Planar and horizontal drainage is a useful technique to consolidate soils weakened by the presence of water. Removing the water, by inserting a suitable drainage path can provide long-term improvements to that soil. Traditionally, drainage was provided by gravel or other natural materials. However, the long-term performance of gravels can be unknown or compromised. 

Modern solutions and materials. The modern solution is to use a drainage geocomposite; MacDrain® drains fluids underground from one place to another. Geotextiles attached to the drainage core on one or both sides stop the materials or soils from being drained and as a result, potentially clogging the drainage core or collection pipes. They are designed to replace traditional drainage materials such as gravels and sands.