Abstract

Manchikatla Shivamani, L. Nagarajan*, S. Karthik

ABSTRACT

The rapid evolution of geosynthetic technologies has transformed the landscape of civil and environmental engineering, with geotextiles playing a pivotal role in enhancing the performance, durability, and sustainability of infrastructure systems. This paper explores the emerging functions of geotextiles within geomembrane, geogrid, and geocomposite systems, highlighting their integration in advanced multi-layer configurations for containment, reinforcement, filtration, and drainage. Through innovations such as textured geomembrane interfaces, geotextile-laminated composite liners, and smart geocomposites embedded with sensors, geotextiles are increasingly engineered as multifunctional components tailored for complex geotechnical challenges. The paper also delves into hybrid reinforcement strategies in transportation, slope stability, and rail infrastructure, where geotextile-geogrid composites significantly enhance load distribution and structural integrity. Furthermore, the environmental contributions of geotextiles—ranging from biodegradable materials to climate-resilient applications—are examined in the context of sustainability and life cycle performance. The study concludes with a forward-looking perspective on future research directions, including AI-driven design optimization, smart materials, and regulatory standardization. Together, these developments mark a paradigm shift in the role of geotextiles—from passive separators to active, performance-driven enablers in modern geosynthetic systems.