Synthetic Turf Revetments
"An innovative erosion protection technology was developed in 2010 for embankment dams and levees that uses artificial or synthetic turf instead of natural grass or hard armor (i.e., RCC, ACBs, and rock riprap) to eliminate the long-term maintenance requirements and potential weaknesses of traditional vegetative and hard armor systems. HydroTurf™ (Patented product of Watershed Geosynthetics LLC) combines a durable, engineered synthetic turf underlain by a high-friction impermeable geomembrane with an integrated drainage layer. The synthetic turf is infilled in place with a special blend of cementitious materials for ballast. The cementitious infill is placed dry to a thickness of approximately 1 inch and then hydrated with a light spray of water to produce an erosion-resistant surface. Its high strength is capable of resisting potential damage from vehicles, debris, and burrowing animals. This system thereby offers the environmental and aesthetic benefits of natural vegetation (i.e., low-turbidity surface runoff and natural appearance) as well as the performance and maintenance benefits of hard armor." [1]
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