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Rolled Erosion Control Product (Turf Reinforcing Mat)

Turf Reinforcing Mats

What is This Treatment?

Rolled Erosion Control Product (Turf Reinforcing Mat) is a matrix-like product composed of non-degradable synthetic fibers, filaments, nets, wire mesh and/or placed other elements over bare soil areas.

When to Use This Treatment?

  • Use on cut and fill slopes between 2:1 and 1:1 (H:V). For specific maximum slope gradients, consult your geotechnical engineer.
  • Use of Rolled Erosion Control Product (Turf Reinforcing Mat) in a stream or channel below the 100-year base flood elevation will be determined by the responsible charge Engineer. Planting or incorporation of seed proposed by the Landscape Architect in conjunction with the RECP (Turf Reinforcing Mat) will be evaluated by the responsible charge Engineer to verify hydraulic impacts of mature vegetation.

Benefits:

  • Provides immediate protection from surface erosion.
  • Helps retain soil moisture improving seed germination and vegetation establishment.
  • Longevity of 3 years (not considering vegetation). See functional longevity for each turf reinforcing mat type specified below.

Limitations:

  • Rocks and debris may lift blankets above the soil surface, allowing erosion to occur between the blanket and the soil surface.

  • Surface treatment only - unlikely to improve compacted, nutrient depleted, or poorly draining soils as necessary to ensure vigorous long term vegetative cover.

Technical Design Tips:

In the project Special Provisions, specify the turf reinforcement type that best meets your project requirements. Select the product considering the following factors:

  • Functional longevity required (medium term or long term).
  • Relative cost of materials, installation and maintenance.
  • Material strength.

Selecting a Turf Reinforcing Mat

Designers should specify a turf reinforcing mat product based upon specific site requirements. Detailed information on each of product type is listed below.

Product
Functional
Longevity
Max Slope
(H:V)
ECTC
Category (1)
TRM (Type A)
> 3 Years
1.5:1
5.A
TRM (Type B)
> 3 Years
1:1
5.B
TRM (Type C)
> 3 Years
> 1:1
5.C

(1) For detailed information on ECTC categories, please see "Table 1" on the ECTC (Erosion Control Technology Council) specifications web page.

Specification:

Consider Using With:

Regardless of the turf reinforcing mat type specified, this material also requires the permanent vegetative protection provided by:

To effectively treat sites with compacted, nutrient depleted, or poorly draining soils, consider combining this treatment with:

Plans and Details:

Estimate Information:

External Links: