Reference date: May 2026 | Based on ASTM D4595, AASHTO M 288, and ISO 10319 standards
Overview
Woven geotextiles are specified by mass per unit area (GSM), tensile strength (wide-width or grab), elongation, apparent opening size (AOS), and UV resistance. This document summarizes typical specification ranges and selection criteria based on published industry standards.
1. Specification Tiers by Application
Woven geotextiles are manufactured in a range of GSM values. The following tiers represent typical specifications found in industry practice:
Light Duty (80–120 GSM)
Typical wide-width tensile strength: 10–20 kN/m. Applications include residential drainage, landscape separation, and temporary erosion control. Not recommended for vehicle loading.
Medium Duty (120–180 GSM)
Typical wide-width tensile strength: 20–35 kN/m. Specified for local road base stabilization, silt fence fabric, and unpaved access roads under light to moderate traffic.
Heavy Duty (180–300+ GSM)
Typical wide-width tensile strength: 35–60+ kN/m. Required for highway subgrade stabilization, working platforms over soft soils, and high-load port or industrial access roads.
2. Key Material Properties
The following properties are commonly specified in geotextile procurement. Test methods follow ASTM or ISO standards.
| Property | Test Method | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mass per unit area (GSM) | ASTM D5261 / ISO 9864 | 80 – 300 g/m² |
| Wide-width tensile strength | ASTM D4595 / ISO 10319 | 10 – 60 kN/m |
| Grab tensile strength | ASTM D4632 | 400 – 2,000 N |
| Apparent opening size (AOS) | ASTM D4751 | #30 – #100 sieve (0.15 – 0.60 mm) |
| UV resistance (500 hr) | ASTM D4355 | ≥70% tensile strength retention |
| Permittivity | ASTM D4491 | 0.05 – 0.5 sec⁻¹ |
Note: Values vary by manufacturer. Project specifications should reference specific test method requirements.
3. Material Composition: PP vs. PE vs. Blend
Woven geotextiles are manufactured from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or blended resins. Selection depends on application requirements.
| Material | Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PP (Polypropylene) | Higher tensile strength, stiffer, better creep resistance | Road stabilization, embankment reinforcement, heavy-load applications |
| PE (Polyethylene) | Softer, more flexible, better low-temperature performance | Erosion control, silt fence, applications requiring conformability |
| PP/PE Blend | Combines strength and flexibility, balance of properties | General-purpose geotextiles, separation, drainage |
4. UV Stabilization Requirements
For outdoor applications exceeding 3–6 months, UV stabilization is required. Carbon black (2–3% by weight) or hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) are added during tape extrusion to reduce ultraviolet degradation.
Testing according to ASTM D4355 measures retained tensile strength after accelerated UV exposure. A minimum retention of 70% after 500 hours is a common specification for outdoor geotextiles. Project documentation should include UV test reports when required.
5. Applicable Standards
- AASHTO M 288: Standard specification for geotextiles in highway applications (separation, stabilization, erosion control).
- ASTM D4595 / ISO 10319: Wide-width tensile strength test.
- ASTM D4632: Grab tensile strength test.
- ASTM D4751: Apparent opening size measurement.
- ASTM D4355: UV degradation resistance test.
- ASTM D4491: Permittivity (water flow) test.
Information to Prepare Before Ordering
To receive a quote, the following information is typically requested:
- Application type: separation, stabilization, erosion control, or reinforcement
- Required GSM or tensile strength range
- Roll width and roll length
- Material preference: PP, PE, or blend
- UV stabilization requirement (yes/no, expected exposure duration)
- Estimated quantity (tons, rolls, or containers)
- Destination port and preferred trade term (FOB, CIF, EXW)
- Required documentation (test reports, certificates, etc.)
References
- AASHTO M 288-21. Geotextile Specification for Highway Applications. AASHTO, 2021.
- ASTM D4595. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Geotextiles by the Wide-Width Strip Method. ASTM International.
- ASTM D4355. Standard Test Method for Deterioration of Geotextiles by Exposure to Light, Moisture and Heat. ASTM International.
- ISO 10319:2015. Geosynthetics — Wide-width tensile test. International Organization for Standardization.
- FHWA-HRT-17-111. Geosynthetic Design and Construction Guidelines. Federal Highway Administration, 2017.
Article ID: GEO-SPEC-001 | Last updated: May 2026