Geomat for Construction and Erosion Control

In the realm of below-grade construction and waterproofing, drainage boards are a quintessential component. Mar-flex Waterproofing & Building Products offers two powerful drainage boards, Geomat and Geomat+.

Both are highly effective. However, they differ in a few key features, so the choice should be guided by project-specific needs. Read on to learn more about the differences between the two.

Erosion Control

Erosion control with geomats is one of the most popular and environmentally-friendly solutions. Unlike massive and ecologically unfriendly concrete, stone or asphalt constructions, the three-dimensional entangled polymer mats can be laid out on slopes at any time and begin to prevent erosion immediately. They have been proven to reduce soil erosion up to 50% compared to unprotected banks and are very simple to install.

The geomats’ open surface encourages root germination and quick revegetation, which guarantees the effective protection of soil layers and slope surfaces. In addition, the tensile strength of the geomats helps to counter the erosive force caused by wind and water, resulting in less damage to the slope.

Specially designed for protecting slopes from surface erosion and ensuring rapid revegetation, Multimat P is an eco-friendly three-dimensional pre-seeded geomat. The multilayered matrix consists of two external layers of flat geogrids and a central layer of vegetative pre-seeded felt. This pre-seeded felt contains seeds of perennial grass species and fertilisers and is inserted into the mat to support and speed revegetation.

During production, high tensile steel wires/cables are woven in the geomat to impart a tensile strength against forces due to displacement of boulders etc. This strengthens the overall stability of the geomat, enabling it to resist a variety of environmental pressures, especially hurricane overtopping conditions with a high wind-generated wave action.

Slope Stabilization

A lot of engineering and construction projects involve working near slopes. These inclines may look solid and stable, but heavy machinery and changing grades can make them susceptible to landslides and erosion. To prevent this, engineers and contractors can use innovative slope stabilization techniques. These techniques allow them to work on steep inclines without putting the safety of workers and the general public at risk.

These innovative technologies include 3D geomat. Geomat for construction These are synthetic products that can be used for slope stabilization in a variety of settings. They are also more environmentally friendly than traditional shotcrete methods for slope protection and offer better plant colonization.

A 3D geomat consists of a three-dimensional water permeable polymer mat with thermally joined structures. The mats are made of entangled UV stabilized polyamide monofilaments fused together at their intersections and anchored to a biodegradable backing. They can be used for drainage in embankments, or for rocky and soil steep slopes to reduce the risk of slippage.

A 3D geomat with rectangular openings shaped to encourage grass and small plant roots to grow is also available. This can be used to replace traditional shotcrete, which can damage the slope surface before vegetation seeds have a chance to take root. It is more effective than other forms of slope reinforcement because it can be installed without excavation and offers a higher level of stability in the critical zone of the slope.

Slope Protection

With their water-resistant surface, Geomats help to reduce soil erosion. Unlike unprotected slopes, they distribute and absorb kinetic energy from the water flow. This helps to prevent the displacement of small and large soil particles that causes the deterioration of the topsoil layer. Compared to the unprotected land, the topsoil layer in protected land remains undisturbed for more than 50% longer.

The mats are made from jute yarn, which makes them eco-friendly. They are also chemically and microbiologically inert. They filter bag can withstand heavy and frequent rainfall. Moreover, they are able to absorb and retain moisture for faster vegetation growth. The jute fibers are woven together in an open-weave construction that is known as ‘Open Weave Geo-jute’.

In some cases, the jute fibers are reinforced with high-tensile steel wires or cables to impart tensile strength. This is useful in the case of steep slopes where landslides are more likely to occur.

Another option is a 3D geomat that is sewn to a biodegradable polymer backing. This is often used on embankments where the drainage system is located. It is also ideal for protecting slopes where it is important to keep the topsoil intact. It is prefilled with stone chippings to protect the erosion surface from the impact of high velocities and waves. This type of mat is available in different widths, from 1 to 4 m.

Planting

Planting with Geomat is a useful technique for slope stabilization and restoration. It is especially useful for avoiding landslide and erosion risk in constructions. It will strengthen the soil surface’s endurability before grass and shrub planting. Moreover, it will help to avoid the damage and pollution caused by weather before the grass and shrubs have grown.

Geomat is made of a three-dimensional network of polymer fibers that are entangled together and fused with a biodegradable backing. It has a porosity of around 90%, and soil or sand can be filled inside freely. The open structure of Geomat also allows plant roots to pass through to a depth of 30-40cm. This combination of plants, soil and geomat firmly protects the slope.

Geomat can be used to replace concrete, rockface or shotcrete for slope protection and stabilization. It can be installed on bare soil or on existing vegetation. However, it is important to establish a proper base for the slope with the help of geotechnical engineers. Then the slope can be covered with a Geomat layer that is anchored at the top and bottom of the slope. It is also recommended to use anchoring staples/nails at suitable intervals on the slope surface to secure the Geomat. Also, the slope should be properly fenced to prevent unauthorized access and to ensure the safety of workers.