Comparison of a Geosynthetic Drainage System Versus Standard Aggregate System for Foundation Drainage (Basement Walls) in a Controlled Laboratory Environment

Golder Associates Inc. was asked to simulate and compare the drainage characteristics of two basement wall foundation systems. The first system was a glass fiber insulation board with a strip drain (Geosynthetic System); the second system was a standard corrugated slotted drain tile (pipe) and gravel wrapped with a geotextile (Aggregate System). Our client was interested in offering an alternative to the Aggregate System with a Geosynthetic System to analyze any similarities and/or differences between the two systems. Two different types of soils were used as backfill material in the tests to simulate drainage differences that could be expected in different areas of the country. Test results indicate that the Geosynthetic System is an effective replacement for the traditional Aggregate System.