Geotextile Applications

Due to their adaptability and ease of design, retention/detention ponds employing a geomembrane and/or cellular confinement and a geotextile enjoy widespread acceptance. Examples can be can be found in all types of climates, soil conditions and project settings.

However, retention/detention ponds are not without their problems. Standing water is a drowning hazard and a habitat for mosquitoes to breed. This water can also superheat and increase some nutrients, resulting in excessive plant growth and decay, a lack of oxygen and severe reductions in water quality, fish, and other animal populations. Proper design, including gravel sub-drains, reduces or eliminates most of these issues.

• Widely Accepted
• Adaptable to Climate and Soil Conditions
• GRI Developed Design Charts

Geomembrane

The main geosynthetic element in these ponds is a geomembrane impermeable liner made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Polyethylene (PE).

Nonwoven Geotextile

Properly protecting the geomembrane from tearing or puncturing during construction is paramount. Research indicates that a properly selected nonwoven, needle-punched geotextile cushion installed above and/or below the geomembrane can effectively protect it from construction and operational damage.

Cellular Confinement

Cellular Confinement is an option if space is limited. The introduction of cellular confinement as part of the retention/detention pond system can help to reduce its overall size.

US Fabrics will not attempt to recommend which type of membrane, cellular confinement or nonwoven geotextile should be used for a specific pond application. Please refer to the project specifications.

GRI Design Charts

The Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) has developed a method for choosing the correct geotextile and simplified, conservative design charts exist for quickly determining the correct geotextiles. These charts list typical applications and important factors for consideration such as load and subgrade soil conditions. There are also industry standards for geomembranes.

US Fabrics offers a complete line of PVC and PE geomembranes and nonwoven geotextiles for your retention/detention pond project. Please click on the links below to visit our geomembrane, cellular confinement  and nonwoven product sections for additional information and data sheets.