Geotextile fabric, process for manufacture and use

Abstract

Geotextile fabric (1), in particular for stabilizing an unpaved subsoil, comprising: a plurality of weft threads (3) and a plurality of warp threads (2), and a reinforcing element (5) provided in or on at least one weft thread (3) and / or in or on at least one warp thread (2), wherein the weft threads (3) and the warp threads (2) comprise natural fibers, and wherein the reinforcing element (5) comprises inorganic, mineral and / or metallic material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a geotextile fabric, a use of a geotextile fabric, a method for producing a twisted thread for geotextile fabric and a method for producing a geotextile fabric.

[0002] Soil erosion can be caused by flowing water, rainfall, melting snow, or wind. For example, gullies, grooves, or striations can form. While the phenomenon of soil erosion generally occurs naturally, it is often caused or exacerbated by human influence. For example, newly constructed embankments, which initially cover exposed (or unprotected) areas, are relatively unprotected from the effects of rain and wind. Soil erosion becomes problematic when nearby structures are endangered or at least affected (for example, with regard to their stability). Soil erosion then often leads to the need for costly countermeasures or endangers people.

[0003] To address this problem, the use of geotextiles is well-known in the art. Geotextiles are flat or three-dimensional textiles that are usually permeable to water and vegetation. Geotextiles are typically provided in the form of woven fabrics, nonwovens, fiber mats, grids, braids, knitted fabrics, and combinations of these two. Geotextiles are used, for example, on embankments and waterfronts freshly covered with topsoil. By laying the geotextiles on the soil of the embankment, effective protection against water and / or wind erosion can be achieved. The aim is to stabilize the soil until natural vegetation can assume a stabilizing role.

[0004] Therefore, the trend is towards providing geotextiles that consist of, or at least include, synthetic raw materials. Synthetic raw materials include, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or polyamide. Compared to geotextiles made from natural fibers, synthetic raw materials often have the advantage of a significantly longer service life. However, recent findings have shown that the properties of durability and incorruptibility, which are useful and often required for road and civil engineering, also represent a disadvantage for use in recultivation or biological engineering measures. Reuse or recycling is often not feasible due to the associated labor costs. Disposal, which usually includes transport (for example, to another country or continent, e.g.The transport of waste (e.g., from Europe to Africa or Asia), landfilling, and incineration are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, the use of common synthetic materials often results in the release of micro-pollutants, such as microplastics, into the environment. Bioplastics and biopolymers can also release micro-pollutants after or during use. Micro-pollutants are potentially hazardous to humans, the environment, fauna, and flora.

[0005] Geotextiles made from natural fibers offer a less harmful alternative. Natural fibers can be obtained from renewable resources, for example. However, these generally have a shorter lifespan and often lower stability than synthetic geotextiles, so they are often ruled out for this reason.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a geotextile which, during use, does not release harmful micro-materials, such as microplastics, into the environment and which nevertheless has good durability and stability.

[0007] This object is achieved with a geotextile fabric according to claim 1, a use according to claim 12, a method according to claim 8 and a method according to claim 15. Further features, advantages and embodiments emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

[0008] According to the invention, a geotextile fabric is provided, in particular for stabilizing an unpaved subsurface. The geotextile fabric comprises a plurality of weft threads and a plurality of warp threads, and a reinforcing element provided in or on at least one weft thread and / or in or on at least one warp thread. The weft threads and the warp threads comprise natural fibers. The reinforcing element comprises inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material.

[0009] The geotextile is intended as a woven fabric. A woven fabric can allow plants, e.g. grasses, herbs and / or pioneer trees, to grow freely. For example, it can be intended to lay the geotextile fabric flat on the soil for soil stabilization and to apply seeds in the spaces between the yarns of the fabric. The geotextile fabric can preferably be designed to stabilize an unconsolidated subsurface. An unconsolidated subsurface can be soil on which no plant growth is yet present. An unconsolidated subsurface can, for example, comprise an exposed area of ​​soil or a newly created embankment. The unconsolidated subsurface can, for example, be unplanted and unconsolidated soil. The geotextile fabric can be a three-dimensional geotextile structure. The geotextile fabric can generally be understood as a net-like structure. The geotextile fabric can be a knitted fabric or a raschel fabric.

[0010] The geotextile fabric comprises a plurality of weft threads and a plurality of warp threads. Warp threads are threads that are stretched lengthwise during weaving. In general, a longitudinal direction can be defined as the direction along which the warp threads run. Warp threads are threads that run parallel to a selvedge of the fabric. The individual warp threads of the plurality of warp threads can preferably run parallel to one another. The weft threads run perpendicular to the warp threads. The geotextile fabric can comprise two thread systems, namely a thread system consisting of the weft threads and a thread system consisting of the warp threads. In textile production, a thread system can refer to the totality of threads that are incorporated into a fabric according to the same principle. The geotextile fabric can preferably be a flat weave. A flat weave refers to a fabric with one warp thread system and one weft thread system.For example, the flat weave may comprise a plurality of warp threads and one weft thread. However, more weft threads may also be provided.

[0011] The weft threads and warp threads comprise natural fibers. The weft threads and / or the warp threads can predominantly (i.e., more than 50%) comprise natural fibers. Particularly preferably, the weft threads and the warp threads, optionally in addition to the reinforcing element, can consist essentially exclusively of natural fibers. Essentially exclusively can be understood to mean that (unavoidable or difficult to avoid) traces of other materials may still be present. Natural fibers are fibers from natural sources, such as plants or animals. Natural fibers are typically not subjected to synthetic manufacturing steps and / or chemical conversion reactions. Organic natural fibers are preferred. Plant-based natural fibers are particularly preferred. Plant-based natural fibers are natural fibers that originate from plant sources.Natural fibers, especially organic natural fibers, can typically decompose over time. This advantageously eliminates the need for disposal. Remains of the natural fibers can serve as nutrients or humus for plant growth, for example. This can advantageously support the planting of a surface, for example, using natural fibers.

[0012] The reinforcing element is provided in or on at least one weft thread and / or in or on at least one warp thread. In a thread can mean that the reinforcing element is integrated into the thread. For example, the reinforcing element can be provided as a core of the thread. On a thread can mean that the reinforcing element rests on the thread and / or is attached to the thread. The reinforcing element can, for example, be twisted around a thread and / or plied with it. The reinforcing element can, for example, be braided with the thread. Preferably, a plurality of reinforcing elements can be provided. It can be provided that for each warp thread and / or weft thread on and / or in which a reinforcing element is provided, at least one reinforcing element is provided or a plurality of reinforcing elements are provided.Preferably, a reinforcing element can be provided on or in a plurality of weft threads and / or on or in one of a plurality of weft threads. Particularly preferably, the reinforcing element can be provided on or in substantially all weft threads and / or on or in substantially all weft threads. Preferably, the reinforcing element has a longer service life than the natural fibers. The reinforcing element can advantageously increase usability for an intended function and / or stability or tensile strength of the geotextile fabric. The reinforcing element can be a reinforcing wire. The reinforcing element comprises inorganic, mineral and / or metallic material. The reinforcing element can comprise metal wire, ropes, strands, metallic threads. The reinforcing element can have a higher hardness than the warp threads and / or the weft threads.The reinforcing element preferably comprises predominantly inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material. The reinforcing element can, for example, be a metal wire or a metallic thread. Metallic material can advantageously exhibit high durability. Metallic material can be less harmful to the environment, particularly vegetation and fauna, than plastic material. Metallic material can advantageously exhibit high tensile strength and increase the tensile strength of the geotextile fabric. Inorganic materials can generally comprise metals. Inorganic materials can comprise glass fiber. Inorganic material advantageously does not comprise oil-based polymers. Thus, the use of inorganic material can prevent microplastics from settling into the environment. The mineral material is preferably inorganic.Optionally, the mineral material can comprise asbestos, glass, ceramic, and / or basalt. Preferably, the mineral material is a flexible mineral material, particularly preferably an elastically flexible mineral material. In the past, it was not readily possible to provide a reinforcing element comprising inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material in a woven fabric, particularly due to limitations in the weaving process. Therefore, this was not considered. However, it has been discovered here that inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material can surprisingly also be woven as described in the invention. Therefore, a woven fabric can be provided that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] Advantageously, several advantageous properties can be achieved in combination with the geotextile fabric according to the invention. On the one hand, water retention capacity, decomposability and complete biodegradability can be achieved through natural fibers. For example, natural fibers can serve (e.g. during or after decomposition) as a supply of nutrients or as fertilizer for plant growth. This can, for example, promote the establishment of a vegetation layer that protects the soil. The use of a fabric can enable unhindered growth and root penetration. On the other hand, the reinforcing element can achieve increased durability and increased stability and tensile strength as well as an increased service life and elongation of the fabric. For example, when the natural fibers decompose, the reinforcing element orpreferably a framework remains to further stabilize a ground surface through several reinforcement elements. This can provide, for example, long-lasting erosion protection. Furthermore, the fabric with the reinforcement element can absorb higher loads than without the reinforcement element. For example, the fabric can be covered over without being damaged (i.e., losing its stabilizing effect). Furthermore, the fabric can be driven over. Advantageously, no plastic material is required for the greater stability. This can prevent the release of microplastics into the environment. Damage to the environment can therefore be prevented. The reinforcement element can be made of an inert material so that it does not react or only reacts very weakly with other materials or elements (i.e., the reinforcement element can be inert).For example, the reinforcing element can be an alloy of iron and other additives, forming an inert metal. In one embodiment, the reinforcing element is made of stainless steel. This ensures that even if the geotextile remains at the installation site for an extended period, it does not release materials or substances or react with other substances at the installation site. Consequently, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0014] Preferably, the reinforcing element is arranged such that it runs substantially parallel to the respective weft thread and / or warp thread. The respective weft thread or warp thread is preferably the thread on and / or in which the reinforcing element is provided. For example, the reinforcing element can be a reinforcing wire that runs along the respective weft thread or warp thread. The reinforcing element can, for example, run spirally around at least one thread, preferably around at least one warp thread. A spiral shape can enable particularly good stretch properties in that a significant tensile force can be maintained even at greater stretch (e.g. 100% stretch). The reinforcing element can run along substantially the entire extension of the respective weft thread. A run along substantially the entire extension can advantageously enable continuous reinforcement."Substantially" can be understood to mean, for example, that the reinforcing element is exposed somewhat earlier at the end of the respective thread. For example, at least one end of the thread can be free of the reinforcing element for one or a few centimeters, preferably less than 5 cm. For example, for manufacturing reasons or to improve flexibility in the edge area of ​​the geotextile, it may be advantageous if the reinforcing element is exposed somewhat earlier than the end of the respective thread. In other words, the reinforcing element can extend only partially along the respective thread.

[0015] The geotextile fabric is preferably manufactured without plastic. Advantageously, a plastic-free geotextile fabric can ensure that no pollutants such as microplastics are released into the environment. This advantageously prevents or reduces environmental risks. Additionally or alternatively, the geotextile fabric can be provided without chemical treatment. This makes the geotextile fabric advantageous over synthetic geotextiles in this respect. Therefore, the geotextile fabric according to the present embodiment can remain in its installed location and does not need to be removed.

[0016] Preferably, the warp threads and the weft threads are each made as twisted threads, each made from at least two natural fiber yarns. The at least two natural fiber yarns can be identical or different from each other. In other words, the threads can comprise two twisted natural fiber threads. Natural fiber yarns are yarns made from natural fibers. The twisted warp threads and / or the twisted weft threads can each be processed with at least one reinforcing element. "Processed" can mean that the reinforcing element is arranged and / or attached to or in the respective thread.

[0017] Preferably, at least one reinforcing element is woven or twisted into each of the warp threads. The twisted or woven reinforcing element can preferably be a reinforcing wire. Tests have shown that by twisting or braiding the reinforcing element, the tensile force that the geotextile fabric can absorb without failure can be significantly increased. For example, a test was conducted according to DIN 10319, with the warp threads comprising a 0.8 mm thick stainless steel reinforcing wire. It was shown that even at a 100% elongation in the longitudinal direction of the geotextile fabric, a tensile force of more than 50% of the maximum tensile force (approx. 20 kN / m at 21°C and 42% humidity; with a geotextile fabric width of 220 mm) can still be absorbed. This value is significantly higher than usual for conventional geotextiles.Even at a maximum tested elongation of 130%, the geotextile was able to absorb a tensile force of approximately 5% of its maximum tensile force. This surprisingly demonstrated that a geotextile fabric with a reinforcing element made of inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material is also extremely resilient.

[0018] Preferably, at least one, preferably all, of the natural fiber yarns of the weft threads each have a reinforcing element, preferably a reinforcing wire, as a core. The core is generally the core of a yarn or rope that is surrounded by an outer material. In this case, the outer material preferably comprises natural fibers. The outer material particularly preferably consists of natural fibers. The core does not necessarily have to be made of solid material, but can be hollow inside, as in coaxial cables, for example. In other words, the core can have an annular cross-section. This makes it possible to obtain a particularly lightweight geotextile fabric that nevertheless has improved mechanical properties. This is particularly useful for use on soils prone to erosion.Providing the core preferably means that the reinforcing element is integrated into the weft yarns and follows the yarn path. Particularly preferably, all of at least two twisted natural fiber yarns each have a reinforcing element as a core. It has been shown that weft threads with the reinforcing element as a core are well suited for weaving the geotextile fabric.

[0019] Preferably, the diameter of the reinforcing element of the warp threads is 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm. Most preferably, the diameter is substantially 0.8 mm. The reinforcing element can, for example, have a substantially round cross-section having the specified diameter. With such a diameter, a particularly good increase in tensile force can be achieved while simultaneously minimizing material consumption. An increase in tensile strength is particularly possible in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm without the other properties of the geotextile fabric being excessively impaired.

[0020] A diameter of 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm is particularly well-suited for weaving, while significantly increasing tensile strength. In other words, weaving speeds can be increased with a diameter of 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm, as a weft thread with such a reinforcing element can be easily handled by conventional looms.

[0021] Preferably, a reinforcing element of at least one weft thread has a smaller diameter than a reinforcing element of at least one warp thread. This can simplify the manufacturing process (weaving the geotextile). More precisely, the weft thread has to be handled by the loom (i.e. by the shuttle) and deflected by approximately 180°. This is easier with a thinner reinforcing element than with a thicker one. The warp threads, on the other hand, can be unwound from a warp beam and simply shifted by shafts, so that the warp threads do not have to be deflected like the weft threads. Therefore, a reinforcing element of the warp threads can have a larger diameter (and thus increased stability) without negatively affecting the weaving process. At the same time, however, the strength of the geotextile fabric can be increased by the thicker warp threads.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the reinforcing element of the weft threads is 0.05 mm to 0.6 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, particularly preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. This diameter allows for good weaving of the threads. A reinforcing element with a diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm can be particularly stable. A diameter of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm can be particularly suitable for use with certain natural fibers, such as coconut fibers.

[0023] The reinforcement element is preferably made of stainless steel. Stainless steel can be particularly well-suited for use in a geotextile fabric. For example, the reinforcement element can be a stainless steel wire. Stainless steel is advantageously resistant to moisture and corrosion. A reinforcement element made of stainless steel can particularly effectively counteract a continuous decrease in the tensile forces of the geotextile fabric as the natural fibers decompose. Furthermore, a reinforcement element made of stainless steel can ensure a relatively constant stabilizing force even under high loads. Another advantage of this design is that planted vegetation can be permanently reinforced with steel. This can enable permanent soil stabilization even over many years. For example, rainfall, and particularly on slopes, can generally cause the root system to slide.Using a stainless steel reinforcement element combined with gravity, a permanent force can be exerted on the root layer. This can effectively counteract the root layer's slippage and thus provide effective surface erosion protection.

[0024] The natural fibers are preferably coconut fibers. Alternatively or additionally, the natural fibers can be made from one or more of the following: kapok, cotton, flax, viscose, hemp, jute, ramie, sisal, manila, nettle, wool, hair, silk(s), cellulose. Coconut fibers can also be referred to as "coir." Typically, coconut fibers are obtained from the outer hull of not yet fully mature coconuts, where the fibers are not yet heavily woody and are therefore flexible. Due to their high lignin content, coconut fibers decompose organically relatively slowly compared to other natural fibers. Therefore, coconut fibers can enable a relatively long service life for the natural fiber portion of the geotextile fabric. The service life of coconut fibers can typically be several years. Compared to other natural fibers, coconut fibers also exhibit high tensile strength. Geotextile fabrics made from natural fibers can also be very robust against shocks and impacts.By manufacturing with coconut fibers (e.g., as staple fiber yarn), the geotextile fabric can be particularly flexible and conformable, allowing for good adaptation to the soil. Coconut fibers are also highly UV-resistant. Furthermore, coconut fibers can contribute to the formation of humus, thus promoting a microclimate favorable for plant growth. Coconut fiber fabrics are also advantageous for storing water, which can further promote plant growth.

[0025] The geotextile fabric is preferably made of plain weave. In a plain weave, each warp thread is arranged alternately above and below successive weft threads. Advantageously, a particularly tight interweaving of the threads can be achieved with a plain weave. In this embodiment, the geotextile fabric can be particularly stable and uniform. The adjustment of the warp and weft threads can be varied depending on the defined measuring distance (e.g., every 10 cm).

[0026] The natural fibers are preferably biodegradable. The reinforcing element is preferably non-biodegradable. Biodegradable means that the natural fibers decompose completely into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass over time. The decomposition period can preferably be several years, e.g., 3 to 10 years. Advantageously, the natural fibers and reinforcing wires can thus bond biodegradable structural material (natural fibers) to inorganic or metallic, non-biodegradable structural material (reinforcement element). After decomposition, the biodegradable natural fibers can be used as surface erosion protection as nutrients for vegetation. The decomposition products of the natural fibers are advantageously harmless to the environment.Furthermore, the decomposition of natural fibers over time can have the positive effect that, as the (organic) substance of the natural fibers decomposes with the help of oxygen and microorganisms, building blocks such as CO 2 , NH 3 , H 2 O, Mg, and Ca can be released. These, in turn, can become nutrient humus with the help of microorganisms.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention is the use of a geotextile fabric as described herein as a geotextile for stabilizing a subsoil. All advantages and features of the geotextile fabric can be analogously transferred to the use, and vice versa. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used to prevent the degradation of soil material on slopes. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for embankment stabilization. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for dike construction. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used to protect banks along rivers or lakes. A surface of banks or dikes can be protected, for example, by the geotextile fabric by securing the geotextile fabric with fastening means. Fastening means can be, for example, wooden pegs and / or wood plugs.The geotextile fabric can, for example, be buried at the upper and lower edges of a bank and / or embankment. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for soil protection in landfills. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for roadways. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used in gardening and landscaping. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for building greening. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used for drainage and filtration. For example, the geotextile fabric can be used to secure roadsides. Preferably, the geotextile fabric can be used to protect exposed and / or erosion-prone soils. A soil can, for example, be exposed to rainfall and / or wind.The geotextile fabric is particularly suitable for soil protection where longer periods for vegetation establishment are expected. The use of the geotextile fabric can be combined with the sowing of plants on the soil protected by the geotextile fabric. Additionally or alternatively, it can be used for the following purposes: protection against burrowing animals, as a barrier, as a UV protection element on buildings and structures, as a climbing aid and / or guiding element for plants such as hops, for filtering, for separating soil layers, and as a container for silt and bank protection.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention is a method for producing a twisted yarn for geotextile fabric, comprising the following steps: (a) Providing two natural fiber yarns and a reinforcing element, in particular a reinforcing wire; (b) twisting the two natural fiber yarns together and with the reinforcing element, wherein the reinforcing element is arranged between the natural fiber yarns during the joining process.

[0029] All advantages and features of the geotextile fabric and its use can be analogously transferred to the process for producing a twisted thread, and vice versa. The natural fiber yarns can be obtained, for example, by spinning natural fibers, such as coconut fibers, into single threads or staple fiber yarn. This process has proven to be well suited for producing twisted threads, preferably warp threads, for the geotextile fabric according to the invention.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the natural fiber yarns are guided around a separating element from two sides and twisted behind the separating element. Preferably, the reinforcing element is guided around the separating element on the same side as a first of the natural fiber yarns, wherein the reinforcing element forms an angle of 35° to 60° to the first of the natural fiber yarns when brought together. This type of bringing together has proven particularly advantageous, both in terms of practical production and the stability of the resulting twisted yarn. This allows a particularly good tensile strength of a correspondingly manufactured geotextile fabric to be achieved if the warp threads of the geotextile fabric consist of the twisted yarns produced using this process. During twisting, the natural fiber yarns can be brought together, for example, at an angle of 30° to 80°, preferably 50° to 70°.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention is a method for producing a geotextile fabric, in particular for stabilizing an unpaved subsoil, comprising the following steps: (a) Providing first twisted threads with a reinforcing element, preferably produced as described herein, as warp threads; (b) Providing second twisted threads as weft threads, wherein the second twisted threads are made from at least two natural fiber yarns, wherein a reinforcing element is optionally provided as a core for the natural fiber yarns; (c) Weaving the fabric with the warp threads and the weft threads. The fabric can preferably be woven according to a plain weave. Optionally, the fabric can be woven according to one or more of the following weaves: a plain weave, a calico weave, a twill weave, an atlas weave, a satin weave, or a leno weave. Optionally, the fabric can be woven from a derivative or combination of these weaves. Optionally, the fabric can be woven from shading or reinforced atlases.All the advantages and features of the geotextile fabric, its use, and the process for producing a twisted thread can be analogously transferred to the process for producing a geotextile fabric, and vice versa. The twisted threads used allow for a particularly durable geotextile fabric to be woven particularly efficiently.

[0032] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. Individual features disclosed in the illustrated embodiments and in the description may also be used in other embodiments, unless expressly excluded. They show: Fig. 1 shows a section of a geotextile fabric according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 shows a part of a natural fiber yarn of a weft thread according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows an example of a plain weave fabric; Fig. 4 shows an illustration of the production of a twisted thread for a geotextile fabric according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 shows a flow chart for a method for producing a geotextile fabric according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows an example of a use of a geotextile fabric according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 7 shows an example of a use of a geotextile fabric according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0033] In Fig. 1 A section of a geotextile fabric 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The geotextile fabric 1 comprises a plurality of warp threads 2 running in the longitudinal direction L and a plurality of weft threads 3 running transversely to the warp threads. The geotextile fabric 1 further comprises reinforcing elements 5 in the form of reinforcing wires. The reinforcing elements 5 comprise inorganic, mineral, and / or metallic material. The reinforcing elements are preferably made of stainless steel. The warp threads 2 and the weft threads 3 are each twisted threads made from two natural fiber yarns 4, such as coconut fiber yarns. A reinforcing element 5 is provided on each of the warp threads 2, which, in this embodiment, is twisted with the warp threads 2. The reinforcing elements 5 of the warp threads 2 thus extend essentially helically around the warp threads 2.In other words, in the present embodiment, the reinforcement elements each extend wound around the respective warp thread 2. The weft threads 3 of the present embodiment can also have a reinforcement element. The geotextile of the type shown in . Fig. 1 The embodiment shown is realized in a grid-like structure. This allows for a particularly advantageous coverage of the subsurface to be secured.

[0034] In a further embodiment, reinforcing elements 5 are also provided in the weft threads 3. The reinforcing elements 5 are integrated into the weft threads. In other words, the reinforcing elements 5 extend axially and internally within the respective weft thread 3.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a weft thread 3 in cross section. In Fig. 2 By way of example, a part of a natural fiber yarn 4 of a weft thread 3 can be seen in cross section, so that it can be seen that the natural fiber yarn 4 has a reinforcing element 5 as a core. Preferably, all natural fiber yarns 4 of the weft threads 3 have a reinforcing element 5 as a core. Thus, the reinforcing elements 5 of the weft threads 3 run essentially parallel to a main extension direction of the weft threads 3. Preferably, a diameter of the reinforcing elements 5 of the weft threads 3 is smaller than a diameter of the warp threads 2. For example, a diameter of the reinforcing elements 5 of the warp threads 2 can be 0.8 mm and a diameter of the reinforcing elements 5 of the weft threads can be 0.3 mm. Fig. 2 Weft threads shown can also be used in the Fig. 1 shown embodiment can be used.

[0036] The geotextile fabric 1 according to the Fig. 1 The version shown is made of plain weave. The plain weave is shown schematically in Fig. 3 In plain weave, each warp thread 2 is arranged alternately above and below successive weft threads 3.

[0037] In Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the production of a twisted yarn for a geotextile fabric. The process direction is from left to right in the Fig. 5 . The starting material is two natural fiber yarns 4 (feed from top left and bottom left in the Fig. 5 ) and a reinforcement element 5 (feed from the middle left in the Fig. 5 ). In the present embodiment, the reinforcing element 5 is a reinforcing wire. The natural fiber yarns 4 are twisted together and with the reinforcing element 5, wherein the reinforcing element 5 is arranged between the natural fiber yarns 4 during the twisting process. The twisting process is driven by a rotating element 10, which twists the natural fiber yarns 4 and the reinforcing element 5. The natural fiber yarns 4 are guided around a separating element 8 from two sides and twisted behind the separating element 8, driven by the rotating element 10. The reinforcing element 5 is guided around the separating element 8 on the same side as a first of the natural fiber yarns 4, 41. In this exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing element 5 forms an angle W of approximately 35° to the first of the natural fiber yarns 41 when brought together.It has been shown that an angle between 30° and 40° is particularly advantageous for twisting the reinforcing element 5 with the natural fiber yarn 4, 41. In particular, excessive fraying of the natural fiber yarns 4, 41 can be avoided. The product of this process step is a weft thread 3 and / or a warp thread 2.

[0038] In Fig. 5 A schematic flow diagram of a method for producing a geotextile fabric 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. In a first step 101, first twisted threads with a reinforcing element 5 are provided as warp threads 2. In a further step 102, second twisted threads are provided as weft threads 3. The second twisted threads are made from at least two natural fiber yarns. Optionally, a reinforcing element 5 is provided as a core for each of the natural fiber yarns of the weft threads 3. In a further step 103, the geotextile fabric 1 is woven with the warp threads 2 and the weft threads 3, preferably according to a plain weave.

[0039] In the Figuren 6 und 7 Examples of the use of a geotextile fabric 1 are shown. In Fig. 6 The figure shows how the geotextile fabric 1 is rolled out on an embankment 20. The geotextile fabric 1 can be secured by digging it in at the upper end 21 of the embankment 20 and at the lower end 22 of the embankment 20. The geotextile fabric 1 can be further secured by fastening means 23, such as ground nails or wire brackets. Fig. 7 shows the use of a geotextile fabric 1 on a slope at the edge of a road 30. List of reference symbols:

[0040] 1Geotextile fabric 2Warp thread 3Weft thread 4Yarn 5Reinforcing element 8Separator element 10Rotating element 20Embankment 21Upper end of the embankment 22Lower end of the embankment 23Fastening means 30Road 40Plant growth LLongitudinal direction WAngle

Claims

1. Geotextile fabric (1), in particular for stabilizing an unpaved subsoil, comprising: a plurality of weft threads (3) and a plurality of warp threads (2), and a reinforcing element (5) which is provided in or on at least one weft thread (3) and / or in or on at least one warp thread (2), wherein the weft threads (3) and the warp threads (2) comprise natural fibers, wherein the reinforcing element (5) comprises inorganic, mineral and / or metallic material.

2. Geotextile fabric (1) according to claim 1, wherein the geotextile fabric (1) is manufactured without plastic.

3. Geotextile fabric (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing element (5) is arranged so that it runs substantially parallel to the respective weft thread (3) and / or warp thread (2).

4. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warp threads (2) and the weft threads (3) are each made as twisted threads from at least two natural fiber yarns (4).

5. Geotextile fabric (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one reinforcing element (5) is woven or twisted into the twisted threads belonging to the warp threads (2).

6. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably all, of the natural fiber yarns (4) of the weft threads (3) each have a reinforcing element (5) as a core.

7. Geotextile fabric (1) according to claim 6, wherein the core is hollow.

8. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a reinforcing element (5) of at least one weft thread (3) has a smaller diameter than a reinforcing element (5) of at least one warp thread (2).

9. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the natural fibers are coconut fibers or natural fibers made of one or more of: kapok, cotton, flax, viscose, hemp, jute, ramie, sisal, manila, nettle, wool, hair, silk(s), cellulose, wherein optionally the mineral material comprises asbestos, glass ceramic and / or basalt.

10. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcing element (5) is made of stainless steel.

11. Geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the geotextile fabric is made in plain weave.

12. Use of a geotextile fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims as a geotextile.

13. A method for producing a twisted thread for geotextile fabric (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: (a) providing two natural fiber yarns (4) and a reinforcing element (5), in particular a reinforcing wire; (b) twisting the two natural fiber yarns (4) together and with the reinforcing element (5), wherein, during the joining, the reinforcing element (5) is arranged between the natural fiber yarns (4).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the natural fiber yarns (4) are guided from two sides around a separating element (8) and twisted behind the separating element (8), wherein the reinforcing element (5) is guided around the separating element (8) on the same side as a first of the natural fiber yarns (4), wherein the reinforcing element (5) has an angle (W) of 35° to 60° to the first of the natural fiber yarns (4) when brought together.

15. A method for producing a geotextile fabric (1), in particular for stabilizing an unpaved subsoil, comprising the following steps: (a) providing first twisted threads with a reinforcing element (5), preferably produced according to one of claims 13 to 14, as warp threads (2); (b) providing second twisted threads as weft threads (3), wherein the second twisted threads are made from at least two natural fiber yarns (4), wherein a reinforcing element (5) is optionally provided as a core for the natural fiber yarns (4); (c) weaving the fabric with the warp threads (2) and the weft threads (3), preferably according to a plain weave, a calico weave, a twill weave, a satin weave, a leno weave, or derivatives or combinations of these weaves.

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