Geotextile Fabrics
Africa's most comprehensive technical and application specific geotextile range - from MIRAFI® S lightweight separation fabrics to MIRAFI® AR20 abrasion-resistant railway nonwovens, MIRAFI® P heavy-duty geomembrane protection and PolyTape high-strength woven reinforcement up to 800 kN/m. We supply, install and QA/QC certify nonwoven and woven geotextile systems across 30+ African countries - from 90 g/m² road separation to 1,200 g/m² liner protection. Every project runs on one integrated scope: fabric selection, material supply, IAGI-aligned installation by certified crews, on-site testing and a full signed QA dossier.
| About Geotextile Fabrics
Geosynthetics Africa supplies and installs the continent's most comprehensive technical and application specific geotextile range - four MIRAFI® continuous-filament nonwoven systems from Solmax, the MIRAFI® Geolon FW180 woven filtration fabric, and a full PolyTape high-strength woven range - covering every application from road subgrade separation to geomembrane protection, railway ballast filtration and urban root control across 30+ African countries.
The MIRAFI® nonwoven range is purpose-engineered by function: MIRAFI® S (90–385 g/m²) for separation and filtration in roads, drainage trenches and trafficked areas on weak soils; MIRAFI® F (400–800 g/m²) with its patented two-layer design delivering extremely low clogging risk and high soil retention in hydraulic and drainage applications; MIRAFI® P (200–1,200 g/m²) engineered specifically for geomembrane protection with CBR puncture resistance up to 11.3 kN; and MIRAFI® AR20, a continuous-filament nonwoven with abrasion-resistant additive proven over 3,000 abrasion revolutions and 20 years mechanical sustainability at 100,000 tonnes/day traffic loading, developed for railway ballast separation. The MIRAFI® Geolon FW180 woven filtration fabric in monofilament PP delivers 40 kN/m tensile strength with a designed 180 µm opening size. The PolyTape woven range runs from WG30HF at 30 kN/m through to WG105HF at 105 kN/m for walls, embankments and heavy reinforcement, with the PolyTape RB340 Root Barrier completing the range for root control in urban and infrastructure applications.
| Common Applications and Engineering Use Cases
Drainage & Filtration
Subsoil drainage, filtration and liner-system drainage. Select the exact product grade and installation detail through the approved project design.
Read MoreRoad & Rail Separation
Geosynthetic systems for road foundations, rail formations and pavement rehabilitation. Select the exact product grade and installation detail through the approved project design.
Read MoreSlope & Erosion Protection
Erosion protection for slopes, embankments and drainage channels. Select the exact product grade and installation detail through the approved project design.
Read MoreGeotextile Dewatering
Geotextile dewatering bags and tubes for sludge and sediment handling. Select the exact product grade and installation detail through the approved project design.
Read More| Properties & Specifications
| Key Performance Properties | Test Standard | Value (Metric Guidance) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Grade | ASTM Standard | Premium Virgin Polymer |
| UV Stability | ASTM D4355 / GRI | Excellent retention |
| Chemical Endurance | EPA 9090 / ISO | Highly resistant |
| Types of Geotextile Fabrics
MIRAFI® S
Mechanically bonded continuous-filament UV-stabilised PP nonwoven; 90–385 g/m²; grades S21 to S82; ASQUAL certified; proven 50+ years in separation, filtration and drainage of trafficked areas on weak soils, road platforms and drainage trenches; permeability ≥55 mm/s; O90 85–260 µm
MIRAFI® F
Two-layer continuous-filament PP nonwoven; 400–800 g/m²; grades F60, F70, F80; one layer engineered as filter, the other as integral filter protection; 25–40 constrictions in filter layer; extremely low clogging risk; O90 80–90 µm; CBR puncture resistance 4.6–7.0 kN; ASQUAL certified
MIRAFI® P
Mechanically bonded continuous-filament UV-stabilised PP nonwoven; 200–1,200 g/m²; grades P20 to P120; engineered specifically for geomembrane protection; CBR puncture resistance 2.4–11.3 kN; protection efficiency at 300 kPa deformation 0.6–1.7%; ASQUAL certified
MIRAFI® AR20
Continuous-filament needle-punched nonwoven with abrasion-resistant additive and UV stabiliser; 3,000 revolution abrasion resistance (ASTM D3884); 20-year mechanical sustainability at 100,000 t/day; Vibrogir-tested with SNCF French Railways; A0 class approved; separation, filtration and drainage between railway ballast and formation; O90 55 µm; permeability 10 mm/s
MIRAFI® Geolon FW180
Solmax woven geotextile in high-density monofilament PP; 40 kN/m tensile strength MD and CMD; designed opening size O90 180 µm; water permeability 50 mm/s; CBR puncture resistance 6 kN; engineered for short- and long-term filtration and separation in drainage, stormwater and civil applications
PolyTape WG High Flow Series (WG30HF · WG40HF · WG45HF · WG60HF · WG105HF)
UV-stabilised 100% PP tape woven geotextile; tensile strengths 30–105 kN/m (EN ISO 10319); static puncture resistance 3,200–12,000 N (EN ISO 12236); characteristic opening size O90 300–600 µm; mass per unit area 145–500 g/m²; high-flow water permeability up to 40 mm/s; weathering resistance 90% retained strength (EN 12224); CE marked ISO 9001 certified; filtration, separation and reinforcement across roads, railways, earthworks, retaining structures, reservoirs, erosion control and liquid waste containment
PolyTape RB340 Root Barrier
UV-stabilised PP needlepunched nonwoven with PP coating; resistant to root penetration, soil chemicals, mildew and insects; protects buildings, walls, concrete paths and sidewalks by redirecting root growth downward; available coated or non-coated for permeable applications; 100% recyclable
WEEDBLOCK GROUND COVER
UV-stabilised woven PP ground cover for effective weed control in greenhouses, nurseries, gardens and landscaped areas; water-permeable structure allows irrigation and rainfall to pass through while maintaining aerated soil conditions; helps regulate soil temperature; gridlines support neat pot layout and accurate plant positioning; reusable over many seasons and 100% recyclable
| Benefits of using Geotextile Fabrics
Engineered for function
Every MIRAFI® and PolyTape grade is purpose-designed for a specific primary function - not a general-purpose fabric pressed into service. MIRAFI® S for separation and filtration. MIRAFI® F for anti-clogging hydraulic filtration. MIRAFI® P for geomembrane protection. MIRAFI® AR20 for abrasion-critical railway applications. PolyTape WG High Flow for high-tensile reinforcement. The right fabric, engineered for the right load - not the nearest available roll.
Virgin Polymer - Full Predictability
Every nonwoven and woven geotextile in our range is manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene continuous filaments or tapes - no recycled fibre, no regrind, no post-consumer content. Virgin polymer means consistent molecular weight, consistent filament diameter and consistent mechanical performance roll to roll. On critical infrastructure, you specify what you get - and get exactly what you specified.
Chemical and Biological Resistance - 100-Year Service Life
Continuous-filament polypropylene is inherently inert - resistant to acids, alkalis, oxidising reagents, mildew, microorganisms and all soil chemicals naturally occurring in African civil and mining environments. MIRAFI® grades carry assessed service lives exceeding 100 years in buried conditions at soil temperatures above 25°C, with chemical resistance validated to EN 14030 and microbiological resistance to EN 12225. Not all geotextiles on the market share these properties - or prove them.
UV Stabilisation - Rated for African Exposure
All MIRAFI® nonwovens and PolyTape woven fabrics are UV-stabilised at source - formulated for sustained performance under Africa's high UV index during storage, handling and the exposure window between deployment and cover placement. Weathering resistance is certified to EN 12224 with 90% retained strength after exposure. Unstabilised or minimally stabilised fabrics degrade rapidly in pre-cover conditions on African project sites.
MIRAFI® AR20 - Abrasion Resistance Proven at Scale
Standard nonwoven geotextiles fail progressively under dynamic abrasion loading. MIRAFI® AR20 incorporates a patented abrasion-resistant additive validated by the Vibrogir test - developed in collaboration with SNCF French Railways - to 3,000 abrasion revolutions (ASTM D3884) and 20 years mechanical sustainability at 100,000 tonnes per day traffic loading. A0 class approved. Where other fabrics degrade under ballast movement and cyclic stress, MIRAFI® AR20 holds.
IAGI-Aligned Installation as One Scope
Geosynthetics Africa supplies and installs as a single engineered scope - fabric selection, supply, installation by our IAGI installer member crews, on-site testing and signed QA handover. No procurement gaps. No sub-contracted crews. No unsigned seams. We are one of only 5 IAGI Installer Members on the African continent - the same installation standard we apply to geomembrane liner systems is applied to every geotextile project.
| Frequently Asked Questions about Geotextile Fabrics
What is the difference between woven and nonwoven geotextiles?
How do I select the correct geotextile for my project?
Which geotextile should I use beneath a geomembrane liner?
Can geotextiles be used in roads, mining, and civil infrastructure projects?
How long do geotextiles last?
| Specifications for Installing Geotextile Fabrics
Storage & Handling - Geotextile rolls should be stored off the ground, protected from sunlight, chemicals, excessive heat, and physical damage, with all materials inspected for defects prior to installation.
Drainage Applications – For French drains and trench drains, geotextiles should be installed against a smooth excavation surface with sufficient overlaps to fully encapsulate the drainage aggregate while preventing soil migration into the drainage system.
Blanket Drains – Geotextiles should be placed flat and wrinkle-free over a prepared subgrade, with specified overlaps and aggregate placed carefully to avoid damage while maintaining continuous filtration and drainage performance.
Bank Stabilisation & Erosion Control – Geotextiles used beneath riprap, armor stone, or erosion protection systems should be installed in intimate contact with the soil surface, securely anchored where required, and protected from damage during rock placement to ensure long-term stability.
| Benefits of Choosing Our Products
- Purpose-Built Geotextiles - Not all geotextiles are designed for the same function, which is why we supply engineered woven and nonwoven geotextiles matched to specific filtration, separation, drainage, protection, and reinforcement requirements.
- Virgin Polymer Construction – Our geotextiles are manufactured from high-quality virgin polymers, delivering consistent performance, predictable durability, and long-term reliability.
- Woven & Nonwoven Specialists – From high-strength woven reinforcement geotextiles to needle-punched nonwoven filtration and protection geotextiles, we provide solutions for the full range of civil, mining, and environmental applications.
- Engineering-Led Selection – We help engineers and contractors select the correct geotextile for the application, reducing the risks associated with generic or incorrectly specified products.
- Stock-First Supply Model – Large local inventory holdings help reduce lead times, minimise project delays, and ensure material availability when projects need it most.
- Pan-African Project Experience – Our geotextiles support mining, infrastructure, water, environmental, and energy projects across Africa's most demanding operating environments.
| Projects with Geotextile Fabrics Across Africa
| Popular Geotextile Fabrics in our Catalogue
A curated selection of best-selling geotextile fabrics. View full specs, request a quote, or add to your BOQ — without leaving this page.
Mirafi® S - Nonwoven Separation & Filtration Geotextile
Mechanically bonded continuous filament nonwovens in 100 % UV-stabilised polypropylene, 70 to 385 g/m². Fifty years of use in separation and filtration of trafficked areas over weak soils, and as drainage filters. ASQUAL certified across 13 grades.
PolyTape™ - High-Flow Woven PP Geotextile
PolyTape is a UV-stabilised woven polypropylene geotextile in 30, 40, 45, 60 and 105 kN/m grades. High-Flow construction combines woven tensile performance with hydraulic conductivity, for separation, filtration and reinforcement on roads, platforms, embankments and mine infrastructure. Supplied continent-wide with mill certificates and MARV-based QA documentation.
Mirafi® P - Geomembrane Liner Protection Geotextile
Needle-punched continuous filament nonwovens in 100 % UV-stabilised polypropylene, 200 to 1200 g/m², developed specifically for geomembrane protection efficiency. ASQUAL certified for protection, filtration, separation, drainage and reinforcement.
GC100 Ground Cover Woven Polypropylene
GC100 Ground Cover, a Heavy-duty woven polypropylene weed control fabric manufactured to ISO 9001:2015 · ISO 14001:2015 and supplied across Africa by Geosynthetics Africa. Our GC100 delivers complete chemical-free weed suppression at 100 g/m², with 700 kLy UV resistance (black), 900 l/min/m² water permeability, and a reusable multi-season service life - the benchmark ground cover for commercial agriculture, nurseries, orchards, landscaping, and solar PV installations across all African climates.
| Industries that use Geotextile Fabrics
| Specsheets & Installation Guides
Download technical datasheets and step-by-step installation guides for Geotextile Fabrics.
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