Optimization of Parameters for the Production of Needlepunched Nonwoven Geotextiles

Needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles are widely used for various civil engineering applications. These applications are required to perform more than one function, i.e., filtration, separation, protection, drainage, and reinforcement. Reinforcement is a complex phenomenon and strongly depends upon the fabric's dimensional and mechanical properties in addition to the soil—geotextile interaction. In this study, the effect of process parameters including web area density, punch density, and depth of needle penetration has been investigated on dimensional (area density and thickness) and mechanical (puncture resistance and tensile strengths in the machine and cross-machine directions) properties of needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles. These process parameters are then empirically related with the fabric properties using multiple regression technique. The anisotropic characteristics of needlepunched nonwoven geotextiles tensile properties have also been discussed.