Abstract: A structural reinforced composite construction mat includes a plurality of composite plastic beams that are ganged together to define the mat, with a plurality of flitch plates disposed between at least some of the plastic beams to provide additional strength and rigidity to the mat. The plastic beams may be made of a composite material have a generally rectangular cross-section. The flitch plates have a width (vertical height) when disposed between adjacent beams that is less than the width (vertical height) of the beams, such that the flitch plates may be recessed below and above the top and bottom surfaces of the mat, respectively. A plurality of rods extend in the lateral direction through the beams and plates to compress the beams and plates against each. The flitch plates may be metal or fiber-reinforced resin and may further include slotted holes to allow the beams to retract lengthwise in response to environmental changes.

Abstract: Structural cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product. In one embodiment a structural cell assembly is described comprising a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a first frame end, the frame linking the legs together and the frame defining a generally flat plane with the legs extending substantially orthogonally away from the first frame end about the frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and a separate plate engaging the legs, the separate plate comprising linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg terminal end; and/or linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg frame ends or a part thereof.

Abstract: An interlocking modular mat having four sides has female connectors on two sides and male connectors on the other two sides so that the modular mat can interlock with an adjacent mat and its connectors. The modular mat is configured with a plurality of structures surrounding a periphery of a top portion of the mat. The plurality of structures in combination with an underside of the top portion of the mat form a cavity. A sponge insert is configured to fit in the cavity and have a height such that a portion of the sponge insert extends from a bottom side the mat body. With the sponge insert extending beyond the bottom side of the mat body, the sponge insert bottom face generally become the supporting bottom of the modular mat to provide a more cushioned feel for a mat user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grass protection mat for soft ground, comprising: an upper mat comprising a first body in which first grass passing spaces are continuously arranged and a first outer frame formed to finish an outer edge of the first body; and a bottom supporting mat which is arranged under the upper mat, wherein the bottom supporting mat comprises a second body in which second grass passing spaces are continuously arranged, and one or more hook fasteners which protrudes from the second body at a predetermined position corresponding to the first outer frame of the upper mat so that it is hooked to and coupled with a portion of the first outer frame.

Abstract: Structural cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product. In one embodiment a structural cell assembly is described comprising a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a first frame end, the frame linking the legs together and the frame defining a generally flat plane with the legs extending substantially orthogonally away from the first frame end about the frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and a separate plate engaging the legs, the separate plate comprising linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg terminal end; and/or linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg frame ends or a part thereof.

Abstract: A flooring system that may include one or more floor members, wherein the one or more floor members may be configured together to form a floor covering atop an installation surface, which may be a non-dry environment, and wherein one or more of the one or more floor members are secured directly to the installation surface, and wherein the one or more floor members is made of a non-wood decking material. The one or more floor members may include one or more holding floor members, and one or more floating floor members, wherein the one or more holding floor members engage with one or more of the one or more floating floor members to form the floor covering atop the installation surface, and wherein the holding floor members are configured and arranged to secure the floor covering in place atop the installation surface.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight and interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design is cheaper to produce and allows easy access of the void space for filling and laying utility lines.

Abstract: A modular floor tile is disclosed having a top surface. A plurality of edge surfaces defines a perimeter about the top surface and a support system is disposed at least partially beneath the top surface. A locking system allows for flexible displacement of a laterally extending protrusion having a flexible wall while placing a downward facing protrusion therein and/or allows for flexible displacement of the flexible walls of a downward facing protrusion while placing said downward facing protrusion into the laterally extending protrusion.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one separate linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight as well as interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design also requires less material hence is cheaper to produce. The void space is also easily accessed hence allowing for easy access, filling and laying of utility lines where needed.

Abstract: A vehicle sediment tracking control device includes: a plurality of tread deformation stages, wherein the tread deformation stages are separated from each other by a plurality of thru slats; wherein each of the plurality of tread deformations stages comprise a base section and a pitched surface that defines a continuous cleat, the pitched surface having a peak that includes a serrated edge.

Abstract: An arcuate tactile sidewalk tile arrangement includes a connector tactile sidewalk tile including a wedge-shaped main body and one or more connector flanges that adjoin one or more longitudinal sides of the wedge-shaped main body. One or more rectilinear tactile sidewalk tiles overlap the one or more connector flanges. A plurality of truncated domes projects upwardly in a vertical direction from an upper surface of the wedge-shaped main body, as well as an upper surface of each one of the one or more rectilinear tactile sidewalk tiles. Also disclosed is a method of assembling an arcuate tactile sidewalk tile arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an interlocking modular mat or tile and method of use. The mat comprises a severable core structure with a ramp around its periphery and a connected outer structure. The outer structure surrounding the inner core structure is partitioned into side and corner panels also having ramps internally disposed therein. The novel features of the mat allows it to be cut along several locations to expose the internal ramp structure within each panel, providing a assembled mat system with a secure border around the entire mat. A method of constructing an array of the novel mat panel members involving cutting to expose the internal ramped structure is also disclosed to provide a flooring surface.

Abstract: A portable aisle protection system is provided. The system includes interlocking rectangular plate members capable of interconnecting in an aisle forming relationship. Each of the plate members has a smooth non-compressible top rolling surface, bottom and four sides. The four sides define peripheral edges. Three of the peripheral edges have interlocking formations. Non-compressible ramp rails have an inclined leading portion and a trailing edge. The inclined portion establishes an upward inclined plane, and the trailing edge includes interlocking formations adapted for interfitting butting engagement of the trailing edge with the respective peripheral edges of the plate members so that the ramp rails are capable of providing ingress and egress to the load protecting aisle formed by the plate members.

Abstract: A method making an oil field mat from a plurality of synthetic board to create a tri-layer oil field mat usable to support trucks, equipment, and personnel around a derrick, or a Christmas tree having central couplers and end caps.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one separate linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight as well as interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design also requires less material hence is cheaper to produce. The void space is also easily accessed hence allowing for easy access, filling and laying of utility lines where needed.

Abstract: An access mat having a rectangular body with a length dimension and a width dimension. The body includes three laminated layers of lumber, with each of the lumber having a longitudinal axis. A first layer of the three layers has a plurality of lumber, with the longitudinal axis of each lumber in a parallel orientation extending across the length dimension. A second layer of the three layers has a plurality of lumber with the longitudinal axis of each lumber in a parallel orientation extending across the width dimension. A third layer of the three layers has a plurality of lumber with the longitudinal axis of each lumber in an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the plurality of lumber of the second layer. Connectors are provided for connecting the body with other like bodies.

Abstract: An auxiliary member for pavement construction, including: a cylinder, a base plate and a leveling bolt; the cylinder includes a first cylinder part and a second cylinder part which are connected and communicated with each other, the first cylinder part is provided with a sling installing member and a slurry inlet, bottom of the second cylinder part is connected with the base plate, the base plate is provided with a bolt extending hole and multiple slurry discharging holes which are communicated with the inner cavity of the second cylinder part, the leveling bolt includes a bolt head and a screw, the screw extends through the bolt extending hole, the bolt head is arranged in the second cylinder part and the bolt head is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cylinder part. The present invention further provides a concrete slab and a method for pavement construction.

Abstract: A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes upper, lower, and first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface. The slab is abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits mate to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. By access through apertures in each slab, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the upper surface of the first slab. A modular surface system includes two such slabs and a joining structure to join the two slabs together.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A paving system for paving or flooring includes a top layer of a plurality of paving elements, and an underlayment support layer of a polymeric material configured into panels. The panels are suitable to support the paving elements, the panels having a generally planar support surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable bases comprising: a plurality of members, a plurality of poles, and a plurality of dowels, where the combination provides a stable, biodegradable mat. Also disclosed are methods of constructing the above device with biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A mat for use in a portable porous construction mat system includes tabs for providing connections to adjacent mats. A portable porous construction mat system includes a plurality of porous units connected together with fastener arrangements. A method of providing a construction mat system includes connecting together porous units with fastener arrangements. A kit includes at least first and second porous units and fastener arrangements.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to formulations of, and methods of making and using, recycled reclaimed asphalt pavement.

Abstract: A lightweight polymer-based load bearing platform preferably including artificial turf for use as a synthetic turf block for easy installation, easy maintenance, and long term durability.

Abstract: A track system may include a plurality of connected slat members that may form rollable tracks. The rollable tracks may be used in moving vehicles across sensitive ground. The rollable track may be deployed using various methods and/or apparatus such as, e.g., deployment apparatus including one or more spool portions for rolling and unrolling the rollable tracks.

Abstract: A pervious concrete slab is pre-cast in a reusable mold or form to define at least one keyway configured and arranged to engage with a complementary keyway of another similar pre-cast pervious concrete slab. The concrete slab is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to an installation site, and installed.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is provided to convert uneven terrain into a substantially horizontal flat surface. The modular flooring system may include a frame defining the area desired for the substantially horizontal flat surface, a plurality of malleable support members that may be used as a single layer or multiple layers, where the malleable support members may be loosely filled sand-filled bags. The system may also include a plurality of flat rigid panels larger than the malleable support members to bridge the gaps between adjacent malleable support members, thus transforming a generally level layer of malleable support members into a substantially flat flooring surface.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first portion and a second portion joinable to the first portion. The first portion includes a pair of first receiving notches and a pair of third receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. The second portion includes a pair of second receiving notches and a pair of fourth receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second portions are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the pair of second receiving notches to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of third receiving notches cooperates with the pair of fourth receiving notches to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A conduit for the formation of pervious pavement includes a first connector and a second connector joinable to the first connector. The first connector includes a pair of first receiving notches. The second connector includes a pair of second receiving notches oriented perpendicular to the first receiving notches. When the first and second connector are joined to one another, the pair of first receiving notches cooperates with the second connector to define a pair of first attachment openings for receiving a first structural member of a reinforcing mesh, and the pair of second receiving notches cooperates with the first connector to define a pair of second attachment openings for receiving a second structural member of the reinforcing mesh. First and second tubes are inserted into the first and second connectors to complete the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A one piece water permeable paver for forming a surface suitable for traffic having outer flex joint connection cells connected to flex joints, outer three connection cells connected to one of the outer flex joint connection cells, outer two connection cells connected to two outer three connection cells, a plurality of inner single flex joint connection cells connected to one of the flex joints, and an inner dual flex joint connection cell engaging two flex joints, inner four connection cells connected to a pair of outer three connection cells and a pair of inner single flex joint connection cells. Fastening slots are formed partially through outer surfaces of cells that form two sides of the paver. Locking tabs extend from outer surfaces of cells forming two sides of the paver opposite the sides with the locking tabs, enabling a first paver to securely interlock to an adjacent paver.

Abstract: A drainage cell comprises a backing plate defining a plurality of holes, a series of conical tubular structures having side walls and a base extending from the backing layer, the tubular structures being in fluid communication with at least some of the holes in the backing plate thereby allowing fluid to pass through the holes into a generally tubular structure. Sides of the tubular structures define apertures permitting fluid flow out of the tubular structures. Typically, the open area of the tubular structures is at least 20% of the area of the side walls of the tubular structures, and most preferably 70 to 75% of that area. Providing apertures in the side walls of the tubular structures significantly improves the rate of flow of the water through the cell and creates a higher internal drain void volume area.

Abstract: A modular sub-flooring system for supporting an overlayment above a ground surface includes a plurality of sub-floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each sub-floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface that is adapted to receive and support an overlayment, and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The sub-flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent sub-floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent sub-floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the sub-floor tiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent paving stone in the form of an artificial stone or a natural stone, having at least one self-sufficient luminescent element (22) and a stone body (20). The stone body (20) comprises at least one recess (24) extending from a top side (54) to a bottom side (56) and designed for receiving a luminescent element (22). The luminescent element (22) receives electrical components (36), in particular a photovoltaic cell (38), a charge store (40), a control device (42), and a luminous element (44), and has a length no greater than the depth of the recess (24). The recess (24) has a perforated wall, and a peripheral gap (58) is formed between the perforated wall and the side wall, in which an adhesive mass (26) is present.

Abstract: Tactile detection embedment plates used in pedestrian walkways releasably aligned by a bracket on at least one of the embedment plates. The bracket can be mated with a bracket on another plate to define a receiver yoke in which a wedge is disposed for a releasable plate assembly connection.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas.

Abstract: A roadway is formed by a plurality of mats flexibly connected together at their ends. The mats are rectangular in configuration to form straight sections of the roadway and trapezoidal in configuration to form curved sections. Each mat comprises a flat platform of transverse wooden boards secured to side rails at their ends. The mats may be tied together at their ends by overlapping flat steel plates secured together by bolts to form links or connections. Or hinge-type assemblies may be useful. The connections have sufficient flexibility to allow the mats to conform to uneven terrain. The rails may function as curbs to limit a vehicle, passing along the roadway, from slipping off sideways. The mats are relatively light, allowing manual installation.

Abstract: A multi-layer rig mat system and a method for implementing the rig mat system is provided. The rig mat system has a rig mat formed by interconnecting a plurality of panels in an edge-to-edge arrangement and one or more barrier layers placed between the rig mat and the terrain. The barrier layer prevents contamination of the terrain below the rig mat by water and other undesirable fluids seeping through gaps or discontinuities in the rig mat. The barrier layer also prevents heat transmission from the rig mat to the terrain below the rig mat.

Abstract: A molded brick, in particular made from concrete, for laying ground coverings (10, 30), the molded brick (11, 12, 31, 32, 33) having an upper side (13) which is delimited in the transition to upright side faces (15, 16, 17, 18) by a side edge (20) which frames the upper side (13). The course of the side edge (20) of the molded brick is of curved configuration at least in regions and to correspond to a mathematical function, the course of the side edge (20) preferably corresponding at least in regions to the function ƒ(x)=a*ln(x)+b.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A mesh assembly for the formation of pervious pavement is disclosed. The mesh is defined by a plurality of elongated structural members. The mesh has a first side and a second side. A plurality of conduits are coupled to and extend through the mesh. Each conduit has a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening. The plurality of conduits each have at least one of the elongated structural members extending through a sidewall of the conduit such that the first opening is positioned on the first side of the mesh and the second opening is positioned on the second side of the mesh.

Abstract: A lightweight rig mat comprises a cellular soil stabilization material, with a plastic foam injected into the cells of the cellular material to provide required load-carrying capacity. The cellular material is preferably treated with a bonding agent to promote a structural bond between the plastic foam and the cellular material, thereby enhancing the overall shear strength, structural integrity, and flexural rigidity of the mat. The cell walls may also have textured surfaces to enhance the bond with the foam. The walls between the cells in the cellular material may have perforations to permit foam to flow between cells during the foam-injection process. The mat may be formed with connector pockets to facilitate interconnection of adjacent mats using suitable connection means, so as to prevent lateral separation between mats while allowing articulation between adjacent mats to accommodate irregular ground surfaces.

Abstract: A rig mat is formed by rectangular panels fastened end to end by cooperating connectors. In one arrangement the first connector is C-shaped shaped to form a slot and the second T-shaped shaped with a flange of the T wider than the mouth inserted through the mouth. In a second arrangement two L shaped connectors are interengaged with an additional flat plate which defines a slot with an end of one of the L-shaped connectors. The panels are composite and formed from a honeycomb core panel with a foam material filling the tubular cells and a fibrous reinforcing cover sheets extending over the top and bottom of the panel. The cover sheets are filled with a set resin material which extends into the porous fibrous material of the walls of the core panel so as to form an integral structure of the resin extending between the walls and the sheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grass protection mat which can be used for protection of grass in a golf course, a grass field, and a park lawn, or be used for growth of the grass. The grass protection mat includes a body member constituting grass penetrating spaces, protruding pillars formed at upper portion of the body member, lug members formed at lower portion of the body member, and an outer frame provided at outer wall of the body member. The grass protection mat further includes sinking prevention means provided across the grass penetrating spaces formed at the lower portion of the mat, elastically deformable sinking prevention means, mat sliding prevention means provided to the sinking prevention means, and sliding prevention means.

Abstract: A temporary roadway with a static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats which connect without tools or fasteners having a top layer, a middle layer and a bottom layer. The static resistant synthetic inter-connectable structural mats can have static charge conduction conduit through the mat and the mats can be made from 100 percent recycled rust proof, non-absorbing materials.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: The paving stone (1) which can degrade environmental pollutant elements or gases, comprising a body provided with two layers, a first surface layer (2) and a second base layer (3) which are solidly overlapped, where said surface layer (2) comprises a solidified paste including cement, silica sand, titanium dioxide, zeolite and ferric oxides or FeO2, marble pebbles and recycled materials, while the base layer (3) comprises a solidified paste including cement, preferably grey, aggregate particles and recycled materials, and a method for producing said stone (1) in a continuous process.

Abstract: A hollow paving block comprises a substantially planar member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface of the planar member is a textured surface which functions as a top of the paving block. A side wall extends along and away from a periphery of the second surface of the planar member to define a cavity in the paving block. The side wall has a bevelled edge which extends about a mouth of the cavity. At least one protrusion extends along the second surface of the planar member. The paving block is formed in part from crumb rubber and polyolefin.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ? of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational image

Abstract: A grass protection mat and a mat assembly having the same are provided. The grass protection mat of the invention includes a body made of polygonal portions, pillars protruded upward from the body, buffer wings protruded upward from the body between the pillars for distributing weights, an outer frame at the periphery of the body, lug members protruded from lower parts of the body and the outer frame. The mat also includes slide-type hooking means laterally protruded for connection of the mats, an opening formed at the inner surface of the outer frame. The mat assembly includes various forms of mat fastening members for connecting the grass protection mats. The invention facilitates connection of the mats and enhances assemblability of the mat assembly, effectively preventing sinking of the mats into the ground, thereby maintaining protection of grass.