Geotextile membranes are vital because they can perform multiple functions at once, enhancing the stability and longevity of a project. The primary functions include:
Separation: Geotextiles prevent two different soil layers from mixing. For example, in road construction, a geotextile membrane is placed between the subgrade soil and the aggregate base layer to prevent the aggregate from sinking into the soft soil. This maintains the integrity and load-bearing capacity of the road.