Abstract: A soil reinforced structure and method of manufacturing the structure is disclosed, the structure includes fill, reinforcement strips including reinforcement sections extending in a reinforced area of the fill at the rear of a front face of the structure, and a facing along the front face, the reinforcement strips are anchored to the facing in anchoring regions, and at least one anchoring region includes a path formed for a reinforcement strip between two protruding points located on a rear face of the facing adjacent to the fill, and at least two reinforcement sections each prolong a rectilinear portion of a path beyond a protruding point and are connected together by at least one linking member and each of the reinforcement sections is a part of a reinforcement strip arranged according to the path, and the linking members are flexible strips fastened to the reinforcement strips above or underneath the reinforcement strips.

Abstract: Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to laying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections. The segmented base support structure allows for a cost effective solution to digging, as well as an easier method of shipping and transporting structures that would otherwise have to be built on site.

Abstract: A compressible mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall system and installation thereof is described.

Abstract: An earthen retaining wall constructed with welded wire grid includes a series of soil reinforcing elements and separate facing panels with distal ends is provided. Soil reinforcing transverse elements capture the distal ends of the facing panel on both the front face side and the back face side. Capturing the distal ends on both the front side and back side horizontally secures the reinforcing elements without the aid of secondary connectors such as hog-rings, tie wires, connection pins, or other supplemental connectors. The soil reinforcing elements are free to move in the vertical direction but not in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Sediment control devices (SCDs) include an apertured threshold member and an apertured outflow member, and optionally a filter member between the threshold and outflow members. In some SCDs1 the outflow member has a smaller aperture size than the threshold member, or vice versa. In some SCDs, a filter is placed in front of the threshold member. In some SCDs, there is a substantially hollow sediment control chamber (SCC) between the threshold and outflow members; in others, there is little or no hollow space between the threshold and outflow members. The SCDs can be constructed so that they are resistant to damage by wheeled traffic. The SCDs can be used to control sediment in run-off from a construction site, as drain covers, or as retaining members for lawns or planting areas. A number of SCDs can be joined together to form assemblies which are useful for stabilizing a land mass, for example a gully or river bank.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, runoff and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: A retaining wall system formed from a wire facing unit having an upstanding face section and a rearwardly extending floor section the rear end of which is provided with aligned, transversely extending, openings defined by upstanding U-shaped protuberances. The apertures in the forward portion of a geogrid, preferably an integral, uniaxially-stretched, polymer geogrid, can be seated over the protuberances and a connector strut interconnects the face section and floor section for providing support therebetween and for securing the geogrid to the floor section. The connector strut is formed from an elongated rigid rod having a curved first end that extends to a substantially right-angled bend, and a connector rod portion extends from the bend to a free second end. The connector rod portion is threaded through the aligned openings of adjacent protuberances to secure the geogrid to the floor section and the curved first end of the connector strut is hooked to a transverse cross-wire element of the face section.

Abstract: An engineering-purpose netted vegetation blanket includes a plurality of mesh units arrayed and interwoven into rows. The mesh units each have borders loop-knitted using thick threads to form a double-layer structure including an upper and a lower thick-thread layer, and a plurality of curved thin threads that are so woven to locate between the upper and the lower thick-thread layer and be sequentially arrayed and extended between two adjacent ones of the borders while protruding from a plane defined by the borders. The mesh units are so arrayed that the mesh units in any two adjacent rows are in staggered relation, such that a void is formed between any two adjacent mesh units. With these arrangements, the netted vegetation blanket is flexible and can be wound into roll, and helps in easy growth of grass and plants, preventing soil erosion and retaining compost to achieve the purpose of greening environment.

Abstract: An environmental barrier device includes a first member and a second member. The first member may be constructed of a first sheet material and may have a memory retaining shape. The first member may be oriented in a generally upright position and is resiliently deflectable from the generally upright position. The second member may be secured to the first member and may be constructed of a second sheet material, which may be flexible and may define a filter media. The filter media may allow the passage of water and preclude the passage of dirt and silt. The environmental barrier device includes a lower portion for positioning below ground level and an upper portion for positioning above ground level. The environmental barrier device may be driven over or otherwise deflected from a generally upright orientation and the first member may automatically return the environmental barrier device to the generally upright orientation.

Abstract: There is provided a mesh system (2) comprising a mesh sheet (4) and a reinforcing member in the form of a cable (6) coupled to one side of the sheet (4). The cable (6) is coupled to the mesh by wire ties (7). Two lengths (6a) and (6b) of the cable (6) may overlap or be disposed in a mutually adjacent manner. The lengths (6a) and (6b) may be coupled together by U-bolts or crimped bands (9), which may also engage the underlying sheet (4).

Abstract: Flexible stabilizing strip (10) of substantially constant thickness e, intended to be used in reinforced soil constructions, which comprises a central portion (100) essentially consisting of a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix, the said portion running longitudinally in order to withstand tensile forces, and at least one variable-width lateral portion (105) comprising a plurality of segments (110, 120, 130) arranged in a continuity of material along the central portion (100). Associated construction. Methods of manufacturing such a strip.

Abstract: A process for constructing water receptacles such as swimming pools, fountains and artificial ponds, comprising in one embodiments the following steps: excavating the receptacle; preparing the foundation by laying a layer of sand on the bottom of the excavation; laying of one or more sheets of a non-woven fabric on the internal surface of the excavation and on the foundation layer; laying a waterproofing layer on top of said sheet of non-woven fabric; disposing modular elements for stabilizing the lining to be applied; adding all equipment necessary for a proper functioning of said basin, swimming pool, etc.; lining the internal walls of the receptacle and/or of the bottom of the receptacle and/or of the edge of the receptacle with smoothed natural stones disposed on top of said waterproofing layer; and applying a binding resin on said lining.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a geosynthetic wicking fabric for transporting water from beneath pavement structures to reduce or prevent damaged caused by frost heave and thaw. Further, the present invention is directed to a wicking drainage system employing the wicking fabric.

Abstract: To provide rock fall prevention structure and rock fall prevention method capable of preventing the collapse of surface layer and preventing the falling of identified rock masses. Slope (1) is covered with a net assembly (2) constructed of rope materials (3) and (4) combined in intersectional directions and a wire net connected thereto. The rope materials (3) and (4) of the net assembly (2) are anchored into slope (1) using anchors (6). The anchors (6) are inserted into slope (1) to stabilize a surface layer of the slope (1), giving the anchors (6) and the net assembly (2) a strength able to suppress the movement of identified rock masses (22) at slope (1). Using the anchors (6) will be able to prevent the surface layer of slope (1) from collapsing and at the same time, using the anchors (6) and the net assembly (2) will be able to suppress the movement and falling of the identified rock masses (22) at slope (1).

Abstract: A soil stabilization and irrigation arrangement is proposed, comprising a useable area (10) and a water compensating device (22) disposed outside the useable area (10). The useable area (10) is formed from a basin (14) which is constructed as watertight and in which a drainage device (18) is arranged near the bottom, and which contains a footing (20); the water compensating device (22) is formed from a water receiving space (23) which is provided with a water inlet (24) and a water outlet (26) and which is in communication with the drainage device (18) of the useable area (10); and the useable area (10) further comprises an arrangement of soil stabilizing mats (32) in the footing (20) above the drainage device (18), wherein the soil stabilizing mats (32) are embodied as permeable to water.

Abstract: A turf reinforcement mat (10) comprises at least one polymer net layer (11); a non-woven mat (13) comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers (15); and, a polymer yarn (80, 81), stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat. A method for erosion control and revegetation facilitation comprises providing a turf reinforcement mat comprising at least one polymer net layer; a non-woven mat comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers; and, a polymer yarn, stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat; laying the turf reinforcement mat on a section of ground to be reinforced; securing the turf reinforcement mat to the ground; distributing soil and seed onto the turf reinforcement mat such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: An anchor system for an erosion control surface. The system includes a resilient strap and a one-way retainer, which may be inserted utilizing a single operator and inexpensive tools. The resiliency of the system biases the erosion control surface into the ground and prevents undesired movement of the erosion control surface.

Abstract: A connecting system for connecting first and second mesh sheets each defining a plurality of longitudinal members at least one pin housing, a first pin member, and a second pin member. A first loop portion is formed on at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members of the first mesh sheet. A second loop portion is formed on at least one of the plurality of longitudinal members of the second mesh sheet. At least one pin housing defines a loop passageway, and the first and second loop portions extend in opposite directions through the loop passageway. The first pin member is arranged between the first loop portion and the at least one pin housing. The second pin member is arranged between the second loop portion and the at least one pin housing. Loads that displace the first and second mesh sheets away from each other are transferred between the mesh sheets by the pin housing and the first and second pin members.

Abstract: Land is stabilized by laying an elongate generally flat mat onto the ground where the mat is formed from strips of material arranged side by side and connected at spaced positions longitudinally to define a honeycomb structure with top and bottom surfaces of the mat defined by edges of the strips. The mat is unrolled from a supply and laid onto the ground so that open empty tubular cells stand upwardly from the surface to be partly filled with top soil. The mat is shaped into the required rectangular strips to lie side by side in butting arrangement by locating pins in the ground. Seed attached to the mat grow in the soil and ground to effect stabilization.

Abstract: A boot for attaching a geosynthetic layer to a vertical member in a soil, where the geosynthetic layer extends substantially horizontally outwardly from the vertical member. The boot includes a stack of flexible rings. Each ring has an inner edge defining a center opening larger than the horizontal cross section of the vertical member and an outer edge, and is secured around its inner edge to the inner edge of a ring adjacent one side and around its outer edge to the outer edge of a ring adjacent its other side. The bottom ring of the stack of rings is adapted to secure to the geosynthetic layer. A securement ring is secured around the top ring of the stack of rings and has a center opening adapted to be secured to the vertical member.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing erosion under effluent flow conditions. The system includes an erosion control mat anchored over an erosion susceptible area. The anchoring system uses an anchor positioned below the soil, connected to the mat by a flexible strap. Due to its high shear resistance, the system may be used in high effluent flow areas, such as drainage ditches and creeks.

Abstract: A ground cover in the form of a flexible substrate defining a plurality of compactly arranged extractable sections. The installation method involves passing the substrate material from a feed roll to an extraction site on a mobile installation apparatus. A plurality of drive pins are aligned with the substrate and, as the drive pins advance, the sections are extracted and driven into the soil. Various drive pins arrangements are shown and the drive pins may reciprocate along with a rotational or impacting stroke to penetrate the soil while implanting the substrate sections.

Abstract: A turf reinforcement mat (10) comprises at least one polymer net layer (11); a non-woven mat (13) comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers (15); and, a polymer yarn (80, 81), stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat. A method for erosion control and revegetation facilitation comprises providing a turf reinforcement mat comprising at least one polymer net layer; a non-woven mat comprising a plurality of multi-dimensional polymer fibers; and, a polymer yarn, stitching the net layer to the non-woven mat; laying the turf reinforcement mat on a section of ground to be reinforced; securing the turf reinforcement mat to the ground; distributing soil and seed onto the turf reinforcement mat such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a retainer assembly for anchoring environmental containment and remediation materials in a desired location. The retainer assembly includes a buoyant retainer structure and an anchor assembly attached thereto. The anchor assembly defines the limits of motion of the retainer in three dimensions with respect to a selected anchor point and permits the anchor assembly to float within these limits. The anchor assembly also includes an attachment mechanism to secure the remediation materials to the retainer structure.

Abstract: A soil stabilization system comprised of recent courses of soil bags woven and/or intertwined with geogrid and soil stabilization bodies pierce the soil stabilization bodies and protrusions on sides which protrude into the soil bags of the adjacent courses. Protrusions on the soil stabilization bodies shall protrude through holes in the geogrid to help anchor the soil bags relative to each other.

Abstract: An integral polymer grid with a plurality of interconnected, oriented polyethylene terephthalate strands and an array of openings therein is made from a polyethylene terephthalate sheet-like starting material having holes or depressions therein that form the openings when the sheet-like material is uniaxially or biaxially stretched. The grid has a higher tensile strength to weight ratio and a higher creep reduced strength to weight ratio than corresponding ratios associated with a grid made from a non-polyethylene terephthalate starting material.

Abstract: A retaining wall block and method of forming a retaining wall block are provided. The block includes front, back, top, bottom and side surfaces. The top surface of the retaining wall block includes a set of protrusions and the bottom surface includes a channel for engaging with the protrusions of adjacent blocks. Side surfaces of the block are tapered from the front surface to the back surface. A block form and a method of securing a stabilizing sheet to a block are also provided.

Abstract: An erosion control device is provided, comprising a panel having a concrete matrix having a top surface and a bottom surface; a turf reinforcement material contained within the concrete matrix; and a geotextile material bonded to the bottom surface of the concrete matrix. The device includes a plurality of shear connectors inserted through the geotextile material, the concrete matrix, and the turf reinforcement material, and at least one flap of geotextile material extending along an edge of the device for overlapping by adjacent panels. The top surface includes score lines adapted to permit the panel to crack and bend along the score lines to adapt to uneven terrain, and also includes installation holes adapted to anchor the device to a levee or shoreline.

Abstract: The present invention is a silt fence installer of unique design wherein the frame is angular rather than longitudinal and the fabric chute assembly is oriented parallel with the angular frame. This arrangement results in an installer with a generally perpendicular trailing edge, a fabric chute assembly with a closed leading edge and no need for hinged relationship between the sidewalls, and simple fabric threading with a single directional turn of the fabric. Further, the angular frame results in a shorter installer able to be more responsive to turns. In addition, the invention includes a sliding offset hitch wherein a silt fence installer may be adjusted laterally by hand due to strategic placement of rollers.

Abstract: A transportable and reusable silt fencing system for use at a construction site to prevent sediment and soil erosion comprises tension rods, a male section, a female section, and a fencing material having sleeve supports for the rods to slide in and support the fencing material. The tension rods are collapsible. The rods collapse when a truck drives over the fence, but re-assume their original form once the truck has passed. If a fence longer than the fencing section is required, additional fencing sections may be attached by connecting a male section of one fence section with the female section of another fence section.

Abstract: A gooseneck frame is attached to the forward ends of a pair of lift arms which extend forwardly from a vehicle such as a skid steer vehicle with the forward end of the gooseneck frame being secured to the forward end of a silt fence installing machine so that the silt fence installing machine is pulled through the ground in advance of the vehicle. An improved coulter disk includes a cylindrical hub which limits the downward movement of the coulter disc with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A building material anchor including a resilient pad. A resilient, openwork tube is affixed to the top of the pad. An adhesive layer coats the bottom of the pad.

Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.

Abstract: An environmental barrier device includes a first member and a second member. The first member may be constructed of a first sheet material. The first member may have a memory retaining shape. The first member may be normally oriented in a generally upright position and resiliently deflectable from the generally upright position. The second member may be secured to the first member. The second member may be constructed of a second sheet material. The second sheet material may be flexible and may define a filter media. The filter media may allow the passage of water and preclude the passage of dirt and silt. The environmental barrier device includes a lower portion for positioning below ground level and an upper portion for positioning above ground level. The environmental barrier device may be driven over or otherwise deflected from a generally upright orientation and the first member may automatically return the environmental barrier device to the generally upright orientation.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments of the present invention, the present invention provides a plastic netting for use in various erosion control netting assembles. In at least one embodiment, the assembly comprises a first extruded plastic net, a second extruded plastic net secured to the first net, and a fiber matrix disposed between the nets. In at least another embodiment, the assembly comprises a first extruded plastic net, and a fiber matrix secured to and/or under the netting. In at least another embodiment, the net serves as a mulch control netting when secured to the ground over a mulch material. In yet another embodiment, the net serves as a turf reinforcement. In at least one embodiment, the net comprises a plurality of openings sufficiently sized, to enable small animals to traverse or weave through the erosion control netting assembly without getting trapped in the openings.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, run-off and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: A multi-layered surface control blanket for soil stability and turf management, comprising a sandwiching of: a fluid permeable lower layer of flexible material; a fluid permeable upper layer of flexible material; at least one intermediate layer of fibrous material treated with a displaceable chemical agent, wherein the chemical agent consists of a soil treatment agent selected from the group comprising: a tackifier, a flocculant, and a polyacrylamide.

Abstract: A sheet-like element, such as a net, particularly for geotechnical applications, comprising a sheet-like body formed by superimposing at least two sets of filaments in order to provide a lattice-like structure, the sheet-like body being provided by a first polymer, which defines the lattice-like structure, and a second polymer, which is coextruded together with the first polymer and affects at least regions of at least one face of the sheet-like body, the first polymer having physical and mechanical characteristics of compressive and tensile strength, while the second polymer has a high friction coefficient.

Abstract: An airstrip shoulder-bordering surface arrangement for extending the width of existing runway and taxiway shoulders comprising a flexible water-impermeable surfacing material extending laterally of a side edge of an airstrip shoulder, an artificial grass surface adjacent the water-impermeable surfacing material, and an edge-fastening system for securing the surfacing material in position relative to the airstrip shoulder to prevent water migration therebetween, the surfacing material having a relatively smooth top surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly for installation of an underwater structure on the sea floor, said sea floor being covered with particles capable of being driven in suspension in the water above said sea floor, the mounting of said underwater installation capable of being implemented by an underwater robot driven by propulsion means, said propulsion means being capable of displacing the sea floor water and said suspended particles around said installation; said assembly comprising means (22, 26) for covering said sea floor surrounding said installation with a protective blanket (10) adapted to confine said particles on said sea floor.

Abstract: A method of using beach wattles formed of straw or like material to replenish and renourish a beach area or to create or replace sand dunes removed by storm erosion or the like, the method comprising the steps of placing wattles to entrap sand to build up a replenished mound, then positioning additional wattles on top of the replenished mound to create a higher mound, and repeating these steps as necessary until a mound or dune of desired bulk and height is created. The wattles entrap blowing or deposited sand within the interstices of the fibrous filler material to define an anchor member. The wattles can be placed end-to-end, arranged in patterns, layered or stacked in pyramidal manner.

Abstract: A ground cloth is adapted for use between the ground and a ground engagable floor to protect the floor from contamination by the ground. The ground cloth includes a plurality of drain holes for draining to the ground moisture entering between the ground engagable floor and the ground cloth to minimize the retention of moisture between the ground cloth and the floor.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the production of a composite yarn or non-woven strand wherein a core of super absorbent fibers or polymers (SAP's) having a swell factor of approximately 25% and greater are encapsulated by a nonwoven membrane of defined porosity. The membrane is then sealed in a fashion to generally deter or prevent the SAP material from migrating out of the core as water is freely absorbed and desorbed from the composite yarn structure. The strands of yarns or strips of non-woven material are subsequently constructed into an open or unorientated fabric formation. When used as a subterranean fabric, structure or material, the resultant fabric structure retains moisture while permitting normal root growth and allowing excess water to pass through and beneath the fabric while facilitating movement of water from lower levels to the surface.

Abstract: A gooseneck frame is disclosed which is attached to the forward ends of a pair of lift arms which extend forwardly from a vehicle such as a skid steer vehicle with the forward end of the gooseneck frame being secured to the forward end of a silt fence installing machine so that the silt fence installing machine is pulled through the ground in advance of the vehicle. An improved coulter disk is also provided which includes a cylindrical hub which limits the downward movement of the coulter disc with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A landscape roll layer attaches to a three-point hitch on a tractor. The landscape roll layer cooperates with a tractor in order to apply at least one roll of a mat to a desired area. Such rolls can protect an area to be landscaped for erosion control or may cover an area that has been seeded.

Abstract: A method for conserving soil and water comprises a botanical net body and a soft framework system for supporting the net body, and the net body is mainly made of straws, fabrics, and meshed materials similar to a net woven with flat and curve surfaces, combined with a frame, or directly coupled to the interior of the framework for filling soil into its hollow portion. The framework includes anchoring elements, multidirectional connecting rings and connecting elements between the rings, and the net body is connected to the framework by connecting the net body with a preassembled soft framework and anchoring the two together for filling soils and growing plants or solely anchoring the framework with the net body. After the net body is filled with soils and grown with plants, the net body is moved to the place of the framework and connected to the framework.

Abstract: A landscape edging assembly has a sleeve made of geo-textile fabric with a hardenable filler therein, such as concrete. Reinforcing fibers are dispersed throughout the filler. The filler is activated by immersing it in water. Thereafter the still-pliable edging assembly is placed adjacent the peripheral edges of a paving material and pressed into engagement therewith. Anchors engageable with the sleeve may be driven into the ground to retain the cured edging assembly in place.

Abstract: A composite form for stabilizing an earthen embankment includes a floor section and a face section and is couplable to other like forms. The floor section includes integrally formed anchoring members for securing a geogrid with at least one anchoring rod. Advantageously, the face section of the form may included integrally formed hydroseeding screens. Also disclosed is a structure for stabilizing an earthen embankment, the structure comprising such a support form together with a geogrid anchored to the floor section of the form advantageously by a pair anchoring rods, an end portion of the geogrid being wrapped back and forth around the anchoring rods.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for constructing a soil reinforced earthen retaining wall wherein successive soil reinforcing mats embedded within an earthen formation have bent-up face elements which are slidably engaged to enable the earthen formation to settle without bulging the face elements. Backing mats are disposed behind the face elements for movement relative thereto in generally vertical planes. The backing mats serve to support the successive soil reinforcing mats and permit the mats to more toward one another to accommodate settling of the formation without bulging of the face elements.