Abstract: Based on analyzing different production processes and types of raw materials for geotextiles, the paper points out that nonwoven geotextiles have broader application fields. It also introduces two kinds of nonwoven geotextiles production processes, one is based on filament spun-bonding and needle-punching technology, and the other is based on staple needle-punching technology. Then, by analyzing the functions of geotextiles, it further points out that current applications, such as seepage prevention projects, the sliding layer of ballastless track of high-speed railway, fly ash dump yard projects, tailings dump yard projects, mine dump leaching projects and ecological bag for slope protection,have posed higher requirements on the tenacity, alkali/acid resistance, corrosion resistance and mildew resistance, etc. of geotextiles, therefore, high-tenacity and environment-resistant polypropylene filament spun-bonded and needle-punched geotextiles represent a key developing trend of the geotextiles industry.

Key words: woven geotextiles; nonwoven geotextiles; production process; status-quo of application; suggestion