Textiles without borders: Master's students visit Münster
Students from the master's degree programme Innovative Textile Development recently visited the Fachhochschule Münster, located just across the border in Germany. During an information session and company visit, they gained an insight into just how versatile and powerful textiles can be in civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
The visit focussed on both theory and practice. Huesker Synthetic GmbH gave a presentation on the application of geotextiles and geosynthetics, which are technical textiles used to reinforce and protect structures. These materials are particularly valuable in countries with soft soils, such as the Netherlands, where they offer effective solutions. For example, they can be used to stabilise subsurfaces, reinforce dykes and railway lines and improve foundations for buildings.
The students also tested the textile material themselves. They conducted a practical test using sand to test the effect of a textile layer, performing one test with the textile layer included and the other without. To the surprise of many, it turned out that a sand column reinforced with multiple layers of geotextile was strong enough to support six bricks.
During the guest lectures there was a special focus on sustainability. The GeoProUp project is working on recycling geotextiles, which are not currently being reused. It is now possible to convert this material into small granules, with potential as a raw material for new applications.
The exchange visit demonstrates the value of co-operation in the cross border region. Learning and working together across borders creates new insights, inspiration and opportunities.
Students of the Master Innovative Textile Development visit Münster