Production and Testing of Geotextile Fabric from Coir Fibre for Slope Stabilisation Applications in Plateau State

Soil erosion and slope instability represent significant environmental and infrastructure challenges in the hilly terrain of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, necessitating effective and affordable geotextile solutions. This study investigates the production and performance testing of woven geotextile fabric fabricated from coir fibre sourced from coastal South South Nigeria for slope stabilisation applications in Plateau State. Coir geotextile fabrics were produced at weave densities of 10, 14, and 18 threads per 10 cm in both warp and weft directions. Geotextile performance was characterised through measurement of mass per unit area, thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, tear strength, cone drop size, and water permeability following ISO 10319, ISO 10321, and EN 918 standard procedures. Soil-geotextile friction coefficient was determined using a direct shear apparatus with laterite soil representative of Plateau State conditions. Results indicate that 18 threads per 10 cm fabric achieved tensile strength of 4.8 kN/m and elongation at break of 26 percent, suitable for vegetated slope protection applications. Cone drop size of 18 mm confirmed adequate filtration capability for preventing soil particle migration through the geotextile. Water permeability of 0.04 m/s permitted drainage of surface water while maintaining soil confinement. Soil-geotextile friction coefficient of 0.62 indicated effective shear transfer for slope stability reinforcement. Biodegradability of coir geotextile within 2 to 5 years supports vegetation establishment before fabric degradation. The study recommends coir geotextile for temporary slope protection and erosion control on road embankments in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: coir geotextile, slope stabilisation, erosion control, Plateau State, tensile strength