Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

green 

engineering

 and produces the following long-

term benefits: 

• 

modest cost 

• 

improved visual aesthetics 

• 

proven performance 

• 

ease of installation 

• 

enhanced infiltration/groundwater recharge 

• 

reduced flow velocities 

• 

capture of sediments 

• 

hydrostatic pressure relief 

• 

resistance to heaving and differential 

settlement 

• 

self healing 

 

Rolled erosion control products (RECPs) are 

designed to encourage and enhance the 

effectiveness of vegetation as an erosion control 

material.  RECPs were introduced in the late 

1960s to remedy the limitations of conventional 

mulches by dependably meeting the two 

principal objectives of mulches:  

• 

reducing soil loss 

• 

enhancing site re-vegetation.   

 

Additionally, some RECPs can form a long-

term composite layer with the vegetation - tying 

together the individual plants at the root level - 

to create “reinforced turf”.  

 

RECPs, used in lieu of or in combination with 

conventional materials, offer the potential to 

limit erosion while providing the following 

advantages over traditional materials: 

• 

RECPs undergo rigorous quality control in a 

controlled manufacturing environment to 

minimize material variation. 

• 

Large RECPs rolls can be easily and 

efficiently deployed. 

• 

RECPs are often less costly to purchase, 

transport and install than alternative hard 

systems. 

• 

RECPs are engineered for optimal 

performance. 

• 

RECPs can be installed quickly. 

• 

RECPs are easily shipped, competitively 

priced and readily available to any location. 

• 

RECPs performance is not dependent upon 

weather conditions. 

 

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                                               GEOSYNTHETICS IN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL:                                          35 

Hard Armor Systems, Rolled Erosion Control Products, Silt Fence 

For more information please contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association at www.gmanow.com.