Geotextile strips should overlap by how much?

Geotextile strips should overlap by how much?

• A. 12 inches
• B. 6 inches
• C. 24 inches
• D. 8 inches

Answer: (A)

Overlapping geotextile strips by a sufficient width creates a continuous barrier that prevents soil fines from migrating into the base and helps keep the fabric from pulling apart during compaction. Twelve inches is the standard overlap because it provides reliable coverage and tolerates minor misalignment or movement without creating gaps in the barrier. A smaller overlap, like six inches, increases the risk of seam gaps if the fabric shifts; a much larger overlap, such as twenty-four inches, uses more material without adding meaningful benefit; eight inches is simply not wide enough to guarantee a continuous layer. When installing, keep edges aligned and ensure the 12-inch overlap remains in full contact so the geotextile behaves as one continuous layer under the pavement.

Overlapping geotextile strips by a sufficient width creates a continuous barrier that prevents soil fines from migrating into the base and helps keep the fabric from pulling apart during compaction. Twelve inches is the standard overlap because it provides reliable coverage and tolerates minor misalignment or movement without creating gaps in the barrier. A smaller overlap, like six inches, increases the risk of seam gaps if the fabric shifts; a much larger overlap, such as twenty-four inches, uses more material without adding meaningful benefit; eight inches is simply not wide enough to guarantee a continuous layer. When installing, keep edges aligned and ensure the 12-inch overlap remains in full contact so the geotextile behaves as one continuous layer under the pavement.