GEOTEXTILE FILTER DESIGN GUIDE

This paper provides the practicing designer with a comprehensive, systematic approach to solving common filtration design problems. Current filter design procedures often include only permeability and retention criteria. Several other concepts should be incorporated into the design process, such as: (i) consideration of whether permeability or retention is the primary function of a filter within the given application: (ii) quantifying the internal stability of soil; and (iii) addressing survivability and durability issues. This paper incorporates several recently-developed design concepts, together with currently-used geotextile filter design criteria, into a comprehensive nine-step design methodology. Each step is discussed, specific numerical criteria are given, and information is provided for determining the parameters needed to satisfy the design criteria. The result is a user-oriented document for designing geotextile filters.