The design procedure for pre-grown stabilization reinforced grass carpet

Abstract

Biological (or biotechnical) stabilization of banks based on the stabilization effect of grass has a fundamental disadvantage for reinforcement constructions and that is the delay in their functionality. It starts to be functional only several weeks after the sowing and its full function can be usually guaranteed for as late as the following vegetation period. Moreover, grass carpets on slopes forming banks of watercourses are damaged by erosion caused by the flow of water in the watercourse but also water flowing down the slopes. Other damage is inflicted by “trampling”, i.e. the damage caused by the movement of people (anglers, rowers, hikers, etc.). This can be prevented to a degree by pre-grown grass carpets. These will bring about the stabilization effect sooner but the resistance of a pre-grown grass carpet is finally the same as when a suitable grass mixture is sown. Therefore, in need of functional reinforcement significantly more resistant than a grass carpet, mostly stone or gravel riprap on the slope above the stabilization toe is designed.The aim of the presented paper is to inform the professional public on the results of a design and a following application of a pre-grown stabilization reinforced grass carpet which, as stated by the producers, manifests a considerably higher efficiency against damage caused by water and trampling. It can replace stone or gravel reinforcement above the stabilization toe and the resulting construction (bank modification) fits better into the landscape.So far, no similar construction has been designed within bank stabilization procedures in the conditions of the Czech Republic. The reinforcement is formed by suitable three-dimensional geosynthetics, in our case three-dimensional geonets.