Development of New Open Weave Jute Geotextiles to Use for Rain Water Erosion Control in Road, Railway Embankment and Hill Slopes

Soil erosion induced by intense rainfall and surface runoff poses a serious threat to the stability and serviceability of road and railway embankments and hill slopes, particularly in high-rainfall and seismically sensitive regions. Natural fibre–based geotextiles, especially jute geotextiles (JGTs), offer a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials for short- to medium-term erosion control. This paper presents the design, development, laboratory evaluation, and field implementation of newly standerdised open-weave jute geotextiles of 600 GSM and 1200 GSM, aimed at addressing performance gaps identified in existing Indian specifications. Constructional parameters, mechanical properties, hydraulic characteristics, and field applicability were assessed through mill surveys, laboratory testing, and pilot installations on National Highway hill slopes in Mizoram, India. The results demonstrate that the newly developed JGTs provide enhanced tensile strength, improved stability on steep slopes, and effective erosion control under varying soil and climatic conditions. The study further highlights the need for harmonization and refinement of existing standards for open-weave jute geotextiles.