Anti-Seepage Principles and Application Advantages of Geotextiles in Reservoir Engineering

Anti-Seepage Mechanism of Geotextiles
Geotextiles, also known as geofabrics, are permeable geosynthetic materials made from synthetic fibers through needle-punching or weaving. Their anti-seepage function primarily relies on filtration and isolation effects:

• Filtration: Prevents fine soil particles from passing through while allowing water to permeate, reducing erosion caused by seepage flow on dam or reservoir foundations.

• Composite Structures: In practice, geotextiles are often combined with other impermeable materials (e.g., geomembranes) to form composite anti-seepage systems, enhancing overall effectiveness.

Advantages of Geotextiles for Reservoir Anti-Seepage

1. Excellent Permeability: Allows controlled water flow while retaining soil particles, balancing drainage and anti-seepage.

2. High Deformation Adaptability: Flexible and tensile-resistant, accommodating uneven settlement and deformation without compromising structural integrity.

3. Ease of Construction: Lightweight, easy to transport, and customizable for diverse project needs, improving efficiency.

4. Durability: Resistant to chemical corrosion and UV degradation, ensuring long-term performance in harsh environments.

Key Construction Practices

• Base Preparation: Level and compact the foundation; remove sharp objects to prevent damage.

• Installation: Lay geotextiles upward along slopes, ensuring smoothness without wrinkles. Overlap (≥300mm) or stitch adjacent sheets securely.

• Protection: Cover with soil/gravel immediately post-installation to prevent UV exposure.

Quality Control

• Material Inspection: Verify physical (mass/area, thickness, tensile strength) and hydraulic (permeability, pore size) properties.

• Construction Monitoring: Check seam strength, overlap width, and post-construction leakage via water tests or seepage monitoring.