Turf Reinforcement Mats provide long-term erosion protection.

Challenge

The City of Red Deer required a solution for a failing drainage swale adjacent to the roadway access for the River Bend Golf Course. The steep drainage channel had previously been lined with geomembrane and rock riprap to carry water flow to a small creek.

Over time, the riprap and geomembrane had become misplaced causing soil erosion in several areas of the channel.

Solution

The City of Red Deer consulted with Williams Engineering to provide an alternative erosion control system for the drainage swale. Preference was to avoid riprap replacement since this method is expensive and can be unreliable as previously proven.

Nilex recommended a TRM (Turf Reinforcement Mat) be used in the channel to replace the riprap. North American Green’s ECMDS software was used to assist in selecting the appropriate TRM for channel conditions. The SC250 TRM was chosen for its performance capability comparable to 60 – 76 cm rock riprap. TRMs are designed to stay in place permanently protecting seeds and soils and improving germination. The North American Green TRMs also incorporate natural fiber materials to assist in establishing vegetation.

LOCATION:Red Deer, Alberta

PRODUCT: North American GreenSC250 Turf Reinforcement Mat

PROJECT PARTNERS:

OwnerCity of Red Deer

ConsultantWilliams Engineering

Completion DateAugust 2009

Drainage Swale Erosion Control

PROJECT PROFILEEROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL

Installation

Once the existing materials were exhumed by a backhoe, the channel was contoured to the original dimensions, top soiled, and seeded. Three crew members from S.T.C. Trees and Landscaping installed 4000 m2 of TRM in three days.

North American Green’s TRM Dot SystemTM indicates where staples should be installed on the blanket. A Round Top DriverTM installation tool expedited the stapling process. All leading edges of the TRM were buried in an anchor trench. Around the culverts, the mat was securely fastened to the soil matrix below.

Results

The TRM provided immediate erosion control for the underlying soil and seed, and the mat’s third dimensional corrugated netting provided stem reinforcement.

Officials from the City of Red Deer were pleased with completion of the repair and the vegetated swale which is more esthetically appealing than the failing riprap. Members of S.T.C. Landscaping were impressed with the North American Green Dot System for installation and with the ease of installation using the Round Top Driver. The SC250 TRM proved its capability by retaining enough moisture to establish vegetation in a subsequent season of draught.

The Nilex Advantage

Nilex is committed to unearthing better results. Whether it’s for a civil, resource or environmental project, we offer the latest engineered and technically superior materials and techniques to save our customers time and money, and minimize the need to move or remove earth, and reduce the need for granular materials.

With over 35 years experience, a long-standing commitment to the environment and highly qualified staff, Nilex delivers the products and technologies that give clients an economic advantage with environmental benefit.

Drainage Swale Erosion Control

Rev. 02/2012

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