Tensar's erosion control tech to create flow resistant vegetated banks

November 01, 2012 - United Kingdom

Increased local authority investment is required to improve water courses and surface drainage for water control and flood alleviation, following Government SUDS initiatives. As an alternative to hard stone and concrete finishes, Tensar International’s proven erosion control technology is creating flow resistant vegetated banks on projects around the UK and in Europe.

Tensar’s RollMax range is based on a permanent high strength three dimensional matting structure with an internal fibre matrix, which incorporates soil and vegetation. This technology delivers proven erosion resistance to specified maximum water velocity and permissible shear stress; up to 50% reduction of costs compared to hard engineered solutions has been achieved.

Tensar’s VMax C350 uses a 100% coconut fibre matrix, which supplements the 3 layers of permanent PP crimped netting, to enhance the shear resistance of grass and vegetation growth against water flow. This allows up to 36 months for growth establishment, before the coconut fibre biologically degrades. VMax bolsters the shear resistance of vegetation up to 576 Pascal, suitable for a maximum flow velocity of 6m/sec.

Tensar VMax P550 is a permanent high strength solution with a 100% polypropylene matting and internal fibre. VMax P550can be an alternative to hard revetments such as stone rip-rap, providing a permanent erosion protection solution with enhanced shear resistance when vegetated of up to 672 Pascal, suitable for 7.6m/sec flow velocity.

In addition to other solutions, the Tensar RollMax product range is available in the UK through the well-established water bio engineering firm Salix River & Wetland Services Ltd. Tensar’s rolled erosion control products are widely known in the USA under Tensar’s North American Green label, because their fully accredited performance data allows design and installation of erosion control schemes with confidence.

Recent UK projects include major scour protection on river banks, flood embankments and spillways. Tensar has also provided reinforced vegetative solutions for a new multi-million Euro flood alleviation scheme, on the River Rhine in Germany.