InfraThread 140-Non Woven Geotextile: Solomon Islands Sewer Pipeline Project

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InfraThread 140-Non Woven Geotextile: Solomon Islands Sewer Pipeline Project

The Project

In the Solomon Islands, a crucial infrastructure project was undertaken to enhance the region's water supply and sewerage systems. The project's scope was centered on the use of geotextile filter fabric for the encapsulation of pipe embedment in sewer pipeline systems. InfraThread 140, a non-woven geotextile, was selected for this application, serving as a protective and filtration layer in the construction of the sewer pipeline. The project involved laying sewer pipelines with a diameter of 400mm at a trench depth of 4 meters. Given that groundwater was encountered at a depth of 1 meter and the prevalent soil type was sandy silt, the project presented unique challenges in ensuring the stability and longevity of the pipeline system. InfraThread 140 was tasked with providing a critical separation between the pipe embedment and the backfill, effectively controlling soil particle migration into and within the embedment zone.

Challenges

The Solomon Islands' sewer pipeline project faced several geotechnical challenges. The presence of groundwater at relatively shallow depths increased the risk of soil particle migration, which could compromise the pipeline's integrity by clogging or eroding the embedment. The sandy silt soil type, characterized by fine particles and potentially high water content, posed additional risks of sedimentation and instability around the pipeline. Moreover, the depth of the trenches required a geotextile solution that could withstand significant soil pressures without compromising its filtration properties. The project demanded a geotextile that was robust enough to resist punctures, tears, and other forms of physical damage during installation and operation, while effectively filtering soil particles to prevent clogging of the embedment zone.

// Our Solution

InfraThread 140 emerged as the ideal solution for these challenges. As a non-woven geotextile made from high-quality polypropylene fibers, it offered excellent filtration and separation characteristics, making it suitable for the project's specific requirements. Its structure was designed to retain fine soil particles while allowing water to pass through, preventing the clogging of the embedment zone and maintaining the integrity of the pipeline. During installation, InfraThread 140's flexibility and ease of handling were crucial in adapting to the contours of the pipeline and the trench. Its high puncture resistance and robustness ensured that it remained intact despite the challenging conditions of the sandy silt soil and the presence of groundwater. This durability was essential in providing long-term protection for the pipeline. The use of InfraThread 140 also contributed to the overall efficiency of the project. Its installation was straightforward and required no specialized equipment or extensive labor, which was particularly advantageous given the project's remote location in the Solomon Islands. The geotextile's ability to maintain consistent filtration performance under varying groundwater conditions and soil types ensured the long-term stability and functionality of the sewer pipeline system. The successful application of InfraThread 140 in the Solomon Islands' sewer pipeline project demonstrated its efficacy in challenging environmental conditions. It underscored the importance of selecting appropriate geosynthetic materials for infrastructure projects, ensuring not only the immediate success of the construction but also the long-term sustainability and reliability of the system.