Fortrac 3D® Surficial Slope Stability
Project Description
The slope adjacent to the athletic fields at SaintMark Catholic School in Huntersville, NC had been experiencing severe surface erosion andshallow/surface failures.
Engineers decided to pursue a solution that involved driven soil anchors and a turf reinforcement mat for veneer stability. Fortrac 3D® from Huesker was chosen as the ideal fit for the turf reinforcement because of its high tensile strength at low elongations. Fortrac 3D®’s unique three-dimensional constructionand high tenacity differentiate it from other turf reinforcement mats. Unlike other products that elongate as much as 65%, Fortrac 3D® has a maximumelongation of 12%, which means it keeps soil in place. Uretek ICR performed the slope preparation and repair, installing the Platipus anchors and Fortrac 3D®.
Project Execution
The plan for repair of the athletic field slopeconsisted of installation of slope reinforcement anderosion control measures. After all existing vegetation and unsuitable soil was stripped, the slope wasre-graded to a 2 horizontal: 1 vertical slope. A 12inch berm was also constructed at the top of theslope and catch basins with slope drains to help divert site runoff from eroding the repaired slope. Surface/slope reinforcement materials were then installed to prevent further surface erosion and surficial slope failures.
The stabilization and reinforcement materials consistedof the Platipus driven anchor system withFortrac 3D® turf reinforcement mat. Installation of Fortrac 3D® is easy. After the slope surface had been prepared and seeded, Fortrac 3D® was anchored at the top of the slope. Then, Fortrac 3D® is simply unrolled down the face of the slope. Platipus soil anchors were then installed by Uretek, eliminating the need to pin the Fortrac 3D®.
Conclusion
The project was completed in the spring of 2010. The athletic field slope that had been failing was restored and Saint Mark Catholic School was able tocontinue using the field without fear of continued slope failures. The slope was reseeded at the completion of the project, and several weeks later, Fortrac 3D® had promoted full vegetation of the slope.
Product Description
Fortrac 3D® is a flexible, three-dimensional reinforcement grid made from high tenacity, low creep polyester with the additional function of protection against soil erosion. A special polymeric coating provides protection against ultraviolet degradation and mechanical damage. As a high tenacity geogrid, Fortrac 3D® provides an ideal reinforcement against soil slippage on the slope.Through its structure, Fortrac 3D® improves the soil retention on a vulnerable slip plane surface and its tensile strength carries the loading forces imposedon the anchorage zone. The surface stability of the structure is increased, resulting in a safer and more economical construction method.
Fortrac 3D® is available in several strengths, from 30kN/m to 120 kN/m, offering a comprehensive productrange. The flexibility, robustness, and simple installation of Fortrac 3D® ensure a successful end result.
Product: Fortrac 3D®-30
Owner: Saint Mark Catholic Church
Engineer: ECS Carolinas
Contractor: Uretek ICR, Mid-AtlanticYear of Construction: 2010
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