The global market for geosynthetics is predicted to generate $22.11 billion of revenue by 2027. Geosynthetics are mainly polymeric products, appropriate for use in places where a high level of durability is required. The need for geosynthetics in the infrastructure sector will continue to rise with the increasing burden on natural resources and the need to improve infrastructure. Innovations in geosynthetics are extending the life cycles of critical mining infrastructure and boosting operational efficiencies. Geosynthetics and geotextiles are driving growth in the infrastructure sector by improving the productivity of roads and pavements, tunnels, ports, highways, rail tracks, etc. Geosynthetics are available in a wide range of forms and materials suited for a wide range of applications, from civil, geotechnical and geo-environmental ones to hydraulics, mining, agriculture, transportation, etc.
Evolving geosynthetics market
The Indian market for geosynthetics is gradually evolving with the emergence of newer products and technologies. Intensifying competition has meant that a wider selection of geosynthetic products is available, including thermally bonded non-woven geotextiles. These geotextiles are manufactured using continuous filaments of polymer, which are sprayed on to a moving belt. The sheet with the sprayed filaments is subsequently passed through an oven where the filaments are compressed and bonded together at a high temperature. This process creates textiles with high tensile strength and puncture resistance, with optimum pore sizes and the required permeability. Terram’s geotextiles have a unique polymer composition of polypropylene and polyethylene, and it provides excellent resistance to chemical attacks in aggressive soil conditions.
Geosynthetic-reinforced soil structures are transforming India’s transportation networks and commercial construction options, as these reinforcement materials and designs enable more sustainable projects, safer retaining walls, etc. These structures improve infrastructure performance, increasing lifespan while improving the cost benefit and reducing maintenance as compared to other techniques. These structures also bring environmental benefits such as a reduction in noise pollution, wastage and embodied CO2.
In India, there is a need to establish standards and formulate policy and regulatory initiatives regarding geosynthetic products and their design. Site engineers and field staff subsequently need to be made aware of these standards and guidelines. Moreover, the country needs to engage in research and development in this field.
Production shutdowns and supply chain disruptions caused by the global outbreak of Covid-19 have resulted in a severe downturn for the transportation industry, which is a prominent consumer of geosynthetics, thus negatively impacting geosynthetic sales. However, the resultant demand shock is anticipated not to last much longer and the market is likely to recover soon.
Fundamentals of sustainable infrastructure development
The increased adoption of geosynthetics over the past few years has boosted the growth of the global geosynthetics market. New production technologies and cost-effective production techniques have been developed, which provide opportunities for manufacturers of geosynthetic material. Geosynthetics are highly preferred in the landfill and filtration businesses, with constantly rising demand for safely dumping industrial, ordinary and hazardous wastes. Also, geosynthetics are now being recognised as fundamental to sustainable infrastructure development, as they can satisfy sustainable development goals such as economic development, social development and environmental protection. The growth in demand and applications of geosynthetics can truly be exponential once the use of such technically advanced materials is made mandatory in infrastructure sectors. This would give a boost to domestic production and reduce the huge dependence on imports.
In the mining industry, geosynthetic solutions are engineered for long-term performance in all environments, and with the chemical compatibility necessary to meet the economic and environmental goals of today’s mining operations. High density polyethylene geomembranes featuring exceptional chemical, stress crack and ultraviolet resistance have the durability and chemical compatibility necessary to withstand aggressive heap leach mining solutions in stacks and trenches. Similarly, for on-site water management and fluid containment processing, geomembranes provide an economical and efficient solution. Geomembranes with geosynthetic clay liners provide dependable, efficient, long-term lining performance with regard to both economics and the environment. Meanwhile, geosynthetic drainage systems can be used as leachate detection systems between two barrier liners. However, in order for these geosynthetic drainage systems to perform on the level of mineral drainage layers such as heap leach pads or to outperform them, sufficient performance tests must be conducted to demonstrate their long-term performance.
The way forward
The road map for geosynthetics in India must accommodate the needs of the infrastructure sector. For instance, in roads and highways, the use of reinforced walls, road underbridges and road overbridges is increasing, resulting in rising domestic demand and production for geosynthetics. In addition, the use of geotechnical materials by the defence and military sectors is also increasing. There is also a growing demand for geosynthetics in inland water transport systems, inter-basin water transfer and flood control via the use of geobags.
As India is a large producer of natural fibres, the use of geotextiles, especially in rural road applications, has led to cost savings and good technical results. Thus, greater focus needs to be directed towards these natural resources for the production of environment-friendly geotextiles that are locally sourced and consumed.
Geosynthetics engineering has made phenomenal advances in manufacturing and practical applications over the past decade. It is used to facilitate construction, ensure better performance of structures, and reduce long-term maintenance in routine civil engineering work. Moreover, the use of geosynthetics in geoengineering is expected to expand further as more innovative materials and products become available owing to increased research and development.