Comparison of mechanical performance of different geotextiles manufactured from natural fibers subjected to environmental biodegradation

Natural geotextiles play a remarkable role in erosion control, promoting slope stability and protecting areas susceptible to environmental degradation. In this study, we evaluated the mechanical performance of geotextiles manufactured from natural fibers of Syagrus coronata (Mart.) Becc., Thypha domingensis, and Eleocharis sp. These geotextiles were treated with waterproofing resin and exposed to biodegradation for 120 days in order to understand their stress and strain behavior. A colorless wood waterproofing resin from Hydronorth® was used in order to make it less permeable, delay the degradation process, and consequently increase the material’s resistance to climatic variables. Subsequently, the geotextiles were subjected to natural degradation on slope in an area of 10m2 sizes. Samples of the geotextiles exposed to the degradation processes were collected every 30 days. The results indicate that, after treatment with the resin, Thypha domingensis geotextile outperforming the other tested fibers in terms of maximum tensile strength. The addition of two Layers of waterproofing resin (Layer B) resulted in higher fiber rupture resistance compared to fibers treated with a single Layer of resin (Layer A) without compromising the natural performance of the fibers. Syagrus coronata fiber when treated with one Layer (Layer A) exhibits greater resistance to deformation after 120 days compared to other fibers. A gradual degradation of Eleocharis sp. was observed. These findings present a strong potential for the incorporation of these studied geotextiles from natural fibers in endeavors related to soil bioengineering works, although it is necessary to employ associated protection techniques to adapt these fibers to technical requirements.