Jute is a lingo cellulosic coarse natural bast fibre.The strand of jute fibre consists of numerous individual filaments forming a meshy structure. These fibres have varying length, fineness, strength, extensibility, tenacity, stiffness and toughness. Jute is hygroscopic and a good insulator of heat and electricity. Jute is eco-compatible as its cultivation and processing during manufacture do not affect the environment adversely. On biodegradation it mixes with soil and add nutrient to the soil.

      Jute Geotextile (JGT) is a kind of technical textile and used on and in soil to enhance its engineering properties. Polymer-based geotextiles, usually known as synthetic geotextiles, have been in use all over the world for the last few decades in civil engineering works where soil improvement is called for. JGT is a new entrant in this field. Efficacy of JGT has been established through extensive laboratory studies followed by successful field trials. JGT has been found to be highly effective in the areas like, Erosion control, Slope stabilization, Soil conservation, OB dumps stabilization, strengthening of high embankments, River bank erosion control, Strengthening sub-grade of roads & railways and accelerated consolidation of soft soil.

      JGT is designed on the basis of soil properties and other geotechnical parameters. Need based site-specific JGT is being developed by IJIRA and manufactured by the Jute Industry to cater to the technical requirements of end-users.

      Jute Agrotextile ( JAT) is also a kind of technical textile and used mostly on soil to improve the agronomical characteristics of soil to enhance higher agricultural yield. It is also used effectively as mulch on seed beds, as shade-cover over nurseries, better growth and higher survival rate of saplings and also for quick growth of plants for afforestation specially in arid zones. The inherent capacity to absorb and retain moisture by jute helps to create a humid micro-environment conducive for quick growth of vegetation. These materials have thus emerged as high potential product in agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors, apart from civil engineering applications.

      Geotextiles are of two types –

Man-made Geotextiles are made of Synthetic Polymers like Poly-propylene, Polyester, Polyethylene ,Poly-amide and P V C. These materials are non-biodegradable and causes environmental pollution.

JUTE GEOTEXTILES ARE ECO-FRIENDLY AND BIO-DEGRADABLE. IT PROVIDES COST-EFFECTIVE BIOTECHNICAL SOLUTIONS TO MANY SOIL-RELATED PROBLEMS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING, AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY.

Application of Geotextile in or on soil to improve its engineering properties was established after rigorous laboratory tests & studies supported by large scale field trials.

Functionally there is no difference between man-made Geotextiles and Natural Geotextile, like JGT. JGT has additional advantages like better drapability, eco-compatibility and economy. JGT is also an excellent drainage and storage medium. It has already been established that biodegradability of JGT is not a technical deterrent. Generally Jute ( grey) degrades within 1-2 years, but within this time period soil gains the required strength by way of natural consolidation. This process of natural consolidation enhances the load bearing capacity of soil (CBR of road sub-grade). It is evident from different field trials on roads that CBR of the road can be enhanced by three times when it is used as a separator at the sub-grade – sub-base interface. In river bank protection work JGT acts as a filter media that gives passage to pour water to flow through but retains the soil particles. It helps in filter cake formation which is the prime objective of forming a stable soil matrix. Besides through flow permeability (permittivity), in-plane permeability (transmissivity) is very high and in this respect JGT is better than other geotextiles.

Jute geotextile is an ideal fabric for slope stabilization. It reduces surface run-off and arrests downward flow of detached soil particles as its thick yarns act as mini check dam when laid across the slope. Jute Geotextile creates a congenial micro -atmosphere that helps vegetation grow fast and thereby the slope is protected for the long run. Biodegraded JGT adds nutrient to the soil. Actually, Jute geotextile provides short term protection aiming at long term stability of slope of soil structure through vegetation.

• Woven
• Non-woven
• Open weave

These three types have distinct application areas but they can also be used in conjunction if a situation so demands. Each type of JGT has further several varieties to suit site specific end-uses. As mentioned earlier JGT is a tailor made product and can be manufactured using conventional machinery of the jute industry. However, as developed by IJIRA presently woven JGT is available upto 2 metre wide with a maximum tensile strength of 40 kN / m in both plain and twill weave structure having the porometry range from 150 to 400 micron.

 All types of testing facilities for Geotextile is available now at IJIRA. Standards have also been made for different types of JGT. Technical support and guidance is also available from IJIRA for selection of right type JGT in particular application along with its installation guide lines.

One of the most effective non-conventional jute products that can help in soft soil consolidation is prefabricated vertical jute drain (PVJD) which is essentially a thin sheath of jute with jute or coir wicks inside it. PVJDs are inserted into the soft soil mechanically through rigs to the desired depth of soft strata. PVJD performs the function like conventional sand-drains but with greater efficiency in extracting water from inside the soil.

• Eco-friendly. Its cultivation, processing and manufacture are pollution- free.
• Easily available. Site-specific JGT can be manufactured as per the end-users’ requirements.
• Cheapest among geotextiles of any kind.
• Easily transportable. Installation and handling are simple and do not require any special skill.
• Promotes quick growth of vegetation due to its water-absorbing and mulching properties.
• The most drapable of all geo-textiles.

The attributes of JGT have made it an appropriate fabric for use in a number of Civil Engineering applications where soil poses a problem. JGT have been applied successfully under the technical support and guidance of IJIRA by the agencies like, PWD, PMGSY, BRO, NHAI, Irrigation, Railways, NTPC, NHPC, Coal Mines, Forest & Environment, Agriculture , Horticulture etc. for the use in the following areas: -

• Slope management
• Erosion control & soil Conservation
• Stabilization of earthen Embankments
• Protection of River and Canal banks
• Strengthening of Road Pavements
• Consolidation of Soft Soil