Case Study | Parkway Slope

Situation

Record rainfall on a slope above a Minnesota parkway caused a massive landslide closing a popular biking, walking, and commuter road. Concerns over the stability of the slope added to the challenging project as a hospital and clinic were located at the top ledge of the slope. The scope of the project also raised environmental concerns and many federal regulations had to be addressed before a solution was implemented. Months of engineering and project solutions were discussed to determine the best plan for the failed slope. Weather and access to the site posed a separate set of challenges. All of these aspects made it critical for the engineers, contractors and Profile Products to work together to provide the most effective solution for this challenging situation.

     
Slope Prior to Application, June 2014

Challenges

• Steep 1:1 slope
• Slope stabilization
• Environmental impacts
• Weather and access to the site

Solution

• Soil test performed to determine the nutient value at the site
• Starter Fertilizer
• ProGanics® Biotic Soil Media™ at 3,000 lbs./acre
• GreenArmor® System:
  • Futerra® 7020 Turf Reinforcement Mat
  • Flexterra® HP-FGM™ at 3,000 lbs./acre
    

    Full vegetation established, August 2016

     

Results

After topsoil was used to help fill-in the site's new slope, a soil test was performed. Results from the test showed a lack of organic matter in the topsoil. The lack of organic matter made it impossible for the soil to provide the required nutrients to the plant and sustain vegetation. The soil test identified Profile's ProGanics® Biotic Soil Media™ as the prescribed solution. ProGanics not only raised the organic level, it also provided other beneficial constituents to the soil such as biochar, seaweed extract, humic acid and endomycorrhizae.

To increase the slope's stability, Futerra 7020 Turf Reinforcement Mat was used to stabilize the soil to provide a stable platform for the plant while it develops its own natural root zone. Flexterra®, Profile's High-Performance Flexible Growth Medium™ was also used to protect the seed and slope from erosion. Together, this created Profile's GreenArmor® System, a combination of superior turf reinforcement and the ideal growth medium for plant establishment.

The decisions made by engineers and contractors to stabilize and reestablish vegetation on the new slope paid off. ProGanics provided the rich nutrient organic matter needed for the seed to become fully establish in less than 2 months. Profile’s GreenArmor System protected the site from erosion and helped strengthen the root zone of the vegetation.

Profile Products gives you access to the best products and industry expertise to ensure project success. Contact us today to see how we can be a resource for you on your next project.

Profile Products - http://www.profileproducts.com/
750 W. Lake Cook Road, Suite 440 | Buffalo Grove, IL  60089
800-508-8681