Turf Reinforcement Mats

DRAINAGE CONTROL TECHNIQUE

Low Gradient Velocity Control Short Term

Steep Gradient ✔ Channel Lining ✔ Medium-Long Term
Outlet Control Soil Treatment Permanent ✔

Symbol

Photo 1 – Permanent turf reinforcement Photo 2 – Reinforced grass with the grass
mat (black) surrounded by temporary layer removed as part of a field day
erosion control blankets demonstration

Key Principles
1. The principal hydraulic design parameter is either the allowable flow velocity or allowable
shear stress.
2. The key operational issues include provision of appropriate anchorage (critical if surface
flows are possible soon after placement), the provision of good contact with the in-situ soil,
and the prompt establishment of grass (if seeding is performed after placement).
3. Synthetic reinforced mats can entrap and/or impact ground-burrowing wildlife.
4. Consideration should be given to the risk and consequences of damage by grass fires.

Design Information
Turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) are a category of Erosion Control Mats (ECMs), which fall
under the general category of ‘Rolled Erosion Control Products’ (RECPs).
Not all turf reinforcement mats can provide adequate erosion control in the absence of
vegetation (i.e. after grass dieback, fire, or during periods of drought). Some turf reinforcement
mats provide only limited defence against the effects of raindrop impact. Such mats have an
open structure and usually contain a biodegradable mulch layer.
It is noted that ‘hydraulic performance’, measured in terms of allowable flow velocity or shear
stress, is just one of many issues requiring consideration when selecting the preferred erosion
control mat.
With respect to hydraulic performance, selection and design should be based on manufacturer’s
design specifications in circumstances where reliable data is available (i.e. data confirmed by
laboratory testing). Table 1 can be used to identify the appropriate classification (Class) of mat
(note; Table 1 does not represent a universally adopted classification system).

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 Table 1 – Default selection guide for erosion control mats
Class 1 2 3
Type A B C AX BX CX A B C A B C D
Typical location Rural Urban Embankment, chutes & drainage channels
Maximum bank 4.0 2.5 2.0 4.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0
slope (X:1)
Permissible shear N/A 50 70 N/A 50 70 N/A 95 95 95 95 170 240
stress (Pa)
Allowable ‘sheet’ <1 1.1 1.3 <1 1.1 1.3 1.3 1.5 1.5 1.5 N/A
flow velocity (m/s)
Allowable
‘concentrated’ <1 2.2 2.6 1.4 2.2 2.6 1.7 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.7 3.9
flow velocity (m/s)
Mowing required
during plant       
establishment
Pedestrian traffic
likely to occur
      
during plant
establishment
Wildlife friendly   
Within 9m of   
airport runways

Erosion control blanket/mat classification system

A classification system for erosion control blankets and mats (e.g. Class 1, Type A) is provided
in Table 2. In general terms, this classification system is based on the following distinctions.

Class 1 blankets:
Class 1 includes those temporary, light-duty Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) that are
primarily used in areas of “sheet” flow, and thus are termed Erosion Control Blankets. A further
division is made by separating those products best used away from pedestrian areas (Type A, B
& C), and those products used in areas where the blankets could be subject to foot traffic or are
likely required to experience mowing during the service life of the blanket (Type AX, BX & CX).

Class 2 blankets/mats:
Class 2 includes those temporary, heavy-duty Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) that
are primarily used in areas of medium shear stress such as embankment higher than 3m in
tropical areas, and drainage channels. These products are termed Erosion Control Blankets or
Mats depending on their use.

Class 3 mats:
Class 3 comprises permanent, heavy-duty Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) that are
primarily used in areas of high shear stress such as drainage channels and spillways/chutes.
These products are typically termed Erosion Control Mats.

Class 3 - Type B, C and D Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRM) are permanent, 100% synthetic,
open-weaved mats that shall be continuously bonded at the filament intersections. TRM mats
shall be completely filled with topsoil immediately after installation. Loosely packaged
discontinuous filaments are not permitted in this category.

To prevent initial soil loss, Class 3 TRM mats, Type B, Type C, and Type D, must be covered
with either an approved soil stabiliser, or approved Erosion Control Blanket (Class 1 or 2)
immediately following installation. These materials shall be considered incidental to the
installation of Class 3 TRM mats.

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 Table 2 – Classification of erosion control blankets and mats
Class 1 2 3
Type A B C AX BX CX A B C A B C D
[1]
Typical location Rural Urban Embankment, chutes & drainage channels
Permissible shear N/A 50 70 N/A 50 70 N/A 95 95 95 95 170 240
stress (Pa) [2]
Maximum slope [3] 4.0 2.5 2.0 4.0 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.0
(X:1)
RUSLE C-factor 0.2 0.2 N/A N/A
(maximum)
Used in drainage No [4] [4] No [4] [4] Yes Yes
channels
Turf reinforce- No No No No Yes
ment mat (TRM)
Minimum service 3 months [5] 3 months [5] 1 years [6] Permanent matting
life
Thickness (mm) N/A N/A 9 9 N/A N/A
Able to withstand N/A Yes Yes Yes
mowing [7]
Able to withstand N/A Yes Yes Yes
foot traffic [8]
Wildlife friendly [9] Yes N/A Yes N/A Yes N/A [10]
[11]
Anchor pins Any Biodegradable Any Any
Primary blanket or matting component
Primary material Organic Organic [12] Organic [13] Synthetic
Manufacture Non-woven Non-woven [14] [15] [16] N/A Woven/welded
Netting component
Netting No Allowed No Allowed No [17] Yes Yes
Type N/A Any N/A Organic N/A [18] [19] Synthetic
% of weight (max) N/A 15% N/A 15% N/A 15% N/A
Photodegradable Allowable Allowable N/A Yes No
Biodegradable Allowable 100% 100% Yes No
Stitching N/A As for N/A As for N/A As for As for netting
properties netting netting netting
Notes:
[1] ‘Typical location’ is a general classification. The primary objective is to ensure ongoing safety to
pedestrian traffic potentially affected by rusty, metallic anchoring pins/staples. Note; galvanised
pins/staples are generally not acceptable due to limited anchorage of the blanket/mat.
[2] Failure in shear is defined by either, separation of 10% of the blanket from the soil surface, and/or the
equivalent loss of 12mm of soil from the treated area (as per ASTM D6460-99 or equivalent).
[3] Maximum slope applied only when significant rainfall is possible prior to plant establishment.
[4] Blankets/mats can be used within minor (low velocity) drainage channels or on the banks of
waterways in locations where revegetation is expected to occur before subject to high flow velocity.
[5] Service life defined by the maintenance of a maximum Cover Factor (C) of 0.20 based on the
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) prior to establishment of the required vegetation
cover. A minimum 6 months service life may be required in locations where vegetation establishment
is known to be slow, such as during winter months.
[6] Service life defined by either the maintenance of a maximum Cover Factor (C) of 0.20 based on the
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) prior to establishment of the required vegetation
cover, or separation of 10% of the blanket from the soil surface, and/or the equivalent loss of 12mm
of soil from the treated area (as per ASTM D6460-99 or equivalent).
[7] Requirement to allow for mowing of the treated surface without causing damage to the blanket
applies to those areas where mowing of the emerging grass will likely be required prior to
establishment of the required (e.g 70% cover) vegetation cover.

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Table 2 notes (continued):
[8] Requirement to allow for occasional foot traffic without causing damage to the blanket applies to
those areas where occasional foot traffic is anticipated prior to establishment of the required (e.g 70%
cover) vegetation cover.
[9] Requirement for the blanket to accommodate potential ground-dwelling wildlife is typically required
when the blanket is placed adjacent to wildlife areas such as bushland, wildlife corridors, waterways,
and land containing grazing animals.
[10] Turf reinforcement mats can potentially affect and/or be damaged by grazing animals.
[11] Anchorage pins/staples may be required to be biodegradable (e.g not metal) in order to minimise the
risk of injury to humans, domestic animals, or wildlife following the long-term exposure of rusty or
otherwise dangerous obstacles buried in the soil. Biodegradable anchorage pins/staples are also
required on all blanket/mat installations within 9m of an airport runway. Note; it is the ‘rusting’ of metal
staples that provides much of their anchorage properties.
[12] Manufactured from 100% jute or coir fibres, or combination there of.
[13] The parent material of Class 2 Type B & C blankets/mats must have a maximum water absorption
rate of 300%, by weight (ASTM D1117 or equivalent); and a maximum swell (wet thickness change)
of 30% (as per ASTM D1777 or equivalent). The lignin content must be greater than 38% (as per
Technical Assoc of the Pulp and Paper Industry test method T222 or equivalent).
[14] Jute and coir products may be either non-woven (thick blankets), or woven (mesh). Warning, jute
mesh may not be able to achieve the 1-year service life if located within a moist environment.
[15] Woven mats allowed with a maximum opening of 12mm.
[16] Woven or non-woven material allowed.
[17] Blanket can be reinforced with netting made from organic fibres only (e.g. jute or coir).
[18] Only organic fibres are allowed to avoid wildlife being trapped within the netting.
[19] Non-organic, photodegradable or biodegradable netting allowed.

Table 2presents the flow stability properties of erosion control blankets and mats in terms of
permissible shear stress measured in units of Pascals (Pa). Permissible shear stress is
considered a more reliable measure of blanket’s resistance to damage by water flow and is the
measure typically used within Europe and USA; however, allowable flow velocity is more
commonly used within Australia.
Table 3 defines the relationship between allowable shear stress (Pa) and allowable flow velocity
(m/s) for various values of hydraulic radius (R) and assumed Manning’s n roughness presented
within the table. The table is appropriate for non-vegetated, three-dimensional turf reinforcement
mat (TRM) such as Class 3, Types B, C and D mats.

Table 3 – Equivalent allowable flow velocity (m/s) for a given permissible shear stress
(Pa) for non-vegetated turf reinforcement mats
Assumed Permissible shear stress (Pa)
Hydraulic
Manning’s
radius (m)
roughness 50 70 95 100 150 170 240
0.06 0.05 0.65 0.72 0.79 0.85 0.91 0.97 1.02
0.04 0.10 1.09 1.22 1.33 1.44 1.54 1.63 1.72
0.036 0.15 1.29 1.45 1.58 1.71 1.83 1.94 2.05
0.033 0.20 1.48 1.66 1.81 1.96 2.09 2.22 2.34
0.031 0.25 1.64 1.83 2.00 2.16 2.31 2.45 2.59
0.029 0.30 1.80 2.02 2.21 2.38 2.55 2.70 2.85
0.026 0.40 2.11 2.36 2.58 2.79 2.98 3.16 3.33
0.023 0.50 2.47 2.77 3.03 3.27 3.50 3.71 3.91
0.02 1.0 3.19 3.57 3.91 4.23 4.52 4.79 5.05
0.02 1.5 3.42 3.82 4.19 4.52 4.83 5.13 5.40
0.02 2.0 3.59 4.01 4.39 4.74 5.07 5.38 5.67
0.02 2.5 3.72 4.16 4.56 4.92 5.26 5.58 5.88
0.02 3.0 3.84 4.29 4.70 5.07 5.43 5.75 6.07

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For detail design information refer to Hewlett et al. (1987) – CIRIA Report 166, “Design of
Reinforced Grass Waterways”.

Table 4 provides allowable shear stress values recommended in Fifield (2001).

Table 4 – Maximum allowable shear stress and flow velocity [1]

Material Test Time (hr) Shear Stress (kg/m2)

TRM on bare soil 0.5 240
50 95
TRM on vegetated ground 0.5 380
50 240
Composite TRM on bare soil 0.5 240
50 95

Composite TRM on vegetated ground 0.5 380

50 240
[1] Source: Fifield (2001) “Designing for Effective Sediment and Erosion Control on Construction Sites”.

Table 5 provides typical Manning’s (n) roughness values for non-vegetated turf reinforcement
mats (i.e. flow condition during the initial stage of grass establishment).

Table 5 – Manning’s roughness for non-vegetated turf reinforcement mats [1]

Material Flow depth less Flow depth of Flow depth greater

than 150mm 150 to 600mm than 600mm
Non-vegetated turf 0.036 0.026 0.020
reinforcement mats
[1] Source: Fifield (2001) Designing for Effective Sediment and Erosion Control on Construction Sites

Table 6 provides typical Manning’s (n) roughness values for grassed surfaces with a grass
blade length of 50 to 150mm. It should be noted that significant variations can occur in the
channel roughness depending on the type, health and density of grass.

Table 6 – Manning’s roughness for grassed channels (50–150mm blade length) [1]

Hydraulic Swale Slope (%)

Radius (m) 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 5.0
0.1 — — — 0.105 0.081 0.046
0.2 — 0.091 0.068 0.057 0.043 0.030
0.3 0.078 0.064 0.053 0.043 0.031 0.030
0.4 0.063 0.054 0.044 0.033 0.030 0.030
0.5 0.056 0.050 0.038 0.030 0.030 0.030
0.6 0.051 0.047 0.034 0.030 0.030 0.030
0.8 0.047 0.044 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
1.0 0.044 0.044 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
>1.2 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
[1] Values are presented to three significant figures for convenience, but this should not imply the values
are accurate to three significant figures. A Manning’s roughness of 0.03 is adopted for hydraulic
radius greater than 1.2 metres in accordance with recommendations of original research, however
this may not always be appropriate.

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Figure 1 presents a diagrammatic representation of a three-dimensional turf reinforcement mat.

Figure 1 – Diagrammatic representation of a three-dimensional turf reinforcement mat

Figure 2 demonstrates the anchorage (trenching) of the upstream end of each mat.

Figure 2 – Anchoring of upstream edge of mat

Figure 3 demonstrates the placement of mats within wide channels that have an effective flow
width greater than the width of a single mat.

Figure 3 – Placement of mats along channel which received lateral inflow

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 Photo 6 – TRM prior to placement Photo 7 – Pre-grown TRM

Photo 8 – Lightly reinforced turf Photo 9 – Synthetic root reinforcing with

organic mulch layer

Photo 10 – TRM containing permanent, Photo 11 – Three-dimensional root

synthetic “mulch” layer reinforcing mat

Photo 12 – TRM showing use of wooden Photo 13 – Use of metal staples is

pegs (note emerging grass) generally discouraged

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Description Common Problems
Turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) are a Grass roots can become root bound within
category of Erosion Control Mats (ECMs), the topsoil provided with pre-grown TRM
which fall under the general category of products.
‘Rolled Erosion Control Products’ (RECPs).
Special Requirements
Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) usually
consist of either a two-dimensional or three- Four general requirements exist for
dimensional mesh made from synthetic effective protection against erosion:
materials, or a combination of both • good contact must be achieved;
synthetic and biodegradable materials.
They can be either laid on the surface of • seepage flow under the channel liner
the channel or buried just below the should be discouraged;
surface. • surface irregularities removed;
• good anchorage must be provided.
Purpose
Typically used to provide permanent Particular attention should be given to the
protection to high velocity drainage crest, toe and sides to avoid erosion and
channels and chutes. uplifting.
By definition, turf reinforcement mats are
Limitations best used in partnership with grass.
Synthetic-based products have limited use Mats should not be placed directly over a
in fauna inhabited bushland areas where dispersive soil. A minimum 100mm
ground-dwelling animals can become (depending on location) layer of non-
entangled in the mesh. dispersive soil should placed over the
The ability of reinforced grass to withstand dispersive soil prior to placement of the
grass fires is currently unknown. This issue mat.
is particularly important when it is used as a Special attention needs to be given to the
lining in permanent catch drains. free movement of lateral inflows towards
Care must be taken if planting any form of the invert of the channel. Lateral inflows
vegetation on these synthetic mats other may be deflected by the upper edge of the
than grass. The synthetic mesh can choke mat causing a rill to form that may
the root system of larger plants eventually undermine the mat.
The edge of the mats along the outer edges
Advantages of the treated area needs to be buried and
Quick installation. stapled into a 200mm deep trench. The
trench should then be backfilled flush with
Able to withstand high flow velocities. the surrounding ground to allow the free
Wide variety of commercially available entry of water into the channel.
products exist that are suitable for a variety
of uses. Site Inspection

Most products provide instant erosion Ensure the lining is adequately anchored to
protection. the soil.
Ensure the mats overlap in direction of flow.
Disadvantages
Check that lateral inflows can freely enter
Environmental problems can result from the the channel.
use of non-biodegradable materials in
bushland areas. Check for rill erosion along the up-slope
edge of the mats.
Slashing and normal grass cutting can cut
or otherwise damage partially buried mats.
Can be difficult to repair if damaged.
Removal of the mat (i.e. during drain
widening or relocation) may require removal
and disposal of valuable topsoil.

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Installation
11. In large drainage channel where the
The method of installation varies with the width of the channel is more than the
type of mat. Installation procedures should width of one mat, install each parallel
be provided by the manufacturer or mat such that mat higher up the
distributor of the product. A typical channel bank always overlaps the mat
installation procedure for non pre-grown lower down the bank by at least
TRMs is described below, but should be 300mm. This usually requires the mats
confirmed with the product manufacturer or located along the channel bed to be
distributor. unrolled first, followed by each
consecutive parallel mat located higher
1. Refer to approved plans for location,
up the channel bank.
extent and construction details. If there
are questions or problems with the 12. When all mats have been anchored
location, extent, or method of within the trench across the full width of
installation contact the engineer or the treated area, then the trench is
responsible on-site officer for backfilled and compacted. The mats
assistance. are then unrolled down the slope such
that each mat covers and protects the
2. Turf reinforcement mats shall be stored
backfilled trench.
away from direct sunlight or covered
with ultraviolet light protective sheeting 13. When spreading the mats, avoid
until the site is ready for their stretching the fabric. The mats should
installation. remain in good contact with the soil.
3. Remove all trees, brush, stumps, and 14. If the channel curves, then suitably fold
other objectionable material from the (in a downstream direction) and staple
proposed channel area and dispose of the fabric to maintain the fabric parallel
properly. to the direction of channel flow.
4. Excavate the channel and shape it to 15. Staple the surface of the matting at 1m
neat lines and dimensions as shown on centres. On irregular ground, additional
the approved plans. Over-cut the staples will be required wherever the
channel 50mm in depth to allow for mat does not initially contact the ground
bulking during seedbed preparations surface.
and turf build-up.
16. At the end of each length of mat, a new
5. Ensure any surface irregularities are trench is formed at least 300mm up-
removed. slope of the end of the mat such that
the end of the mat will be able to fully
6. If the channel is to be grassed, prepare
cover the trench. A new roll of matting
a smooth seed bed of approximately
is then anchored within this trench as
75mm of topsoil, seed, fertilise, water
per the first mat. After this new mat has
and rake to remove any remaining
been unrolled down the slope, the up-
surface irregularities.
slope mat can be pinned in place fully
7. Refer to manufacturer’s advice covering the new trench and at least
regarding placement of seed before or 300mm of the down-slope mat. The
after placement of the mats. process is continued down the slope
until the desired area is fully covered.
8. Excavate a 300mm deep by 150mm
wide anchor trench along the full width 17. In high-velocity channels, intermediate
of the upstream end of the area to be anchor slots are usually required at
treated. 10m intervals down the channel.
9. At least 300mm of the mat is anchored 18. Anchor the outer most edges (top and
into the trench with the roll of matting upper most sides) of the treated area in
resting on the ground up-slope of the a 300mm deep trench and staple at 200
trench. to 250mm centres.
10. Staple the fabric within the trench at 19. Ensure the turf extends up the sides of
200 to 250mm spacing using 100mm the channel at least 100mm above the
wide by 150mm penetration length U- elevation of the channel bed, or at least
shaped, 8 to 11 gauge wire staples. to a sufficient elevation to fully contain
Narrower U-sections may easily tear expected any channel flow that is
the matting when placed under stress. considered likely to occur within the first
month after placement.

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20. On slopes of 3:1(H:V) or greater, or 4. Maintain a healthy and vigorous grass
wherever erosion may be a problem, or condition whenever and wherever
in situations where high flow velocities possible, including watering and
are likely within 2-weeks of placement, fertilising as needed.
secure the individual strips with wooden
5. Maintain a minimum grass blade length
pegs.
of 50mm.
21. If seeding is required post placement of
6. Mowing should not be attempted until
the mats, then apply seed as per
the turf is firmly rooted, usually 2 to 3
supplier’s instructions.
weeks after laying.
22. If pre-grown turf is used, then ensure
7. All reasonable measures shall be taken
that intimate contact is achieved and
to collect grass clippings immediately
maintained between the turf
after mowing if their removal by
reinforcement and the soil such that
subsequent channel flows would
seepage flow beneath the turf is
contaminate sensitive downstream
avoided. Once fixed in place, the mats
waterways or otherwise cause
should be rolled with a roller weighing
undesirable environmental harm.
60 to 90kg/m width, then watered after
grass seeding has occurred.
23. Ensure that water entering the channel
will flow freely over the finished grass
surface.
24. Ensure surface water flowing laterally
into the channel will not be deflected
along the up-slope edge of the turf
causing soil erosion.
25. Damaged matting shall be repaired or
replaced.

Additional requirements associated with

use near airport pavements
1. Only erosion mats that are double
netted shall be allowed within 3.0m of
any airport pavement used by aircraft
with the exception of airports classified
as air carrier or corporate/transport. If
the airport is classified as an air carrier
or corporate/transport, there will be no
erosion mats allowed within 9.0m of
pavement used by aircraft.
2. Only biodegradable anchoring devices
shall be allowed in the installation of
any erosion mat for airport applications.
No metal staples will be allowed.

Maintenance
1. During the initial root establishment
period, check the treated channel after
every runoff-producing rainfall event.
2. If damage has occurred, immediately
initiate repairs with turf or by seeding as
appropriate.
3. Remove all significant sediment or
debris deposition to maintain the
required hydraulic capacity of the
channel.

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