Slopes are structures that, due to their features, often cause issues such as sliding, weathering, erosion, and even collapse. However, artificial slopes do not result in so many sliding issues since there is total control of the materials as well as their features when these are built. On the other hand, natural slopes can be very problematic due to ground failure, type of soil, natural slope gradient, phreatic zones and local climate. Below are some of the factors involved in slope erosion:
- Rainwater, either collected underground or run-offs, making it crucial to bear this possibility in mind before starting any construction project.
- Slope gradient.
- Surface run-offs caused because the amount of rainwater collected exceeds the land’s filtration capacity.
- Formation of rutting and streams
- Run-off curve
- Porosity, permeability
- Seasonal changes: dry and rainy seasons
- Solar radiation intensity
- Strong wind
- Temperature variations
In order to design any slope erosion control works, we must undertake a comprehensive analysis of the geological, geotechnical, environmental and hydrological conditions in order to predict how the slope will behave once built. Geomesh fabrics are often used for slope stabilisation because they are the most efficient solution to prevent any issues caused by erosion. Also known as 3D mesh, a geomesh comprises three layers in one. A propylene mesh (PP) that is part of the membrane’s basis and two high density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh layers that create a 3D structure with ripples. Acting like a filter, i.e., it allows water to flow through retaining the soil’s superficial layer fines, thereby hampering erosion by avoiding the loss of soil fines while promoting the development of a vegetation cover. At Texdelta we supply top quality geomesh fabrics such as our DLT DRAIN MESH featuring the main advantages below:
- Easy installation also in the most adverse weather conditions
- Facilitates rooting in order to regenerate vegetation
- Allows water to flow improving water and nutrients’ filtration
- Reduction of environmental impact
- Slope protection under extreme weather conditions such as strong wind or high temperatures
Following is a description of the steps and recommendations for a correct installation of the DLT DRAIN MESH: Prior to installing the 3D mesh, you must ensure that the following conditioning actions are carried out in order to remove any inclinations and gullies that may be found on the slope.
- DLT DRAIN MESH must be installed starting from the highest point.
- In order to attach the mesh, a 20cm wide and 20cm deep trench must be dug at least 1m away from the slope’s edge.
- Insert the 3D mesh inside the trench with ground pegs. Next, the trench should be covered and compacted to increase its resistance.
- Please ensure to leave no more than 1m either side of each ground peg when attaching the 3D mesh.
- Once installed and secured to the trench, the 3D mesh can be unrolled on top of the slope following its downward direction.
- Please ensure to leave between 10 and 20cm overlap between rolls. Likewise, we must also place ground pegs along the joints leaving no more than 1m on either side. When joining the ends of two separate rolls, please ensure to leave at least a 100cm overlap as well as to provide further strengthening by installing additional ground pegs no further apart than 50cm on either side.
- Once you have finished installing the DLT DRAIN MESH you must proceed to assess the ground pegs installed in between the ends of two separate rolls.
- After checking all the ground pegs, you may now cover the mesh with either substrate or hydro-seeding in order to regenerate the vegetation cover.
For further information and prices for our DLT DRAIN MESH do not hesitate to contact us at info@texdelta.com
