A geocomposite capillary barrier drain (GCBD) removes water from soil while pore
pressures remain negative, that is, the soil to be drained does not need to be saturated.
GCBDs are being evaluated for inclusion in pavement systems, particularly between the
base course and subgrade layer. The GCBD system comprises a capillary barrier layer (a
geonet) sandwiched between transport layers (certain geotextiles). Improved GCBD
performance is expected with a transport layer that has a greater affinity for water compared …

A geotechnical structure that includes a first body of soil having a first unsaturated
concentration of moisture. There is also a second body of soil, which includes a second
unsaturated concentration of moisture that is different from the first concentration. A moisture
barrier is interposed between the first body of soil and the second body of soil. The moisture
barrier includes an upper and lower layer that draw water laterally. A medial capillary barrier
layer prevents traverse moisture migration between the first and second bodies of soil …