Maccaferri’s Solutions for Slope Stability and Soil Erosion

Slope instability and soil erosion is a common problem faced by steep slopes. Hydraulically applied Erosion Control Products (HECPs) provides erosion protection and protect surfaces from runoff moderately, especially in undulated steep slope grounds until vegetation takes over. 

Hydraulically applied Erosion Control Products (HECPs) control surface erosion and create an environment with growth medium which assists in accelerating vegetative establishment. These are applied in combination with seeds, fertilizers and other needed soil nutrients to provide immediate erosion protection and protect surfaces from surface runoff until vegetation takes over. In extreme conditions like in steep slopes and or in heavy rainfall areas, Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) MacMat® along with HECPs, adds stiffness and possess more strength against erosive forces. 

Slope instability and soil erosion is a common problem faced by steep slopes. One such highway project undertaken by Maccaferri in India was the Package 2- Trivandrum to Kanyakumari. This greenfield road passes through the foothills of Western Ghats, in the state of Tamil Nadu, comprised of several cut and fill sections in order to have a uniform gradient. This required stable cut sections of height ranging between 2 m to 18 m. The stretch was having a limited right of way to accommodate such high cut sections with steep slope inclination. This necessitated a solution of soil nailing with a flexible facia system. 

The flexible facia comprised of the high strength reinforced geosynthetic mat- MacMat® HS. Hydraulically applied erosion control measures using MacGanics and MacFlex along with other agronomic formulations were adopted to overcome difficulties of promoting vegetation on very steep slopes (79 degrees), inducing surficial strengthening and reducing soil erosion. Over a period of time, the vegetation growth on the steep cut slope made it aesthetically appealing and camouflaged the MacMat® HS. 

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