Permanent erosion protection to enhance the erosion performance of the vegetated cover material on dry land slopes and within water courses can be achieved using a range of different synthetic and metalic materials supplied by Maccaferri.

Dryland slopes
Rainfall and runoff down steep slopes can result in ersosion and loss of valuable topsoil. Synthetic mats, having a minimum thickness of 10mm, are available for Maccaferri to enhance the resistance of grasses on steep slopes. The structure of the mat is designed to hold soil on the steep slopes as well as provide a medium for root penetration and interaction. The combination of plant and synthetic mat provides a uniform and stable layer of vegetation across the slope.

Where there is insufficient soil on the slope to sustain vegetation Maccaferri is able to offer a synthetic expandable 3-dimensional cellular structure which can be infilled with soil and planted. These geocell systems are anchored to the slope through the use of pins or tendons.

On unstable slopes that require deeper intervention then a combination of soil nails and ersosion mat can be used. Maccaferri supply a reinforced erosion mat to stabilise the zone between soil nail anchor points as well as improve the erosion resistance of the grass cover.

Watercourses
Rivers and stream banks are subject to from hydraulic loads during flood events. Synthetic mat are used to increase the resistance of grasses located within the flood zone above the normal water level. The open structure of the 18mm thick mat provides sufficient depth for plant roots to establish a stong attachment. The combination of an established plant cover and synthetic mat more than doubles the erosion resistance of unreinforced grass covers.

Where higher levels of protection are required then a synthetic expandable 3-dimensional cellular structure, that can be in filled with either soil, stone, concrete or a combination thereof, can be considered.