Void-maintaining geosynthetic laminates and drainage systems

• Main Authors: Zhao, Aigen, Ianniello, Peter, Capra, Giovanni
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 18.04.2002

Void-maintaining geocomposite laminates, and drainage systems utilizing those laminates, are provided for location below a road surface or below a large structure such as a building, retaining wall or parking lot. The laminates include at least one fluid-transmissible layer adjacent an upper or lower surface of a polymer-based core. Optionally, another fluid-transmissible layer is provided adjacent a lower surface of the polymer-based core to form geocomposite laminates having high permittivity and high transmissivity. The one or more fluid-transmissible layers are preferably geotextiles. Characteristic of the core element is high transmissivity, that is, a high rate of horizontal flow of gases or liquids through the core. Characteristic of the at least one fluid-transmissible layer is high permittivity, that is, a high rate of vertical transmission of liquids and gases through the geotextile layer and into the core element. Also characteristic of fluid-transmissible layers of the invention is high exclusivity with respect to solid materials. Core elements and fluid-transmissible layers advantageously can be formed separately so that the components may be separately transported to a site and installed in sequence, or bonded to one another onsite by welding or adhesives. The systems include further drain means that communicate with the geocomposite structures of the system, such as perforated pipes and the like, which can connect further to culverts, ditches or waterways. The geocomposite structures and drain can form part of a greater subsurface geosynthetic system that provides reinforcement, separation, and drainage for the structure to thereby extend its useful life and decrease maintenance costs.