Checklist “Laying Geotextile Material on the Bottom of the Excavation”
Welcome! This checklist will help you correctly and efficiently lay geotextile on the bottom of the excavation, which will ensure reliable protection and improve the drainage system of your foundation. Geotextile helps prevent mixing of the sand cushion with the soil and also improves water drainage, which contributes to the durability of the structure.
Preparation of Geotextile Material
Selection of material. Choose geotextile (this is a synthetic material used for filtration, drainage, and soil stabilization) that has good strength and water permeability so that it can effectively perform its function of protecting the sand cushion and improving drainage. It is important that the geotextile has appropriate density and is resistant to environmental influences.
Italian laws: According to Italian legislation, the use of geotextile must comply with construction standards (for example, UNI 11316 for geotextile materials). Make sure that the material you choose complies with local construction regulations and quality standards.
Measuring the excavation. Before laying the geotextile, it is important to accurately measure the area of the bottom of the excavation to precisely calculate the required amount of material. The geotextile must cover the entire area, preventing mixing of sand with soil and ensuring stability of the drainage system.
Laying Out the Geotextile
Laying the material. Carefully spread the geotextile over the entire area of the bottom of the excavation, ensuring full coverage. Make sure that the material lies flat, without stretching, so as not to impair its protective and drainage properties. The geotextile should cover not only the bottom but also rise slightly along the sides of the excavation to prevent it from shifting during subsequent work.
Italian laws: According to Italian construction standards, geotextile must be laid with consideration of the geological and climatic conditions of the area (for example, in accordance with EN 13249 for drainage systems). This ensures that the material will correctly perform its functions and will be resistant to the effects of water and soil.
Avoiding folds. Make sure that the geotextile does not form folds or tears during installation. The quality of installation directly affects the effectiveness of geotextile performance in the future. If folds form, this may disrupt its water-drainage properties and affect the durability of the structure.
Brief Terms
Folds — excess material that forms if the geotextile is not laid evenly, which can lead to a decrease in its functionality.
Drainage — a system designed to remove water from building structures, preventing their damage.
Ensuring Sufficient Overlap at Joints
Overlap at joints. When laying geotextile, it is important to provide an overlap at the joints between sheets of material of at least 30 cm. This will prevent soil from entering the sand cushion and will also increase drainage efficiency. The overlap will help create a continuous protective membrane that will provide the necessary mechanical and hydraulic properties.
Italian laws: In Italy, construction standards such as UNI 11212 specify that the overlap at geotextile joints must be sufficient to prevent water or soil from entering the drainage system, which is especially important in conditions of high precipitation and soil freezing.
Securing the joints. To prevent displacement of the geotextile and ensure its durability, the joints should be secured. This can be done using additional materials such as construction staples or special clamps that will hold the joints in place. This is especially important to avoid movement of the geotextile during subsequent work.
Brief Terms
Overlap — the overlapping of two pieces of geotextile at the joint, ensuring material continuity and preventing the penetration of soil and water.
Securing — the process of fixing the geotextile to prevent its displacement or damage during construction work.
Conclusion
Proper laying of geotextile on the bottom of the excavation plays a key role in ensuring the durability and efficiency of the drainage system. It is important to follow all stages of installation, starting from material selection to ensuring reliable joints and their securing. Compliance with regulations and standards, including Italian construction laws, guarantees reliable protection of the sand cushion and prevents penetration of water or soil, which is critically important for the stability and durability of the foundation.
Instructions for Using the Checklist: “Laying Geotextile Material on the Bottom of the Excavation”
Read the checklist: this checklist will help you correctly lay geotextile on the bottom of the excavation, providing protection of the sand cushion and preventing soil seepage.
Preparation of material: choose strong and waterproof geotextile. Measure the area of the excavation to accurately calculate the required amount of material.
Laying the geotextile: carefully spread the geotextile over the entire area of the bottom of the excavation. Make sure that the material completely covers the bottom, avoiding folds and tears.
Ensuring overlap at joints: the overlap at the joints must be at least 30 cm. Secure the joints using additional materials or staples.
Completion of installation: check that the geotextile is properly tensioned and does not shift. If necessary, re-secure the edges.
By following this checklist, you will provide high-quality protection of the bottom of the excavation, increase drainage efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of soil settlement.
