TIME--THE ULTIMATE TEST FOR COMPOSITE TRMS

This article tracks the success of a composite turf-reinforcement mat (TRM) for long-term channel protection in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Actual matting installation for the two channels adjacent to Pleasant Road began in June 1994 and was completed later that summer. The installation followed typical procedures for surface application of a composite TRM. The mulching benefits and protection of the seed afforded by the coconut fibers resulted in a dense stand of vegetation by late September 1994. Several 2-year storm events have exposed the composite-TRM-reinforced channels to numerous and varied shear-stress discharges since installation. In testimony to the protection afforded by the composite TRM, subsequent flows have resulted in severe rilling and erosion in the sections of the channel where no matting was used. Comparison of strip tensile and thickness from both the initially installed matting and samples collected after specified amounts of time provide an accurate method for assessing the potential degradation caused by weathering and ultraviolet exposure of nondegradable mats. It is apparent from the physical testing conducted on the exhumed matting--after almost 5 years of service--that there was no appreciable loss in any of the composite TRM's vegetation-reinforcement properties. In fact, after 5 years of weathering, the composite TRM maintains greater thickness and tensile strength than other available products do when they are new.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08824983
• Corporate Authors:

  Industrial Fabrics Association International

  345 Cedar Building, Suite 450
  St Paul, MN  United States  55101-1088
• Authors:
  • Nelsen, R J
• Publication Date: 1999-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 32-36
• Serial:
  • Geotechnical Fabrics Report
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Industrial Fabrics Association International
  • ISSN: 0882-4983

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Channel stabilization; Composite materials; Ditches; Durability; Erosion; Material reinforcement; Roadside; Tensile strength; Thickness; Turf; Vegetation; Weather resistance; Weathering
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00766240
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1999 12:00AM