Bound Infill Ballast Erosion Control on Steep Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing erosion protection systems, particularly those using artificial turf, are ineffective on steep slopes and large topographic features due to inadequate handling of rapid water runoff and wind uplift, and they fail to meet environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic ground cover system comprising a composite of impermeable backing, synthetic grass blades, and a bound infill ballast stabilized with a binding agent, which can be applied on non-level slopes to resist shear forces from water and wind, including the use of geotextiles and polymers for durability and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial turf is used for erosion protection on steep slopes, then the surface provides aesthetic appeal and basic coverage, but it cannot resist high-velocity water shear forces and wind uplift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines artificial turf with a bound infill ballast layer (cementitious or polymeric binder mixed with sand or gravel) to create a composite erosion protection system. This composite structure provides both the aesthetic and coverage benefits of turf while the bound infill layer adds the necessary strength to resist high-velocity water shear forces and wind uplift on steep slopes.
2Reliability
If multiple anchors are used to secure synthetic mat, then wind uplift resistance improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the anchoring function from separate mechanical anchors and integrates it into the bound infill ballast layer itself. The weight and bonding strength of the cured infill material provides the anchoring force, eliminating the need for additional anchor components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining wind uplift resistance.
3Reliability
If impermeable backing is added to synthetic grass, then water infiltration is prevented, but drainage capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different layers: the backing layer is made impermeable to prevent water infiltration and protect the ground, while the bound infill ballast layer on top provides erosion resistance. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to achieve both erosion protection and controlled drainage without contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents erosion on steep slopes and large topographic features, reducing maintenance and construction costs while meeting environmental standards, and provides a durable, aesthetically pleasing surface that can handle high-intensity precipitation and wind forces.
Implementation Method 1
a binding agent is applied to the infill ballast to protect the infill ballast against high velocity water shear forces
Implementation Method 2
a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of an impermeable backing and synthetic grass blade-like elements secured thereto
Implementation Method 3
the synthetic ground cover system can remain in place atop substantially non-level, sloping ground despite shear forces from gravity, wind, and water flow
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable backing/layer. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces.