Innovative geotextiles built from meandrically arranged thick ropes were produced. For the production of the geotextiles, the strips of woollen nonwoven were used. The segments of the geotextiles were installed on the bank of a drainage ditch. The behaviour of the geotextiles during 1 year was observed. It was demonstrated that the geotextiles installed in the ditch provide immediate protection of the bank. In the soil-covered wool, the process of slow biodegradation was initiated. Because of a low biodegradation rate at the end of the growing season, when the protective vegetation was not well developed, the geotextiles maintained their protective potential. In the following months, the biodegradation led to further destruction of wool fibres. During the biodegradation, the organic compounds rich in nitrogen were released into the soil. In spring, at the beginning of new growing season, the compounds acted as effective fertilizers, promoting the growth of protective vegetation. The vegetation growing on the bank provided an effective protection and took over the protective function of the geotextiles.
Geotextiles consisting of meandrically arranged coarse ropes were produced. For the production of the ropes Kemafi l technology was applied and the wastes of various nonwovens were used. The geotextiles were used for the protection of the roadside ditch in a clay ground. After instalation of the geotextiles ensured immediate and eff ective protection of the ditch. During heavy rains the meandrically arranged geotextiles formed a system of cascades which slowed down the stream of water fl owing in the ditch. Additionally, the retention of water between the meanders of geotextiles and water absorption inside the ropes was observed. The materials used for the production of geotextiles had suffi cient resistance to biodegradation and ensured the protection of the ditch at least for one growing season.
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