A simple method to assess the wettability of nonwoven geotextiles

This paper presents a simple test method and analysis based on capillary rise in porous media to assess the wettability of nonwoven geotextiles. The apparent opening pore size and porosity of the nonwoven geotextiles and their fibres' surface condition were found to play a significant role in the extent of the water capillary rise in the geotextiles. Prediction of the maximum capillary rise using a theoretical capillary radius compared well with the measured test results. The methodology presented in this paper should help assess wetting of geotextiles in short period of time and less extensive laboratory testing.