Reliance Project, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Application of Non Woven Geotextiles for Ground Stabilisation and Drainage Performance

Introduction

Large industrial and logistics developments, such as those undertaken by Reliance, demand stable ground conditions, predictable pavement performance, and long-term durability of supporting infrastructure. In regions with variable soil profiles and seasonal rainfall patterns, conventional construction methods often struggle to deliver consistent performance over time. This is where geosynthetics, particularly non woven geotextiles, play a critical role.

This case study documents the application of Ocean Non Woven Geotextile (1.5 mm, Polyester) at a Reliance project site in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the technical considerations, site-specific challenges, and long-term performance benefits of geotextile integration in civil infrastructure.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Reliance Project
• Location: Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
• Product Supplied: Ocean Non Woven Geotextile (Polyester) – 1.5 mm thickness
• Quantity Used: 1,600 SQM

The project involved preparation and stabilisation of subgrade layers for internal roads and utility corridors within the project area. The objective was to enhance load distribution, improve drainage behaviour, and reduce long-term maintenance risks arising from weak subsoil and moisture ingress.

Why Non Woven Geotextiles Were Required

Soils in parts of Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur region, often exhibit mixed characteristics, ranging from clayey patches with low permeability to granular layers with poor cohesion. During monsoon months, water infiltration can significantly reduce subgrade bearing capacity, leading to rutting, settlement, and premature pavement distress.

Non woven geotextiles perform multiple engineering functions simultaneously:

• Separation: Preventing intermixing of subgrade soil and granular base layers
• Filtration: Allowing water to pass while retaining fine soil particles
• Drainage: Facilitating lateral movement of water within pavement systems
• Protection: Acting as a cushioning layer for membranes or drainage layers

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), separation and filtration using geotextiles can significantly improve pavement service life by maintaining the integrity of aggregate layers and preventing contamination of the base course .

Role of Geotextiles in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Projects

Pavement Reinforcement and Subgrade Stabilisation

While geotextiles are not primary reinforcement materials like geogrids, they contribute indirectly to pavement performance by preserving the load-bearing capacity of base layers. By preventing pumping of fines into aggregate layers, geotextiles help maintain structural thickness and reduce deformation under repeated traffic loads. Studies published by the Transportation Research Board (TRB) indicate that proper separation using geotextiles can reduce aggregate loss and extend pavement service life by several years in weak subgrade conditions .

Drainage Improvement

Non woven geotextiles exhibit high permeability and controlled pore size distribution, enabling efficient filtration. In industrial sites with paved yards and service roads, trapped water within subgrade layers is a leading cause of distress. Geotextile-integrated drainage layers allow water to escape while retaining soil, reducing pore water pressure and preserving shear strength of the subgrade.

Erosion Control and Environmental Protection

Geotextiles are widely used beneath riprap, stone pitching, and embankment protection systems to prevent soil washout. The Indian Roads Congress (IRC: SP:59) recommends the use of geotextiles as filter layers under stone protection in drainage channels and slopes to prevent erosion and subsoil loss . This function is particularly relevant in industrial sites where stormwater flows are concentrated through designed drainage channels.

Practical Site Challenges and How They Were Addressed

Soil Variability and Monsoon Sensitivity

Although this project was executed in Jabalpur, many industrial sites across central and eastern India, including regions like Guwahati, share similar challenges:

• Soft or silty subgrades
• Seasonal strength loss due to heavy rainfall
• Uneven compaction caused by differential moisture content

At the Reliance project site, subgrade variability required careful preparation. Weak patches were stabilised through local soil improvement before geotextile placement. The geotextile then ensured that the improved subgrade was protected from contamination during placement and compaction of the granular layers above.

Installation Complexities and Quality Control

One aspect rarely discussed openly in infrastructure projects is the risk of performance loss due to poor installation practices. Common issues include:

• Wrinkling of geotextile during placement
• Overlaps that are either insufficient or excessively large
• Damage caused by construction traffic and sharp aggregates

Quality control measures included ensuring uniform tension during placement, maintaining recommended overlaps based on subgrade conditions, and restricting heavy equipment movement directly over exposed geotextile surfaces. Visual inspection for tears and punctures was conducted before covering with aggregate layers, as recommended in geosynthetics installation guidelines by the International Geosynthetics Society .

Long-Term Performance Under Industrial Loads

Industrial facilities experience repeated loading from heavy commercial vehicles, forklifts, and material handling equipment. Over time, this cyclic loading can cause progressive subgrade deformation if drainage and separation layers fail. Polyester non woven geotextiles offer good tensile strength retention and chemical resistance, making them suitable for long-term applications in environments exposed to hydrocarbons, moisture, and temperature variations. Long-term creep resistance and durability are critical design considerations highlighted in ISO 10319 and related geotextile testing standards .

Maintenance, Durability, and Lifecycle Benefits

One of the key lifecycle advantages of geotextile-integrated pavement systems is reduced maintenance frequency. By preserving the structural integrity of pavement layers and preventing subgrade contamination, geotextiles delay the onset of rutting and surface cracking. This translates into:

• Lower periodic resurfacing costs
• Reduced downtime for industrial operations
• More predictable performance over the asset lifecycle

Life cycle cost analyses published in pavement engineering literature consistently show that geosynthetics, when properly designed and installed, offer favourable cost-benefit ratios despite marginally higher initial material costs .

Outcomes and Technical Impact

The use of Ocean Non Woven Geotextile at the Reliance project in Jabalpur contributed to improved subgrade stability, controlled drainage behaviour, and enhanced durability of pavement layers. While geotextiles are often hidden once construction is complete, their long-term impact is visible in reduced deformation, better load distribution, and lower maintenance interventions over time.

This project reinforces the importance of treating geosynthetics not as optional add-ons, but as integral components of modern infrastructure design, particularly in regions exposed to variable soils and seasonal rainfall.

Conclusion: Engineering Value Beyond the Surface

Geotextiles play a foundational role in the performance of pavements, drainage systems, and erosion control measures across industrial, road, and infrastructure projects in India. Their ability to manage water, preserve soil structure, and improve load response makes them essential in environments where ground conditions and climate variability pose long-term risks to asset performance.

In projects like the Reliance development in Jabalpur, the strategic use of non woven geotextiles demonstrates how small, often unseen interventions can deliver significant technical and economic value over the life of infrastructure assets.

About Ocean Non Wovens

Ocean Non Wovens brings proven manufacturing expertise, application-driven material selection, and on-ground execution support to complex infrastructure projects across India. With a strong track record in supplying reliable geosynthetics for industrial, road, and environmental applications, the company partners with contractors and developers to deliver performance-focused solutions that stand up to real-world site conditions. For large-scale projects requiring dependable supply, technical clarity, and consistent quality, Ocean Non Wovens continues to be a trusted geosynthetics manufacturer and supplier in the Indian infrastructure ecosystem.