Drainage mats are geocomposites that are widely used to collect and drain water in earthworks and around engineering structures. They are made of environmentally friendly materials: an HDPE drainage core and a layer of non-woven geotextile on one or both sides. They are known for their high drainage capacity, strength, and cost-efficiency.
Conventional mineral drainage layers are thick and heavy as they consist of gravel or similar material. Drainage mats are made of light HDPE or PP drainage core and geotextiles and supplied on rolls. Saving on transportation and installation labour makes them an economical solution.
Drainage mats are the most efficient surface drainage sysem. Their high void ratio and low compressibility allows them to discharge substantial amounts of water at a significant load.
Geotextile components are thermally fused to the drainage core, which gives the whole structure exceptional strength. They are shear-resistant and can withstand high loads. Their ability to elastic recovery prevents deformation and ensures an uninterrupted water flow.
Drainage mats are exceptionally durable and have low susceptibility to clogging, with the right design. The material is resistant to temperature, saltwater, and UV radiation and is not susceptible to common soil oil chemicals. Drainage mats do not require maintenance if correctly designed and can last for over 100 years.
Drainage, filtration, separation, and protection are all combined in one product. The mats collect liquids and gases and drain them. The non-woven geotextile layer has the filtration function: it holds back soil particles but allows liquids to go through. The product can also be used for soil separation and erosion control. It is often used over GCL or geomembranes and protects them from damage by the overfill material.
Materials of drainage mats are toxin-free and harmless to the environment. The light weight and ease of transportation leave a much smaller carbon footprint compared to mineral drainage layers.
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