Erosamat Type 3 is a closely packed matrix of polypropylene fibres thermally bonded together to create a tough and flexible, long lasting erosion control mat for reinforcing turf.
erosamat type 3 – permanent turf reinforcement mat
Applications
- River Embankments
- Spillways
- Reservoirs
- Canals
- Highways
- Railways
Benefits
- Long lasting
- Tough, yet flexible
- Non-biodegradable
- Assists permanent vegetation growth
Erosamat Type 3 consists of a dense matrix of UV stabilised polypropylene or HDPE polymer fibres thermally bonded together to create a tough and flexible, long-lasting erosion control mat. Three different variants are available and options include an additional grid or mesh reinforcement layer for extra protection:
The Erosamat 3/20Z 500 variant is ideal for dry, shallow gradient and smoother slope applications. The Erosamat 3/20Z 500M with additional polypropylene mesh is suited to harder installation and rougher ground conditions where extra support is required. The G50 option includes a high strength, low strain glass fibre reinforcement grid for fast flowing spillway applications that require a fixed pinning regime and so that the pins can transfer the high shear forces into the slope.
Erosamat 3/20Z 500 Erosamat 3/20Z 500M Erosamat 3/20Z G50
The Erosamat system is manufactured in the UK and provides the root reinforcement necessary for natural vegetation to resist the extreme effects of wind, rain and water erosion. As the vegetation grows into the mat, the roots become entwined within the fibre matrix. This provides the anchorage for the vegetation to resist high shear stress situations (e.g. overflow channels) and work by CIRIA has shown that turf reinforcement mats (TRM) can double the permitted channel velocity.
Erosamat Type 3 is to be laid directly onto compacted ground (free of existing vegetation, roots and stones) before filling with friable topsoil, from bottom to the top of the embankment to a depth of 10mm. Alternatively, the bare mat may be hydroseeded. Existing vegetation growth should not inhibit the contact between the ground and the Erosamat.
The excellent surface protection is a result of the product being manufactured significantly heavier and denser than the industry norm. The permanent erosion control mat provides reinforcement to grass roots in the lining of waterways, flood relief channels and spillways.
Turf Reinforcement
Bare soil gives rise to soil erosion by wind, rain and water and more frequent and intense rainfall increases the risk, with studies such as CIRIA Report 116 finding that well established grass can only withstand flows of 4.5m/s for up to one hour. In addition, with steeper slopes there is a risk of landslip where subsurface flows can cause blow out further down the slope.
Permanent turf reinforcement erosion control consists of mats and webs that provide immediate protection to bare soil for the lifetime of the project, protecting the soil even if there is die-back of the vegetation.
Articulated concrete blocks and poured concrete were once the only suitable choices for erosion protection. The Erosamat Type 3 mats provide an alternative for erosion control surface and root reinforcement, enabling vegetation to be used to protect newly laid topsoil. In addition to the proven technical performance, using a light-weight turf reinforcement product greatly reduces the carbon footprint.
