Transportation infrastructures like highways, railways, tunneling and airports, form the backbone of modern-day commerce and industry. It is through these infrastructures that goods and people are transported safely and efficiently.
One of the fundamental components of transportation infrastructure is highways. Highways form an interconnected network of roads that connect cities, towns, and villages, allowing people and goods to move between them quickly and conveniently. The construction and maintenance of highways require specialized skills and knowledge, and technologies that ensure they remain smooth, durable and safe. Furthermore, highways have been instrumental in enhancing social and economic development, allowing for the growth of cities and urbanization.
Geotextiles are used extensively in the construction of highways because of their ability to improve road performance, reduce costs, and minimize maintenance requirements.
GEO acts
- as a barrier between different layers of the road construction preventing soil erosion and hence increasing the durability of the road;
- facilitating the drainage of water which is vital in preventing potholes and reducing maintenance costs;
- as a foundation reinforcement in areas where the roadbed is weak, therefore reducing the amount of material needed for reinforcement and hence reducing the construction cost;
- filtering rainwater that infiltrates into the soil, maintaining the strength of the subgrade soil.
In comparison with classic constructions, Geotextiles and Geosynthetics in general are part of the solution for many reasons.
Environmental Benefits of Geotextiles:
- Minimizes CO2 emissions: Geotextiles play a crucial role in mitigating CO2 emissions by promoting sustainable construction practices.
- Reduces energy consumption: Geotextiles contribute to lowering energy demands through their efficient and eco-friendly applications.
- Mitigates various emissions: Geotextiles help in reducing the release of harmful emissions, resulting in improved air and water quality.
- Preserves valuable natural resources: Geotextiles aid in the conservation of essential resources like sand and gravel, preserving natural ecosystems.
- Minimizes transportation and installation impacts: Geotextiles reduce the need for extensive transportation and on-site installation, leading to fewer disruptions and less inconvenience for local residents while minimizing overall environmental harm.
Economic Benefits of Geotextiles:
- Cost-effective solution: By incorporating geotextiles, project costs can be significantly reduced, making it an economically viable choice for various applications.
- Enhanced project longevity: Geotextiles’ exceptional durability and long lifespan contribute to extending the service life of construction projects, resulting in reduced maintenance costs over time.
For more information we suggest to have a look at the LCA case study presented by EAGM (The European Association of Geosynthetic Manufacturers).
GEO&TEX 2000 spa is a membership of
https://www.eagm.eu/carbonfootprint
https://www.eagm.eu/case1
https://www.eagm.eu/geosyntheticsandsustainability
Recent projects:
Variation of the Provincial Road 14 – San Cesario sul Panaro/Modena – Italy
Highway A18 Olszyna – Golnice – Poland
A2 Highway, (section IV) – Poland
Highway S17 – Warsaw – Poland
Highway A7 Ploiesti/Buzau /ROMANIA
National Road Piteşti Ştefăneşti / ROMANIA
Highway VT4 – section Kirri-Vehniä – Finland
Statal Road 56 Katrineholm – Alberga – Sweden