New developments can enhance public spaces and provide basic needs, such as housing and employment; however, we must consider the environmental effects of these developments in the design stage. As more impervious surfaces are introduced into the natural environment, concerns such as stormwater runoff and the heat-island effect have increasingly been ad- dressed through the adoption of green infrastructure and low-impact development practices. This can be ac- complished by integrating systems that reduce runoff and promote natural water infiltration within the ever- increasing built environment. Incorporating vegetated systems providesmyriadbenefits when it comes to meeting green infrastructure goals. Veg- etated systems not only offer a natural aesthetic but also promote critical stormwater infiltration. These systems are also much cooler than traditional asphalt or concrete surfaces, thus reducing the heat-island effect. While green space is desired, soil stabilization and erosion control solu- tions are often required for developments. The GEOWEB® 3D Soil Stabilization System (geocells) transforms infill throughconfinement, providingstrength and stabilization to cohesionless soils for applications including porous pavements, green retaining walls and slopes, stormwater channels, and tree root protection. The GEOWEB system minimizes environmental impact and offers cost-effective means for creating sustainable, long-term solutions. Porous Pavements Double as Load-Support Structure & On-Site Stormwater Management System The Clean Water Act stipulates the need for stormwater management, and most states have developed non- point pollution regulations with specific targets. Local governing bodies may require even more stringent stan- dards if the project is near a protected wetland or water source. Porous pavements help meet these regulations while performing to load-bearing requirements. In heavier traffic areas where permeability is desired, the GEOWEB® Porous Pavement System offers an economi- cal and environmentally friendly alternative to tradi- tional hard-paved surfaces. The systems perform double duty as a load support structure and an on-site water detention/retention storage basin, reducing or eliminat- ing long-term maintenance requirements and costs for Green Infrastructure & Low- Impact Development Solutions Using 3D Cellular Confinement
on-site stormwater systems. Fire lanes and occasional- use traffic areas can be built with topsoil/aggregate engineered infill for load-supporting grass pavements, and with GEOWEB reinforcement, the porous pavement system can be designed to accommodate heavy-weight emergency and maintenance vehicles with HS25 loading
and greater with minimal required base. Reduce Runoff with Swales & Vegetated Stormwater Channels
Grassed swales help collect runoff from parking lots by slowing and infiltrating the water while directing it to storm drains. Swales and drainage ditches are typically intended for low- to moderate-intermittent flows. The GEOWEB 3D system helps confine the topsoil while pro- moting vegetation to prevent failure through erosion. Testing performed at Colorado State University shows how the GEOWEB geocells function in channel and em- bankment applications. The results show that vegetated channels can be designed for higher flows when stabi- lized with the geocells technology and turf reinforce- ment mat (TRM). The GEOWEB channels can withstand up to 30 feet per second compared to five to six feet per second with erosion blankets. The GEOWEB vegetated channels can also be designed as tiered retaining wall structures. Intended for low- moderate, or intermittent higher flows during storm events, these channels can be designed with a narrow horizontal footprint to accommodate more volume to help mitigate flooding. Repair & Prevent Erosion with Green Slopes &Walls The GEOWEB® Slope Protection System is an economical solution to surface-stability problems on challenging slopes. The GEOWEB system stabilizes the upper soil lay- er to resist sliding, prevent recurring erosion caused by surface runoff and thereby allowing for the construction of steeper slopes at challenging or complex sites. The
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