks is the right choice for this and similar projects.
For more information about Geotextile Non Woven please contact: Whatsapp/Mobile Phone: +62 811 1721 338 (Ms. Ais) or Email : info@baligeotex.com
