A sheet-like element for reinforcing, separating and draining large structures such as road embankments. The element includes a sheet-like body which has a lattice like configuration with main wires and transverse wires stretched respectively along two mutually substantially perpendicular directions and that intersect in nodes. The main extend in the extrusion direction of the blank. The main wires have an upper rim and a pair of substantially vertical lateral walls extending downwardly from the upper rim at opposite ends of said upper rim. The main wires have a lower rim in regions remote from the nodes. The main wires have a lower portion in regions at the nodes which converge with the transverse wires.