Modeling the slurry filtration performance of nonwoven geotextiles

Nonwoven geotextiles have been widely used for separation, filtration, reinforcing and drainage systems. The filtration and drainage functions are especially attractive in the construction of soil structures. In this paper, based on the theoretical pore size distribution of nonwoven geotextiles established on Poisson polyhedron theory by Lombard, Rollin and Wolff [1989. Theoretical and experimental opening size of heat-bonded geotextiles. Textile Research Journal 59(4), 208-217], the filtration performance is studied using the random probability theory, and a mathematical model on mass of soil passing through nonwoven geotextile is established. The model is validated by slurry test using apparatus created by authors. The water head is constant at 13 cm and the slurry is continually stirred during experiment. The experimental results obtained for four different specimens are compared with the theoretical solution, and it is shown that the present model predicts to an accuracy of about 93% for heat-bonded nonwoven geotextiles. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.