Editing Geotechnical engineering (section)

=== Geosynthetics ===
{{Main|Geosynthetics}}
[[Image:Geocollage.JPG|thumb|upright=1.15|A collage of geosynthetic products.]]

[[Geosynthetics]] are a type of plastic [[polymer]] products used in geotechnical engineering that improve engineering performance while reducing costs. This includes [[geotextiles]], [[geogrids]], [[geomembranes]], [[geocells]], and [[geocomposites]]. The synthetic nature of the products make them suitable for use in the ground where high levels of durability are required. Their main functions include [[drainage]], [[filtration]], reinforcement, separation, and containment. 

Geosynthetics are available in a wide range of forms and materials, each to suit a slightly different end-use, although they are frequently used together. Some reinforcement geosynthetics, such as geogrids and more recently, [[cellular confinement]] systems, have shown to improve bearing capacity, modulus factors and soil stiffness and strength.<ref>Hegde, A.M. and Palsule P.S. (2020), Performance of Geosynthetics Reinforced Subgrade Subjected to Repeated Vehicle Loads: Experimental and Numerical Studies. Front. Built Environ. 6:15. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2020.00015/full.</ref> These products have a wide range of applications and are currently used in many civil and geotechnical engineering applications including roads, airfields, railroads, [[Embankment (earthworks)|embankments]], piled embankments, retaining structures, [[reservoir]]s, canals, dams, [[landfill]]s, bank protection and coastal engineering.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Koerner |first=Robert M. |title=Designing with Geosynthetics |publisher=Xlibris |year=2012 |isbn=9781462882892 |edition=6th Edition, Vol. 1}}</ref>