What is the difference between geomembrane and geotextile?

Although geomembranes and geotextiles have different functions, they are both geosynthetics and are often used together (such as composite geomembranes = geotextiles + geomembranes). They are used in geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering and infrastructure construction.

1. Main functions

Geomembrane: an anti-seepage barrier that prevents liquid or gas penetration (such as landfills, fish ponds, and artificial lakes).

Material: impermeable plastic films such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PVC, and LLDPE.

Geotextile: a permeable fiber material used for filtration, drainage, reinforcement or isolation (such as roadbed reinforcement and slope protection).

Material: non-woven or woven fabric made of polyester (PET) or polypropylene (PP).

2. Water permeability

Geomembrane: completely impermeable (used for leak prevention).

Geotextile: permeable and breathable (used for drainage and filtration).

The two are often used together to form a composite geomembrane, such as: geotextile + geomembrane (geomembrane is waterproof, geotextile protects the membrane from being punctured and also assists in drainage).