Geosynthetic categories compared.

Quick comparison matrix.

Cost bands are typical Malaysian indicative ranges supply-only per m². Installation labor adds 30-80 percent depending on application complexity. Always tender for project-specific delivery.

Function and mechanism, by category.

Geogrid (uniaxial PET, StrataGrid)

Polyester (PET) yarns drawn into a high-tenacity grid with apertures sized for soil interlock (typically 25-35 mm). Strength is in the machine direction (load-bearing roll length). PET is creep-resistant and chemically inert across pH 4-10. Used for tension reinforcement in MSE walls, modular block walls, reinforced soil slopes (RSS), and basal reinforcement of embankments over soft ground. Tensile strength tested per ISO 10319 (wide-width) or ASTM D6637 (single rib). Long-term design strength accounts for creep (typically 15-30 percent of ultimate) per ISO 13431.

Function: reinforcement. Typical use: MSE wall, RSS, basal reinforcement, segmental block wall.

Geogrid (biaxial PP)

Polypropylene (PP) sheet stretched in both machine and cross directions to form integrally-formed grid. Equal strength in both directions, but lower than uniaxial PET (typically 20-40 kN/m each way vs 50-300 kN/m for uniaxial). Used for pavement subgrade reinforcement, working platform on soft ground, base course reinforcement under flexible pavement. PP has lower creep resistance than PET, suitable for short-term loading or where PET cost is prohibitive.

Function: reinforcement + lateral confinement. Typical use: pavement, working platform, soft-ground base course.

Geotextile (woven, StrataTex HSR)

PP slit-film or monofilament yarns woven into a continuous fabric. High tensile strength (50-200 kN/m) and good filtration through controlled apparent opening size (AOS to BS EN ISO 12956). Used as separator under road base, filter behind drainage systems, moderate reinforcement, and erosion control underlayer. Permittivity (cross-plane flow) is moderate compared to nonwoven.

Function: separation, filtration, moderate reinforcement. Typical use: road subgrade separator, French drain wrap, riprap underlayer.

Geotextile (nonwoven)

PP fibers needle-punched into a felt-like fabric. Lower tensile strength (5-25 kN/m) but high permittivity (water flows through readily) and good filtration via thickness. Used as filter wrap for drainage pipes, protection layer under geomembrane (puncture protection), erosion control fabric. Mass per unit area typically 200-500 gsm.

Function: filtration, drainage, protection. Typical use: French drain wrap, geomembrane cushion, erosion control.

Geocell (StrataWeb HDPE)

HDPE strips ultrasonically welded into a honeycomb of cells (typical 100-300 mm cell diameter, 75-200 mm depth). When stretched open and filled with soil/aggregate, the cellular confinement laterally restrains fill, increases load-bearing capacity, and prevents shallow erosion. Perforated walls allow lateral hydraulic connection. HDPE 75-120 year design life, stress-crack resistance per ASTM D5397.

Function: 3D confinement. Typical use: steep slope vegetated facing, load support over soft ground, channel protection, working platform.

Geomembrane (HDPE / LLDPE)

Continuous polymer sheet (HDPE for stiffness, LLDPE for flexibility), typical 1.0-2.5 mm thick, low-permeability barrier (< 1×10⁻¹⁴ m/s). Used for liquid containment (landfill liner, pond liner, dam face), gas containment (landfill cap), and chemical barrier. Welded at panel seams (extrusion welding, hot wedge). Tested per ASTM D5994 (thickness), D5397 (stress crack), D4885 (hydrostatic resistance).

Function: containment / barrier. Typical use: landfill liner/cap, pond, dam face, chemical containment.

Geocomposite drainage (StrataDrain)

3D HDPE drainage core sandwiched between PP geotextile filter on one or both faces. Replaces traditional gravel-and-pipe drainage layer. In-plane transmissivity tested per ASTM D4716, typically 0.5-3 L/s per m width depending on core thickness and gradient. Used behind retaining walls, MSE walls, basements, bridge abutments, under pavements, behind landfill liners.

Function: in-plane drainage with integrated filter. Typical use: retaining wall back drain, basement perimeter, MSE wall back drain, abutment drainage.

Why polymer matters: PET vs PP vs HDPE.

Rule of thumb: PET for permanent reinforcement (low creep). PP for filtration, separation, short-term reinforcement (cost-effective). HDPE for confinement and containment (chemical durability, dimensional stability). LLDPE where flexibility over irregular subgrade matters.

The honest trade-offs.

Decision-making conclusion.

Codes for design and submission.

Selection and detailing remain the consulting C&S, geotechnical, or environmental engineer's responsibility for design submission to authority (MBPP, DBKL, MBPJ, MBSA, MBSJ, MPSJ, MPS, JKR Cawangan, Department of Environment for landfill/pond). We deliver to the consultant's drawing.

Engineers and developers usually ask:

Related comparison resources.