What is the purpose of a geonet in environmental applications?

The purpose of a geonet in environmental applications is primarily to allow planar flow of liquids. Geonets are specialized geosynthetic materials designed with a three-dimensional network of interconnected strands that create a drainage pathway. This configuration facilitates the distribution and movement of liquids, such as leachate in landfill applications or water in drainage systems, by directing them along a horizontal plane.

Geonets are commonly employed in landfills, where they help manage leachate and improve drainage performance, thereby reducing the risk of groundwater contamination. Their design minimizes resistance to the flow of liquids, making them effective in controlling liquid movement in a variety of environmental and civil engineering projects.

While filtering solid waste, providing structural support, and preventing soil erosion are important considerations in environmental management, these functions are typically associated with other geosynthetics, such as geotextiles or geomembranes, rather than the specific function of geonets.