New Technology Report – September 2013 Fiberweb Paving Solutions Innovative Technology:

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Fiberweb (through its sub-companies, TERRAM, Typar and Boddington’s) offers a suite porous pavement products for any vehicle load or traffic level, including in areas that require load dispersal to protect tree roots.

Use:

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Benefits of technology:

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Access roads & parking areas (overflow & permanent) Driveways & residential parking Temporary site access Trails & paths (pedestrian, bike & equestrian) Service yards & loading areas Emergency vehicle access Truckpave: -Recycled plastic can hold up to 60 tons -Can be filled with grass or gravel -Flexible and crack resistant -Do not transfer heat that dries out soil -Anti-skid surface available

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BodPave 85/40: -Interlocking cellular system can be filled with grass or gravel -Gravel provides a surface for intensive use and use by vehicles >6 tons, while grass allows for occasional use by lighter vehicles. -Can be installed using a “reduced dig” configuration where ground is firm or where a hard stone base already exists. This reduces installation site prep, time, & cost.

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GrassProtecta -Reinforces grass surfaces prone to rutting -Capable of withstanding light vehicle loads -Has more traction & slip resistance than turf -No excavation or soil removal required

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Geocell Root Protection -Cellular system filled with granular material distributes loads laterally to minimize compaction around tree roots. -Geotextile cell fabric allows water and air to move across cells. -Can be installed as a temporary surface and then removed, or installed with BodPave on top to form a permanent driving surface.

Drawbacks:

Case Studies: Suppliers/Contacts:

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TERRAM, which makes Truckpave, is located in the United Kingdom (Fiberweb/Boddington’s, which sells TYPAR products, including Bodpave, GrassProtecta and Geocell, has a location in Roseville, MN)  GrassProtecta can be slippery when wet, especially where grass is not yet established. Where ground is weak or waterlogged, a sub-base may be required. No local demonstration projects exist. Fiberweb Geosynthetics: Matt Kocian (work) 651-330-2920 / (cell) 612-940-8865 [email protected] Ramy Turf Products (distributor): Todd Larson 651-917-0939 [email protected]

Conclusion:

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Their suite of products is comprehensive, which can be helpful on large-scale, multi-functional projects. The Geocell root protection and the Bodpave seem the most promising of their products. The Bodpave performs well under a variety of traffic levels and looks attractive.

Technology Description: This suite of paving systems provides permeable surfaces that stabilize the ground and allow for movement of any load, from pedestrians through trucks. Additionally, Fiberweb offers a Geocell root protection system that can be used as a base layer around existing trees so that they can be driven over without depriving roots of air and water, or causing compaction.

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Costs: GrassProtecta has been quoted to cost $12-14 per sf installed with base materials. Geocell Root Protection has been quoted to cost $16-18 per sf installed. Fiberweb representative Matt Kocian will be available to consult on any upcoming designs and for additional information regarding the Bodpave and Geocell Root Protection System.

Figure 1 – Bodpave Configuration Options

Figure 2 - Truck Pave

Figure 3 – Bodpave Gravel Parking

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Figure 4 – Geocell Root Protection

Figure 5 – GrassProtecta

Design Criteria: Choosing the right system requires knowledge of use intensity, vehicle loads, strength of subgrade, and time allowed for establishment. TruckPave can handle the heaviest loads/most intense use, followed by BodPave 85, BodPave 40, and GrassProtecta. The thickness of the sub-base will vary based on the strength of the subgrade. When filled with gravel, these systems can be used immediately; however, if turf is desired, full establishment is recommended before use. Proven Water Quality Controls: These products have been developed for use in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) - the UK’s version of stormwater management practices. Where Geocell Root Protection is used, not only are existing trees being protected, but water and air are freely available to tree roots. Maintenance: As with any porous paver system, fines are a primary concern. Typar makes geotextiles that can be used to prevent fines from entering the sub-base layer. Any underdrains should be inspected on a yearly basis and jet-cleaned if clogging becomes evident. After a time, the fill may need to be removed, washed and replaced if fines have built up and are preventing drainage. Establishing and maintaining these systems with turf is more intensive than with gravel. If grassed areas are not

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watered and fertilized, it is unlikely that they will grow through the mesh or paver. Without proper maintenance, the grass will not fully establish and the potential for erosion from the site it possible. Conclusion: Fiberweb’s porous paving products can be tailored to a wide variety of applications. Their suite of offerings is nearly comprehensive, which can simplify complicated projects. BodPave seems to be one of the most promising products, as it is suitable for many traffic situations, is flexible in appearance, 100% recycled, and includes options like snap-fit parking spot markers that add to its look and function. Its ability to be used in conjunction with Geocell Root Protection makes it suitable for situations in which tree preservation is a priority. The Geocell system may be more suitable than placing large volumes of mulch down to protect the soil as is currently often done as a construction practice to limit disturbance.