Strong ground engineering qualities and fit-for-purpose installation are key to the sustainability
Grasscrete offers an engineering solution with a structural quality for heavy-duty trafficking and flood alleviation sustainable for many years. With in-built permeable qualities Grasscrete also meets SUDS requirements, mitigating surface water run-off and its implications for the local storm water network.
Cast-on site concrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems are all options - tailored fit for purpose ground engineering solutions are all available from Grass Concrete,
Achieving maximum and sustainable grass cover is best guaranteed by a system that promotes permeability, the depth and shape of the soil pockets therefore has a critical part to play if grass cover is to be sustained. Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to promote maximum grass coverage.
Ground reinforcement failure often stems from either an inability to accept weight load or an issue of waterlogging causing loss of grass and weakened support. Specifiers must consider “will the grass cover and then the structure stand up to heavy duty trafficking”.
Increasing the green built environment often includes grass paved carparks with the potential of daily traffic and heavy-duty vehicles. Once again Grasscrete offers a unique system built to withstand regular heavy traffic. Grasscrete offers a unique structural integrity that plastic cannot match.
Critical to performance will be the below ground conditions. For traffic applications we recommend a sub-base, the depth of the sub-base should be based upon the condition of the ground relative to the required bearing capability. Most circumstances will see a sub-base depth of 150mm as being sufficient.
For non-traffic applications such as slope protection works, there is no requirement for a sub-base; on very steep slopes the placement and compaction of a sub-base could in any case be problematic. The key requirement on slopes is to prepare the sub-grade to a reasonable line and level; the finished level will tend to reflect that of the formation level.
With the notion that grass reinforced systems can permeate heavy rainfall at up to 90% the rate of natural grass a safe lag time can be achieved. Storing water within the system with low risk of ponding, until the ground can naturally re-charge is a significant benefit but requires a system that can offer a sufficient storage head to avoid surface flooding from “quarts into pint pots” issues.
Lag time is beneficial in the prevention of flooding and can be extended by introducing an underlying drainage blanket across the full extent of the paved area. The drainage blanket can be used to either attenuate permeation to the water table or be a vehicle for rainwater harvesting.
Grass paving systems have an increasing role to play in the development and sustainability of harmonised urban landscapes. Talk to experts of 40 years for a fit for purpose solution.
Grass Concrete Limited
Wakefield
Tel: + 44 (0) 1924 379443
Web: www.grasscrete.com
