Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a mesh sheet to a concrete member. The connecting system comprises an anchor structure and a first pin member. The anchor structure defines a loop passageway and a pin opening. The anchor structure is adapted to be partly embedded within the concrete member. A mesh loop portion is formed on the mesh sheet. The mesh loop portion extends into the loop passageway. To connect the mesh sheet to the concrete member, the first pin member extends along the pin opening and through the mesh loop portion of the mesh sheet. Force applied to the concrete member away from the mesh sheet causes the first pin member to engage the anchor structure and the mesh loop portion to inhibit movement between the mesh sheet and the concrete member.

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

Abstract: An erosion control blanket dispensing method and apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes, a rotary drive secured to a mounting plate, and a blanket spindle secured to the rotary drive. In a preferred embodiment, the rotary drive controls an angular position of the blanket spindle relative to the mounting plate. The erosion control dispensing apparatus further preferably includes, a spindle support structure disposed between the rotary drive and the blanket spindle, and an adjustable stop disposed between the spindle support structure and the blanket spindle, wherein the adjustable stop controls an angular position of the blanket spindle relative to the spindle support structure. A method of assembling the apparatus preferably includes at least the steps of providing a mounting plate, attaching a hydraulic rotary actuator to the mounting plate, securing a spindle support structure to the hydraulic rotary actuator, and affixing a blanket spindle to the spindle support structure.

Abstract: An earth anchor of the pivoting type having an essentially cylindrical body, a blind bore extending thereinto from a trailing axial end of the cylindrical body and a leading edge projecting from a leading end of the body, the leading edge being formed as a rounded surface adapted for penetration through reinforcement paths while minimizing severing of the strands of the mat.

Abstract: The golf course bunker boundary protection system includes a central section located adjacent to the wall of a bunker, a plurality of lower anchors coupled to the central section and located below the sand in the bunker and above the soil in the bunker below the sand, and a plurality of upper anchors coupled to the central section and located between the grass surrounding the bunker and the soil. The upper anchors include a means for attaching the upper anchors to the grass, and the lower anchors include a means for securing the lower anchors to the soil, such as staples, pins, or nails. Advantageously, the upper and lower anchors and the central section are formed of one piece of thin, flexible polymeric material.

Abstract: This erosion control or stabilization blanket stapling apparatus is designed to be used in conjunction with all terrain vehicles for the purpose of securing erosion control or stabilization blankets on sloping construction surfaces. A framework is mounted to the all terrain vehicle for holding the staplers in position while allowing them to follow uneven terrain. The vehicle is also equipped with compressed air to power the staplers.

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: A geocomposite for use in a landfill, including a geonet and a geotextile bonded to at least one side of the geonet. The geonet includes a first plurality of substantially parallel strands, and a second plurality of substantially parallel strands disposed on top of the first plurality of strands, the second plurality of strands being at an angle relative to the first plurality of strands. The first and second plurality of strands are substantially incompressible and secured to one another at crossover locations, and are substantially round in cross-section.

Abstract: A reinforced silt retention sheet and systems for silt retention are provided. The reinforced silt retention sheet includes a non-woven fabric having a series of entangled polymer fibers with a reinforcing material secured within the fabric. The resultant reinforced silt retention sheet further can have openings of a desired size to enable filtering of a flow of fluid passing through the reinforced silt retention sheet.

Abstract: An erosion control system and method wherein a fabric filter bag is embedded with and/or filled with a flocculating polymer and is positioned on a sloping soil surface to dam and pond water flowing thereacross for settling of the particles in the water, and as the ponding water seeps into the bag the colloidal particles will be filtered or agglomerated for settling. The water then passes through and out of the bag and is further subjected to agglomeration and filtering by a skirt of filter material also impregnated with flocculating polymer, said skirt being anchored to the bag or stacked to maintain the position adjacent and downslope from the bag.

Abstract: A civil engineering structure, intended for ensuring protection against impacts of moveable masses, has a face exposed to the impacts of moveable masses. The structure includes, in the region of the face exposed to the impacts of moveable masses, a set of individual construction elements secured to one another and filled completely or partially with at least one material having a capacity for being deformed elastoplastically, the individual construction elements liable to be damaged by impacts of moveable masses being capable of being replaced individually by similar individual construction elements.

Abstract: The machine for making the drainage elements employs a forming collar about the delivery chute for the aggregate so as to form a continuously supplied strip of netting into a tube to receive the aggregate. The machine may be run on an automatic basis without a need to stop the machine in order to replenish the supply of netting. A pair of tapes are used to secure the longitudinal edges of the tape together, one tape located inside the tube and the other tape located outside the tube.

Abstract: A cellular reinforcing structure (1) for preventing soil erosion includes a plurality of lattice type sheets (5) of plastics material having longitudinal members (9) joined by transverse members (8) which define openings (13). The sheets (5) are bent to form first and second locations (11,12), and the first locations (11) of each sheet (5) engage first locations (11) of the adjacent sheet (5) on one side thereof, and the second locations (12) of each sheet (5) engage the second locations (12) of an adjacent sheet (5) on the other side thereof. The sheets (5) inter-engage at their first and second locations to define retaining bores (14), and retaining bars (15) are inserted through the retaining bores (14) for retaining the first and second locations of the respective sheets inter-engaged with each other.

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: 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 structure for stabilizing an earthen embankment comprises an embankment support for restraining movement of at least a part of the embankment, a flexible fiber geogrid (5) extending longitudinally through the embankment from a first end portion secured to the support to a second end portion, and anchor means (55, 60, 11) for securing one of the end portions. The anchor means comprises a pair of anchor rods (55, 60) extending transversely in relation to the geogrid, and means (11) for limiting movement of the anchor rods. The end portion secured by the anchor means is wrapped back and forth around the anchor rods so as to tighten thereon when the geogrid is pulled in longitudinal tension away from the anchor means. A method of anchoring a flexible fiber geogrid to a support utilizing such anchor rods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner assembly (222A) for a sand trap (10) having a perimeter (12) that defines a cavity (13) and a substrate (18) within the cavity (13) includes a first layer (230A) and a second layer (232A). The first layer (230A) is positioned on the substrate (18) and can be formed from a substantially water-permeable material. The second layer (232A) can be formed from a substantially water-impermeable material and is applied to the first layer (230A). The second layer (232A) can be applied to the first layer (230A) as a liquid, such as a polyurea material. In one embodiment, at least one of the layers (230A, 232A) extends within the substrate (18) at least partially outside the perimeter (12) of the sand trap (10). The second layer (232A) can include an aggregate material that is integrally formed as part of the second layer (232A).

Abstract: Disclosed is a grid-shaped mat which is used especially for protecting floors or strengthening a floor cover. Said grid-shaped mat comprises a number of strip-shaped elements (1, 1?; 1?) which are bent several times, extend in a longitudinal direction (A), and form the grid structure of the mat (10). The lateral length (b) of the element (1, 1?; 1?) that is longer from a cross-sectional perspective runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of mat. At least two adjacent elements (1, 1?) are hingedly connected to each other with the aid of at least one pin (2) that extends in the longitudinal direction (A) of the elements, respectively. Such a mat is easy to produce while the floor cover that is applied to the mat coheres significantly better after drying and hardening than when a conventional wire grill is used.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for promoting vegetation growth on a steeply sloping surface. The system of the present invention includes anchors that are secured to the sloping surface, an inner mesh layer in contact with the slope, a geosynthetic layer placed over the inner mesh layer, and seeded compost material placed in the gap or space between the geosynthetic layer and the inner mesh layer. An outer mesh layer is placed over the geosynthetic layer to help stabilize the geosynthetic layer. The geosynthetic layer and outer mesh layer are also secured to the protruding anchors. Vegetation grows in the compost material and roots of the vegetation penetrate the inner mesh layer into the slope. An established root system stabilizes the slope. The seeded compost material provides an environment that greatly enhances the growth of vegetation on steeply sloping surface which otherwise do not have adequate soil to promote growth.

Abstract: Three-dimensional soil nail walls employing geosynthetic materials and methods of installation thereof. The soil nail walls are suitable for supporting an upright face of earth and comprise tensioned geosynthetic material held up against the face.

Abstract: A reinforcing device for earthworks comprises at least one reinforcing base element (3) from which extend a front wall (9) and a containment wall (15) which are spaced from each other to delimit, in an operative configuration in which they are erected with respect to the reinforcing base element (3), a facing region which is to be filled with filling material, such as stones or the like. The device also comprises bracket means (23) which can be coupled, in use, to the front wall (9) and to the containment wall (15). It is also possible to produce a second front wall which extends from the reinforcing base element (3) on the side opposite the first. A method for the production of a reinforced earthwork provides for laying on the ground a device of the type indicated.

Abstract: A gravel bag manufactured from a single layer of a heavy-duty geotextile composite material (also referred to as “geo-composite”), said layer comprising a closure device resistant to opening as pressure is applied from within. The geo-composite material is formed by affixing at least two fabrics that together complement each other's performance. The overall structure allows for a single composite geotextile fabric that is low-slip, low cost, offers effective padding, has a high tensile strength, is puncture and tear resistant, and that has low elongation properties. In use, the single layer geo-composite gravel bag significantly outperforms all other single layer and multiple layer geo-composite gravel bags currently in use.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment an apparatus for securing an erosion control blanket to the ground, the erosion control blanket is placed on the ground by an erosion blanket installation device. The apparatus includes a support member secured to the erosion blanket installation device and a lever arm rotatably attached at a first end to the support member. The apparatus further includes a gun assembly rotatably attached to a second end of the lever arm, wherein the gun assembly includes a gun capable of fastening the erosion control blanket to the ground with fasteners and a wheel capable of rolling over the erosion control blanket.

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 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: Numerous embodiments of one or more layers of void-maintaining synthetic drainable base courses (“VMSDBC's”) are provided as incorporated into landfills and other waste containment facilities.

Abstract: An erosion control barrier including a boom having a tube, formed of geotextile, that is filled with an absorbent batting. An aboveground wing, formed of geotextile, is affixed to the tube and extends along the length of the tube. The top of the aboveground wing projects above the top of the boom and is provided with a pocket. A ground-penetrating post is positioned adjacent the boom. The top of the post is inserted into the pocket for supporting the top of the aboveground wing.

Abstract: A soil reinforced retaining wall for an earthen formation is provided by embedding planar soil reinforcing mats in the formation at vertically spaced intervals and securing face mats between the soil reinforcing mats. The face mats include fingers extending distally from the edges thereof for engagement with opposite sides of a complimental face mat, whereby the mats are held in general vertical alignment. Certain of the fingers are of a gently curved configuration to frictionally hold edge portions of the face mats in spaced relationship for compression toward one another to accommodate settlement of the earthen formation, without bulging of the face mats. An L-shaped starter mat is engaged within a recess formed at the foot of the formation to provide an upstanding portion engaged with the lowermost is face mat to hold the mat in a generally vertical orientation. A tail is provided on the uppermost face mat for embedment within the backfill to cap the wall.

Abstract: The invention is a silt screen fence assembly which combines the use of a polymeric silt screen fabric with or without a plastic reinforcement member and a thermoplastic support stake with a hot melt adhesive to attach the silt screen fabric with or without the reinforcement member to the support stake to provide an extremely durable and tenacious bond of the screen fabric to the support stake so as to overcome the inherent problems with prior art silt screen fences wherein the mechanical bond is initially significantly weakened due to penetrating, cutting, punching, or thinning out the silt screen or reinforcement material upon assembly.

Abstract: Safety improvements of airport runways and taxiways are achieved by providing a flexible, water-impermeable surfacing material on a compacted soil base directly adjacent to an edge of airstrip shoulders. A synthetic grass surface is provided on the area beyond the surfacing material so that foreign objects such as loose particles of the airstrip shoulder materials will be driven by jet blasts and run-off across the relatively smooth texture of the surfacing material and will be trapped by the synthetic grass, thereby minimizing foreign object damage to aircraft engines, particularly to those overhanging engines which extend well beyond the existing runway and taxiway shoulders.

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 and prevent water migration therebetween, the surfacing material having a relatively smooth top surface.

Abstract: A catchment net (1), especially for rockfall blocking, includes a net (2) consisting of elements that engage with each other, and whose two longitudinal sides are each moveably held by a holding rope (3, 4) extending between at least two support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10). The two holding ropes (3, 4) are moveably held by the individual support bodies (7, 8, 9, 10) in their longitudinal direction and tensioned at the side. At least one running rope (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50) or suchlike extending alongside the support body on each of the holding ropes (3, 4) preferably within the area of the each support body (7, 8, 9, 10) is affixed with one end on one side and with the other end on the other side to the support body (7, 8, 9, 10). The net (2) is moveably held within the support body area by the running ropes (37, 38, 39, 40; 47, 48, 49, 50). The catchment net (1) therefore guarantees an optimal load distribution as well as a more favorable flow of energy through the net.

Abstract: A reinforcing geotextile mat and an embankment method using the same. The mat comprises support member for supporting backfilled soil at one end or both ends of the mat. The support member comprises a horizontal support section for supporting the backfilled soil in a vertical direction; a vertical support section for supporting the backfilled soil in a horizontal direction; and an inclined support section defined with openings through which the backfilling soil passes and inclinedly embedded in the backfilled soil. The method comprises the steps of positioning a reinforcing geotextile mat on the ground or hardened embankment soil; inserting external support members in horizontal, vertical and inclined receiving portions of the mat; and backfilling horizontal, vertical and inclined support sections of the mat with soil, and then placing and hardening embankment soil on the mat. These steps are implemented one or more times.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A myriad of permutations of void-maintaining membrane laminates are provided. Laminates of the invention are particularly useful for providing high performance drainage within layered paved structures such as highways, airport runways and parking lots. Void-maintaining laminates of the invention comprise compression elements that are shaped, adapted and arranged to cooperate with base and upper layers such that superior flow capacities are attained through their void spaces, channels and paths, even under pressures in excess of 5,000 lbs per square inch.

Abstract: Polyolefin mouldings that have excellent stability on permanent contact with chlorinated water comprise, as stabilizer, at least a compound selected from the group consisting of i) an epoxidized fatty acid having 3 to 22 carbon atoms or an aklyl ester thereof having 1 to 18 carbon atoms; and/or ii) an organotin compound; and/or iii) a compound containing at least one radical of the formula A or B.

Abstract: A drain inlet cover for a drain in a road which is bordered by a sidewalk and separated from the sidewalk by a curb, with access to the drain through an opening in the curb. The cover includes a horizontal section which lies on the road and a vertical section which covers the opening in the curb. Each section includes a filter member which lies between two apertured polymeric members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a protection system for hindering the progress of avalanches that fall with high velocity and contain an enormous amount of energy. The method consists mainly in catching the avalanche in a special Avalanche Protection System (1)—the APS—where the protection system is placed in an oblong storage box (16) on a mountain slope, in a canyon, at the foot of a mountain or at other places, where the risk of falling avalanches exists. The APS can be put up in overlapping rows to form a continuous protective wall against a potential avalanche.

Abstract: A geosynthetic reinforcement comprising a container formed of semipermeable material mutually conformed with a portion of earthen material contained therein. A structural member such as a geogrid may engage (e.g. frictional) the container and extend therefrom to engage and support a structure such as a retaining wall, earthen slope, etc. Accordingly, the container may function as an anchor to the structure. Due to the containment provided by the container, the physical characteristics of the earthen material therewithin become less important. Thus, low quality fills such as fine-grained fill or fill with a high moisture content may be used in structural applications. If desired, more than one container and structural member may be incorporated. Containers may be stacked, positioned side-by-side, positioned end-to-end, etc. Structural members may be incorporated as needed to adequate support the structure. Drain layers may be incorporated to control moisture.

Abstract: A three-dimensional multi-pod windblown particle control device is used to control the deposition, accumulation and retention of windblown particles. The multi-pod device is formed by connecting beams to create legs which intersect one another at a crossing area. The ends of some of the legs contact the earth surface to support the device while the ends of the other legs extend in three dimensions to interact with the wind. The device may be formed by substantially identical X-shaped frame structures which intersect and connect with one another. The optimal spacing for using the devices in an array is within a range of approximately 0.5–1.5 of a transverse dimension across the surface area occupied by each particle control device.

Abstract: A sub surface aquatic weed barrier consisting of a strip of plastic held to the aquatic substrate by transverse weights bonded to the plastic strip. Gas release ports are located in the plastic sheet, positioned midway between the transverse weights.

Abstract: A farm implement for guiding a barrier material into a layered material comprises a turntable for holding the barrier material, a guide apparatus for guiding the barrier material into the layered material, and a crossbar to which is attached the turntable and a hitch portion for attaching the crossbar to a vehicle. The guide apparatus comprises a vertical support post that attaches the guide apparatus to the crossbar, a guide slot hingedly attached to the vertical support post, a platform and at least one roller attached to the guide slot, and at least one cap hingedly attached to and positioned above the guide slot.

Abstract: A windblown particle control device which, when attached to the surface of the earth assumes a generally tubular cross-sectional shape, stabilizes particle cover and controls deposition and retention of windblown particles. A sheet of netting material is curved in an arched configuration. Webs of the sheet are linked together to define apertures through the sheet. The apertures create aerodynamic effects in the wind which stabilize, deposit and retain the particles on the earth surface. A kit of components, which includes the netting sheet and a plurality of frame structures to support and maintain the netting sheet in the arched configuration may be employed to assemble the control device for use.

Abstract: A flexible, molded, polymeric grid is embedded in a predominantly concrete mat comprising a concrete slab having relatively thicker portions defining blocks connected by relatively thinner portions, along which the concrete slab is breakable. The flexible grid has two longitudinal edges, two transverse edges, longitudinally extending members, and transversely extending members, where the longitudinally and transversely extending members connect the blocks to one another when the concrete slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The longitudinally and transversely extending members meet at nodes, which are spaced uniformly from one another, both longitudinally and transversely, except that, along the longitudinal and transverse edges, each node is spaced more distantly from the nodes nearest to the node. When the longitudinal and transverse members are disposed in an imaginary plane and the flexible grid is not stressed, fingers, which are unitary with the grid, extend from the imaginary plane.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for making and using sediment barrier. More specifically the present application relates to systems and methods for using sediment barriers to reduce pollution of rivers and streams from sediment resulting from soil erosion at, for example, a construction site or other area of potential soil erosion. The sediment barrier typically includes at least one apron that serves to provide filtering, water velocity reduction and/or anchoring. The sediment barrier further includes a body portion that provides substantial filtering of sediment from water passing therethrough. The apron and/or body portions of the barrier are preferably composed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A heavy roll dispenser is designed to attach to a tractor via a three-point hitch. The base of the dispenser rides above the earth and supports a chassis, which can move left and right via a hydraulic actuator. The chassis has a pair of powered cradle rollers to receive a heavy roll and dispense the heavy roll with the powered cradle rollers. A guide roller is mounted on the chassis behind the cradle rollers. A pair of powered adjustable width pincer arms stabilizes the heavy roll atop the cradle rollers.

Abstract: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing land mass. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

Abstract: A silt fence includes a support comprising having a rear strut pivotally joined with an articulated front support. A geo-textile sheet attaches to the support forming a filtration barrier having compound slope. A lower section is sloped at the first angle sufficiently steep to shed non-colloidal silt. An upper section is sloped at the second slope angle sufficiently shallow so as to expose a proportionally greater barrier surface area to ponded water to increase the water flow capacity for given height of water. Additionally, the second slope angle is sufficiently steep to shed a portion of the non-filtered colloidal silt.

Abstract: To make an oriented plastics material geogrid 10 in which oriented strands 6, 9 form triangular meshes with a junction 11 at each corner and six of the strands 6, 9 meet at each junction 11, a plastics material sheet starting material 1 has holes 2 in an array of hexagons 3, opposite holes 2 of each hexagon being aligned in the machine direction, and the starting material 1 is stretched first in the machine direction and secondly in the transverse direction. In the eventual geogrid 10, the centre portions of the hexagons in the starting material 1 form the junctions 11. The centres of the junctions 11 are slightly biaxially oriented, but at the edges of the junctions 11, the orientation of the edge of substantially each strand 6 or 9 runs around the edge of the respective junction 11 and into the edge of the next strand 6 or 9. During the second stretch, restraint can be applied in the first stretch direction and discontinued before the material is allowed to relax in the second stretch direction.