10 Critical Questions Every Buyer Must Ask

Whether you're a contractor, engineer, or procurement specialist, these are the questions we hear most often—and the answers you need to know.

Q1: What's the difference between geotextile and geomembrane?

A: Think of it this way: geotextiles let water through but hold soil (filtration/separation), while geomembranes stop water completely (barrier/containment) .

Geotextiles: Permeability 1×10⁻³ to 1×10⁻⁴ cm/s, used for drainage, separation, protection
Geomembranes: Permeability as low as 1×10⁻¹³ cm/s, used for ponds, landfills, containment

Q2: How long do geosynthetics last?

A: In normal environments, quality geosynthetics last 50+ years. In harsh conditions, enhanced grades can reach 70 years . However, lifespan depends on:

UV exposure (cover with soil promptly)
Chemical environment (select resistant grades)
Installation quality (avoid punctures)

Q3: How do I choose between woven and nonwoven geotextile?

A: It's about function :

Type

Best For

Key Property

Woven

Reinforcement, load distribution

High tensile strength (≥50kN/m)

Nonwoven

Filtration, separation, drainage

Permeability (≥0.1cm/s), 65-85% porosity

Q4: What thickness geomembrane do I need?

A: Common guidelines:

Ponds/irrigation canals: 0.5-1.0mm
Landfill liners: 1.5-2.0mm
High-risk containment (chemicals, mining): 2.0mm+

Q5: Can geogrid really replace stone replacement?

A: Yes—and it often saves 50-60% on material costs. As shown in our Indonesia case study, 30kN geogrid with 50cm fill outperformed 5m stone replacement while costing 63% less and finishing 55% faster.

Q6: What are the critical installation rules?

A: Five golden rules :

Clear the base of sharp objects
Lap seams minimum 15cm (geogrid) or 30cm (geotextile)
Weld geomembrane seams (don't just glue)
Cover promptly to prevent UV damage
Test backfill—no sharp rocks

Q7: How do I verify product quality?

A: Three steps:

Request batch test reports (CBR puncture, tensile, permeability)
Check certifications (ISO, GAI-LAP, ASTM/EN standards)
Visit similar project references

Industry data shows 30% of composite geomembranes fail to meet permeability standards —don't skip verification.

Q8: What's better: HDPE or PVC geomembrane?

A: For most applications, HDPE wins on durability:

HDPE: Better chemical resistance, UV resistance, high-temp performance
PVC: More flexible, lower cost, but plasticizers migrate over time

In desert environments (70℃+), HDPE is the only choice .

Q9: Do I need to wrap drainage pipes with geotextile?

A: Yes—always. Without geotextile wrap, fine particles enter the pipe and clog the system. The geotextile acts as a filter, letting water in but keeping soil out .

Q10: How do I choose the right supplier?

A: Look beyond price. Evaluate:

Technical capability: Can they help with spec selection?
Quality system: Do they have certified labs?
Project experience: Have they done similar projects?
Service support: Can they provide on-site guidance?

A scoring model from industry experts weights these factors:

Core: 25%
Mechanical strength: 20%
Environmental resistance: 20%
Technical service: 20%
Market reputation: 15%

Need more specific answers? Contact our technical team with your project details, and we'll help you find the right solution.

Hot tags :

10 Critical Questions Every Buyer Must Ask

Textured HDPE Geomembrane

Slope Liner HDPE Geomembrane

Landfill HDPE Geomembrane

Request A Quote