The HydroTurf® Revetment System is an ideal solution for a wide array of applications where stormwater and exposed soils interact. Soil erosion is an issue plaguing both the man-made, and natural environment. The increase in frequency and intensity of storms due to climate change has created the need for increasingly engineered approaches to dealing with stormwater while keeping soils intact. 

Impacts of Soil Erosion

While the consequences of soil erosion can vary, costs can quickly add up for both the hardened and natural environment. Causes of erosion can include stormwater, snowmelt, foot traffic by humans or animals, or mechanical damage by machinery. When soils are eroded from an area, there is an increased likelihood of land, rock, and mudslides. The resulting devastations can range from having to purchase replacement soil and rock, to the total loss of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Soils that are left bare and without vegetation to help anchor them in place are more likely to be carried off by stormwater. This makes construction and other non-vegetated sites most prone to soil erosion in developed areas.

There are a variety of ways that the transport of soil by stormwater can do damage to the natural environment. When increased amounts of sediment enters waterways, it overwhelms the ability of the system to cleanse itself and move it downstream. This results in a negative impact to the habitat for the fish and aquatic insects that live in our waterways. Soil also carries nutrients that can have a negative effect on the health and biodiversity of waterways by generating excessive plant and algae growth. In extreme circumstances, this can lead to a decrease of oxygen in the water, effectively killing the fish and aquatic insects.

Benefits of a HydroTurf® Revetment System

HydroTurf is a patented erosion protection system, designed to prevent hydrologic forces from disturbing the protected sediment. This product boasts a carbon-footprint 75-85% lower than other traditional hardened erosion control systems. The green benefits of HydroTurf begin during the manufacturing process and continue throughout the installation and long-term performance of the product. This low carbon footprint is due to the way each piece of the system is manufactured, the efficient installation process, and reduction of maintenance throughout the product’s 50+ year lifetime.

Savings with the HydroTurf system don’t stop with its low carbon-footprint. The installed cost of a HydroTurf Revetment System can be up to 50% less than other traditional armoring systems. Lower long-term maintenance costs when compared to Turf Reinforcement Mat products will also be a relief on your budget. The aesthetics of the HydroTurf system do not disappoint. This product has the look of natural green vegetation year-round without sacrificing hydrologic performance, as has been proven in both laboratory simulations and real-world applications. If green isn’t your style, HydroTurf comes in six different colors to match the aesthetics of your project’s vision.

Installation

The benefits of the HydroTurf system continue in the construction and installation process. Small, light-weight equipment will get the job done, no matter the scale of the project. Installation is also rapid, with one experienced crew able to install up to one acre per day. Large projects can employ multiple crews, saving time and money on installation.

The first step of installation is preparing the subgrade by creating a smooth surface, void of any rocks or sticks. An impermeable geomembrane is then installed as the system’s base-layer, secured in place by anchor trenches. Next comes the specially engineered turf, which is then infilled with patented HydroBinder©. The last step is to apply water to activate the HydroBinder. The result is a fiber reinforced high-strength concrete matrix with benefits including better performance than traditional armoring. A concrete treatment can be applied to the system for additional freeze/thaw protection in regions that face large temperature variations.