Jute geotextile is a natural fabric produced from jute fibers, commonly used in civil engineering and construction projects. Geotextiles, whether synthetic or natural, serve various functions, including reinforcement, separation, filtration, and erosion control. Jute, being a natural fiber sourced from the jute plant, is favored for its strength, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness.

Technical aspects

Jute geotextiles are designed with specific technical specifications that define their use in civil engineering and construction applications. These specifications typically include physical properties, mechanical performance, and durability. Below is a detailed outline of the key technical specifications for jute geotextiles.

Jute geotextiles are made from natural and biodegradable, 100% jute fiber. Their plain or twill weaving patterns ensure flexibility and durability with fine weight and thickness (1 to 5 mm range). With 10 kN/m to 30 kN/m (kilonewtons per meter) tensile strength, geotextiles can stretch (elongation) 10-15% before breaking. However, geotextiles are not very UV-resistant; hence, they must be used where sunlight is limited or short-term. Also, they decompose within a few years; therefore, they are not preferable in long-term projects.

One of the key characteristics of geotextiles is their fine hydraulic properties. Jute geotextiles are crafted for water permeability while retaining soil particles, making them great for drainage and filtration applications. GeotextileGeotextiles can also maintain their dimensions as they have low shrinkage under wet conditions. However, they can be affected by significant moisture changes.

Use cases

Jute geotextiles have become popular in civil engineering and construction due to their strength, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. They are commonly used in slope stabilization on embankments and hillsides, where they help prevent soil erosion and provide temporary cover. In riverbank and coastal protection, jute geotextiles are applied to prevent erosion and protect against the impact of water flow and waves. For soil reinforcement, they are used in retaining walls to enhance soil stability, prevent sliding or collapse, and in road construction, stabilize the subgrade and improve load distribution.

Jute geotextiles are used to separate soil from gravel or other drainage materials while allowing water to flow through. They are also used in filtration applications where soil particles need to be kept from clogging drainage systems. Jute also finds use in land reclamation, serving as temporary covers for landfills to reduce erosion and prevent the loss of cover materials.

Jute geotextiles help conserve soil by preventing erosion in fields and on slopes, especially in areas that experience heavy rainfall, finding its agro sector usage. In terms of environmental protection, they are used in managing contaminated soils to contain and prevent the spread of pollutants. They are also employed in civil infrastructure projects, such as stabilizing ground for airport runways and taxiways and serving as protective layers around pipelines to prevent soil movement and ensure stability. They are also good for environmental restoration, landscaping, creating a stable base, preventing weed growth, etc.

Environment friendly

Jute geotextile is an attractive alternative to synthetic geotextile, especially in regions like Bangladesh, where jute is readily available. As a natural fiber, jute decomposes over time, leaving no harmful residues. This is particularly useful in temporary applications such as soil stabilization or erosion control, where the material is needed for a limited time. Again, jute is a renewable resource that is harvested annually. Jute production has a low carbon footprint, requires less energy, and emits fewer greenhouse gases than synthetic alternatives, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Jute geotextiles also contribute to improving soil health. As they decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, enhancing its fertility and structure and benefiting agricultural and reforestation projects. They also help retain moisture in the soil, promoting healthier plant growth and, in some cases, reducing the need for irrigation.

The use of jute geotextiles also minimizes the need for chemicals. Their own processing can also be done with minimal chemicals, mainly when traditional, environmentally friendly methods are used.

On the other hand, jute plants contribute to carbon sequestration by absorbing significant amounts of CO2 during their growth. This helps mitigate climate change by lowering the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, jute geotextiles support biodiversity. In erosion control and reforestation projects, they create a stable environment for plant growth, supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity.

Prospects in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest producers of jute, providing a reliable and cost-effective source of raw materials for manufacturing jute geotextiles. This abundance of raw materials supports local farmers and creates job opportunities, especially in rural areas, boosting the economy.

In a country like Bangladesh, where soil erosion is a major issue due to its geographical and climatic conditions, jute geotextiles can play a key role in controlling erosion, improving soil health, and stabilizing the land for agricultural and infrastructure projects. Since they are cost-effective, their economic efficiency is another benefit for Bangladesh.

The global demand for sustainable construction materials is rising, and jute geotextiles fit well within this trend. Bangladesh, as a natural producer of jute, has huge export potential. Expanding the industry will also create many jobs.

Challenges

The primary challenge of jute geotextile is its short durability. The quality of jute fibers can vary depending on factors like growing conditions and processing methods, leading to inconsistent performance. The subject also lacks sufficient research and development focused on improving the properties of jute geotextiles.

Although eco-friendly, jute geotextiles’ production costs are high. The processing is labor-intensive and often lacks modern equipment, making it costly. Synthetic alternatives, such as polypropylene geotextiles, are cheaper and have more predictable performance, making it difficult for jute geotextiles to compete in the market.

Another obstacle is the lack of awareness and, in some cases, willingness among engineers, contractors, and policymakers regarding applications of jute geotextiles.

On the other hand, no strong regulatory framework promotes the use of eco-friendly materials like jute geotextiles. Supply chain inefficiencies also affect the local jute industry. Problems with farming, processing, and distribution lead to delays and increased costs. The lack of modern infrastructure, including manufacturing facilities and testing laboratories, hampers large-scale production and quality control.

Last, there is a lack of expertise in designing, applying, and installing jute geotextiles. Few training programs are available to educate engineers and construction workers on their proper use, contributing to their limited adoption. Addressing these challenges is difficult but not impossible. Bangladesh has all the resources necessary to promote jute geotextiles. All we need is some expert hands in place and some regulatory and policy changes.

Md. Maswoodul Islam is a mechanical engineer currently working with a large construction solution manufacturer in Dhaka. He is also a highly regarded industrial and infrastructural project management expert.