Experimental Evaluation of the Sustainable Performance of Filtering Geotextiles in Green Roof Systems: Tensile Properties and Surface Morphology After Long-Term Use

Olga Szlachetka (), Joanna Witkowska-Dobrev, Anna Baryła and Marek Dohojda ()
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Olga Szlachetka: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Joanna Witkowska-Dobrev: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Anna Baryła: Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
Marek Dohojda: Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Green roofs are increasingly being adopted as sustainable, nature-based solutions for managing urban stormwater, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and saving energy in buildings. However, the long-term performance of their individual components—particularly filter geotextiles—remains understudied, despite their critical role in maintaining system functionality. The filter layer, responsible for preventing clogging of the drainage layer with fine substrate particles, directly affects the hydrological performance and service life of green roofs. While most existing studies focus on the initial material properties, there is a clear gap in understanding how geotextile filters behave after prolonged exposure to real-world environmental conditions. This study addresses this gap by assessing the mechanical and structural integrity of geotextile filters after five years of use in both extensive and intensive green roof systems. By analyzing changes in surface morphology, microstructure, and porosity through tensile strength tests, digital imaging, and scanning electron microscopy, this research offers new insights into the long-term performance of geotextiles. Results showed significant retention of tensile strength, particularly in the machine direction (MD), and a 56% reduction in porosity, which may affect filtration efficiency. Although material degradation occurs, some geotextiles retain their structural integrity over time, highlighting their potential for long-term use in green infrastructure applications. This research emphasizes the importance of material selection, long-term monitoring, and standardized evaluation techniques to ensure the ecological and functional resilience of green roofs. Furthermore, the findings contribute to advancing knowledge on the durability and life-cycle performance of filter materials, promoting sustainability and longevity in urban green infrastructure.

Keywords: filtering geotextile; tensile strength; roughness; microscope analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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