TYPAR Geosynthetics are extensively used in civil engineering in the construction of highways - from preventing intermixing of sub-base and subgrade layers, control erosion on slopes, for roadside drainage, as part of Low Impact Design (LID) projects for infrastructure access and in the construction of retaining walls, bridge abutments and steep slopes.

Preventing frost heave

Preventing frost damage to roads and highways

Soils that suffer from frost damage typically have a silt/fine sand content that encourages the capillary rise of water. During the winter, the water turns to ice, furthering drawing additional water up from the water table, balancing the capillary forces. The end result of the cycle is heaving at the surface and costly damage to pavement. The damage is compounded during the course of the winter as the upper layer of ice thaws. As the process continues, the freezing increases the volume compared to water-saturated soil, as ice holds a greater volume of water. Since the water remains frozen, it is trapped in the upper layer of soil, unable to drain. In the course of the season, the subgrade’s ground-bearing capacity is reduced, further weakening the highway.

TYPAR FSB is a net-based geocomposite that compensates for the lack of a capillary break in the soil and prevents the movement of water into the upper layers of soil. Once installed, yearly maintenance costs are greatly reduced.

Independent testing has confirmed TYPAR FSB performance and ability to prevent the upward movement of water by capillary action.

• Babtie Engineering Laboratories, Geotextile materials to suppress frost heave in soils TERRAM (TYPAR) 230gm geotextile with hydrophobic enhancement, 07/05/02.

• US Army Corps of Engineers, Laboratory Investigation of the Use of Geotextiles to Mitigate Frost Heave, CRREL Report 90-6, August 1990.

Preventing the capillary rise of salt water

TYPAR FSB can also be used to prevent similar movement of salt water that contaminate soil capable of withstanding vegetation. The geocomposite replaces a traditional 12” stone layer, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to stone.

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