Main Title: Working Principles, Construction Techniques, and Advantages of PET Geotextile in Canal Applications

Working Principles

1. Anti-Seepage Function:

• PET geotextile possesses inherent waterproofing properties, effectively blocking water penetration and reducing seepage losses in canals.

• It is often combined with other impermeable materials (e.g., geomembranes) to form a composite anti-seepage structure, enhancing overall effectiveness.

2. Drainage Function:

• The geotextile’s high permeability allows water from surrounding soil to pass through its pores, relieving hydrostatic pressure.

• This prevents excessive soil moisture from destabilizing the canal structure and avoids adverse pressure on the impermeable layer.

3. Protective Function:

• Protects the impermeable layer from mechanical damage during construction, water erosion, and punctures from sharp objects in the soil.

• Prevents soil particles at the canal bed and slopes from being displaced by water flow, reinforcing and stabilizing the structure.

Construction Techniques

1. Preparation:

• Clear the canal base and slopes of rocks, roots, and other sharp debris.

• Level and compact the ground to ensure a smooth, firm foundation.

2. Geotextile Installation:

• Sewing: Use waterproof, high-strength stitching with specialized equipment.

• Overlapping: Overlap edges and compact or apply adhesive for tight bonding.

• Gluing: Use geotextile-specific adhesive for uniform, strong bonds.

• Laying Method: Unroll the geotextile along the canal length, starting from the base to the slopes (manually or mechanically). Ensure smooth, wrinkle-free placement with overlaps of 30–100 cm as per design.

• Securing: Anchor the geotextile using sandbags on the base and wooden/steel pegs (spaced 1–2 m) on slopes to prevent displacement.

• Joining Methods:

3. Post-Installation:

• Cover the geotextile promptly with a protective layer (e.g., soil, concrete, or stones) to shield it from UV rays, weathering, and erosion while enhancing canal durability.

Application Advantages

1. Cost-Effective: Lower material and construction costs compared to traditional methods (e.g., concrete), reducing canal maintenance expenses.

2. Easy Construction: Lightweight and compact, enabling quick transport and installation to shorten project timelines.

3. High Deformation Adaptability: Flexible and stretchable, accommodating uneven settlement without cracks or leaks.

4. Eco-Friendly: Made from environmentally safe materials, non-polluting, and harmless to water quality.