Projekttitel: GeoTuft - Development of tufted geotextiles with a stable double-loop structure to protect loose rock embankments from erosion caused by heavy rainfall

We are developing a degradable 3D geotextile that anchors itself in the ground with double-sided loops, providing support for plants while also draining or retaining water. Vegetation needs some time to anchor its roots. The combination of natural fibres, sturdy pile yarn and tufting technology creates a completely new generation of sustainable geotextiles. These protect roadsides and waterways during heavy rainfall and erosion. Not only do local authorities and the federal government benefit from stable, durable embankments, but the geotextile and tufting industry also benefits from forward-looking market opportunities.

The aim of GeoTuft is to develop a three-dimensional geotextile for erosion control with soil anchoring above AND below the tufted fabric . This is achieved by means of a coarse, stable double pile structure, which holds the incorporated soil and seeds in place at the top and allows interlocking with the raw soil at the bottom. The degradable geotextile, a textile composite made of natural fibres (non-woven fabric as tufting backing), combines the functions of draining large amounts of precipitation, storing water and stabilising soil and roots, thus preventing erosion on slopes.

According to climate models, heavy rainfall events in Germany will become more frequent and intense in the future. This particularly affects embankments in road and transport infrastructure construction, which are particularly susceptible to erosion during the growth phase until the vegetation is fully rooted. Extreme rainfall leads to landslides that can cause massive damage to roads, railway lines and other infrastructure, as demonstrated by the Ahr Valley disaster in 2021, which caused damage amounting to over €40 billion, and the floods in Saarland, Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate in 2024. In addition, around 25 million tonnes of fertile soil are lost annually due to water-driven erosion, leading to vegetation depletion and long-term ecological problems.

Due to the limitations of known erosion control measures (low strength of erosion mats made from natural materials, creep of petroleum-based polymers under continuous stress, high costs of mineral building materials), GeoTuft is developing an innovative biodegradable geotextile made of natural fibres with a double loop structure (loops on both sides of a carrier material). The functions of water storage, drainage of excess water, filtering and reinforcement are combined. The double pile loop acts as a link between the raw soil and the incorporated soil with seeds. The stability of the pile yarn allows the geotextile to anchor itself firmly in the soil, enabling it to hold the incorporated soil and roots in place. The drop energy of precipitation is reduced, allowing heavy rainfall to be drained away without damage and without soil loss. Damage caused by heavy rainfall is minimised. The innovative geotextile also has a high water conductivity and storage capacity in the non-woven fabric backing. For stabilisation, the degradable geotextile lasts for two growing seasons, giving the plants sufficient time to take root, stabilise the soil and grow.

Funding program and project number

IGF 23681N

Duration

01.07.2025 – 30.09.2027