Innovative Materials for the Protection of Overflow Earthen Weir Structures in the Sensitive Headwat

Adam Pierce, Engineering Business Manager, Solmax

Level: Intermediate
Duration: 1 hour
Type of Course: Webinar - Live

This south-central Florida case study examines the construction and protection of 40 different overflow weirs designed to reduce hydraulic stresses as the flow enters a series of culverts conveying water to the other side of a containment roadway berm that parallels the Kissimmee River basin. Protection of the weirs is critical to the performance of the structures themselves and the stabilization of the unpaved roadway berm. Specified with 8-inch concrete blankets, the project engineer revised the weir protection measures to a high-performance turf reinforcement mat (HTPRM) coupled with 3-foot-long engineered earth anchors with flexible tendons for a permanent tie down connection. This presentation will discuss the environmental benefits gained by switching from a traditional solution to a nature-based engineered solution, including but not limited to a reduction in carbon footprint, promotion of vegetation carbon sequestration, improved water quality and groundwater recharge, all at a reduced cost. A driving concern, with respect to material selection for this project, was improving water quality to the downstream Everglades system, the largest tropical wilderness in North America, which has also been recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Where and how these materials are being utilized continues to evolve as they are stabilizing and protecting infrastructure in ways that TRMs and HPTRMs have not before. It is important to continue long-term monitoring and inspection of these types of projects to evaluate their effectiveness and provide better guidance on the threshold of where these materials are appropriate. This discussion will also include innovations in the manufacturing and design of these materials, something many people are unaware of.

Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge of recent HPTRM manufacturing innovations regarding design life and fire retardance. 
• Awareness of new applications where these materials are being utilized. 
• Reminder that all projects need to be followed up on to evaluate effectiveness and understand lessons learned from all perspectives including owner, contractor, manager, practitioner, or citizen.