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A1198 Arrington

The increasing need for traffic calming along Britain’s A and B Road network brings with it a significant problem. How to maintain access for wide loads?

Such a problem was faced by Cambridgeshire County Council. The Romans left a legacy of long straight roads of which this; the old Ermine Street was one. This legacy in modern times enabled unacceptable traffic speeds to dissect village life along its route.

A particular problem, however, was the need to maintain access for what is classified as a designated Wide Load Route. The normal method of carriageway restriction by a traffic island would prevent such movements.

The answer was to construct a lay-by adjacent to the island which, under normal use, would be undetectable to normal road users. To traffic police, however, it would enable wide loads to operate by contra-flow around the island.

The system adopted was a 3 metre wide strip of GRASSCRETE GC2 (150mm deep paving) which, when added to the restricted carriageway, provided an overall access width of 6 metres.

Woodlands of College Station

Bomanite Grasscrete Systems provide a variety of landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable, “Green” product design. As a cast-in-place, monolithic, pervious concrete pavement that is continuously reinforced to provide superior structural integrity, Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access to a variety of applications without compromising surrounding aesthetics or environment. Now available to be installed with a new Molded Pulp Former made from 100% recycled paper products, developed and introduced by Bomanite Corporation in January 2007, Grasscrete installation costs are significantly lower, production is increased and environmental concerns are virtually eliminated.

In the Woodlands of College Station housing development project featured here, the designer’s at Kimley-Horn & Assoc., Inc. needed to find a functional and sustainable solution to create a fire lane with sidewalks constructed within to provide access between housing units in case of emergency. Needing a system fit to support large trucks and heavy vehicle loads, the solution was obvious–Bomanite Grasscrete Systems.

Without hesitation, the design team at Kimley-Horn contacted Texas Bomanite out of Dallas, TX and by mid- Summer 2007, after passing a city required “Fire Truck Load Test”, the 30,000 sq. ft. Grasscrete project was underway. With the economical and evident environmentally-friendly benefits of Bomanite’s new pulp formers, Texas Bomanite opted against using the plastic, single-use or reusable formers originally designed for Grasscrete installations on this project. “Compared to utilizing our old reusable former, the new pulp formers have offered us the opportunity to greatly increase our production. The setup time is less and we were able to make pours of up to 6,000 sq. ft. per day. With the old system, the pours were limited to 1,000 to 1,200 sq. ft. per day,” says Scott Balch, Owner of Texas Bomanite.

Unlike the plastic formers that require bridging or scaffolding to support workmen, the Molded Pulp Former can be walked on by workmen and can even bear the weight of wheeled concrete, thus increasing productivity. Bound by only simple starch, the former also eliminates the burning to open the former voids like the plastic versions require. The formers are easily broken down with pressurized water and the voids are opened with a simple “punch-type” tool. However, Grasscrete can be installed with single-use and/or reusable plastic formers if preferred.

The 27’ fire lane with 12” solid borders striped with fire lane markings was installed with a 3000 PSI pea gravel concrete mix with Superplaticizer. The concrete was placed at a 6” slump using a pump-truck for several pours. With a 6” crushed stone base specified by the Engineer on the project, the Grasscrete System was reinforced with #3 rebar on 16” centers. The concealed system made to be seeded with 1.5” of topsoil or grass also encompassed sidewalks raised to 1.5” above the installed system; all enclosed by a picture frame border.

Numerous valves, meter boxes and manholes were located within the fire lane and were adjusted to grade as well. With the installation going off without a hitch, Texas Bomanite’s Grasscrete application utilizing Bomanite’s new Molded Pulp Former proved to be exactly the high quality, cost-effective and sustainable solution that the project designer’s were looking for.

Navajo Elementary

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

This project is an example of a parking lot application requiring a pervious concrete surface that could withstand the New Mexico climate while dealing with exceptional water volume and providing the necessary structural capacity.

The Navajo Elementary School is located on a flood plain just west of the Rio Grande river not far from downtown Albuquerque. The area is subject to periodic flooding due to a combination of its topography, localized heavy rain and poor draining soils. The existing parking lot flooded fairly regularly with up to 6 inches of standing water present for extended periods of time. This posed safety and access issues for parents and teachers utilizing the parking lot daily. The Bomanite Grasscrete System was selected as the product to meet their needs due to the historically poor performance of traditional no fines or pervious concrete in the region.

The utilization of storm water retention chambers under approximately 20,000 square feet of the lot combined with the clear stone bed achieved the necessary capacity to handle the heavy rains. With a conventional stone filled void Grasscrete application capable of storing 3 inches of rain, this revised system was capable of several times this volume. This not only solved the parking lot flooding problem but gained additional capacity to pump water from areas surrounding the school when required.

The school itself, as well as the parking lot, were renovated at the same time while open so construction vehicles such as large delivery trucks, forklifts and waste disposal trucks had to gain access to the parking lot shortly after placement. This was achieved through the use of a concrete mix that had an average compressive strength of 4200 psi at 7 days and an ultimate strength in excess of 6000 psi while still utilizing the desired 26% fly ash replacement of portland cement. This mix in conjunction with the 8” on center #3 bar utilized in the formers allowed the slab to be opened to light vehicles within 36 hours and all vehicles within 72 hours of concrete placement.

While the main surface area is easy to navigate both by vehicle and foot, handicap access was provided using traditional broom finished concrete. This finish ran through the parking area where required with the surface pitched to drain into the Grasscrete System. This type of composite system is both cost effective and practical providing smooth uninterrupted access where necessary but still achieving the required amount of pervious surface.

Hamilton Pool Park Service Road

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

Description:

Bomanite Grasscrete Systems provide a variety of landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable, “Green” product design. As a cast-in-place, monolithic, pervious concrete pavement that is continuously reinforced to provide superior structural integrity, Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access to a variety of applications without compromising surrounding aesthetics or environment.

Bomanite Licensed Contractor, Bomanite of Austin, installed Grasscrete for a much needed upgraded emergency vehicle access lane for Travis County’s Hamilton Park. Hamilton Park receives 75,000 visitors a year and the service road needs to be accessible during all times of the year. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole which was designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in 1990. Located 3/4 mile upstream from its confluence with the Pedernales River, Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50 foot waterfall as it plunges into the head of a steep box canyon. The waterfall never completely dries up, but in dry times it does slow to a trickle. However, the pool’s water level stays pretty constant, even during periods of drought. Due to the nature of the the pool trail, it’s 1/4 mile in length and includes a series of rock steps descending into the canyon, there are times when immediate access is needed.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or slag—its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs.

Bomanite of Austin offers a variety of decorative concrete products and systems, and is dedicated to the highest standards of quality and service. Offering everything from imprinted concrete, exposed aggregate and sustainable Grasscrete Systems, Bomanite of Austin has the architectural concrete solution for you. For more information on this project or other questions, contact Bomanite of Austin at 512-491-0202 .

St. Mikes School

Bomanite Grasscrete Systems provide a variety of landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable, “Green” product design. As a cast-in-place, monolithic, pervious concrete pavement that is continuously reinforced to provide superior structural integrity, Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access to a variety of applications without compromising surrounding aesthetics or environment.

Bomanite Licensed Contractor, Green Pervious Systems was contacted to provide a solution to an existing entry courtyard that was landscaped with gravel and plants. Due to heavy foot traffic across the landscaped areas it was impossible for the school to maintain the upkeep of the landscaping. Bomanite Grasscrete Systems was selected to replace the gravel courtyard for several reasons, first, it would allow for foot traffic across the courtyard without destroying the planted grass. Second, the courtyard receives storm water runoff from the surrounding buildings and Grasscrete allows the water to be absorbed rapidly in the confined courtyards and provides a porous surface to stockpile snow that is removed from the walks in the winter months.

The Grasscrete System consisted of a lose ¾” gravel aproximately 6” thick for the drain bed which was covered with a filter fabric / weed barrier. The filter fabric then was covered with a 2” sand leveling course for the Molded Pulp Formers. The formers are placed to grade and concrete is placed on the formers and screeded level with the tops. The concrete was given a broom finish and after the concrete had set the tops of the formers are removed and clean topsoil was used to fill the forms. The soil was left approximately ½” low to prevent compaction of the planting material from foot traffic. The forms were then filled with grass seed to complete the system.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or slag—its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs.

Los Alamos National Bank

Bomanite Grasscrete Systems provide a variety of landscape solutions while maintaining a sustainable, “Green” product design. As a cast-in-place, monolithic, pervious concrete pavement that is continuously reinforced to provide superior structural integrity, Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access to a variety of applications without compromising surrounding aesthetics or environment.

The Bomanite Licensed Contractor, provided a much needed storm water drainage solution to the newly installed parking lot of the Los Alamos National Bank. The Bomanite Grasscrete System was chosen for selected areas and installed around the perimeter to allow for a central drainage channel. The installation consisted of a lose ¾” crushed concrete base approximately 6” thick for the drain bed which was covered with a filter fabric / weed barrier. The filter fabric was then covered with a 2” crusher fines leveling course for the Molded Pulp Formers. The formers were placed to grade and concrete was placed on the formers and screeded level with the tops. The concrete was given a broom finish. After the concrete had set the tops of the formers were opened up and clean ¾’ minus stone was used to fill the forms and allow for drainage of storm water.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or slag—its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs.

VanDellen Christian School

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

Description:

Approx 2,000 feet of fully grassed Bomanite Grasscrete was installed at the VanDellen Christian School. The Grasscrete system was covered with Bluegrass sod that provides an aesthetic appeal to a fire lane access that leads from a school parking lot along the edge of a sports field. There is a four foot span of regular concrete with a 16 foot installation of Grasscrete which creates a 20 foot wide emergency access road. The Grasscrete is irrigated along with the sports field.

This road allows the fire department to gain access to the buildings off a main street in the event of a fire. Using Grasscrete allowed the school to maximize the size of the sports field, creating a safer playing surface than concrete or asphalt. Additionally the use of the Grasscrete lessened the stormwater runoff that would otherwise have to be accounted for.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or slag—its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs.

River Band Executive Center

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

Description: Installation of a culvert crossing for the upgrading and stabilization of an existing graveled roadway to facilitate employee access. To improve security and for emergency services within a designated wetland and flood hazard area.

This accessway through the wetlands was a major connector between two corporate parks. Time was of the essence for travel back and forth. This caused the young grass to not take root in the center of the road. This would take years to spread and grow. The more it was traveled the longer it would take to grow. Sometimes crushed stone is used in high traveled areas such as this.

Permit Required: Made by the Environmental Protection Board of the City of Stamford, CT.

Regulated Activities: Includes selective clearing of vegetation, disposition of material and construction of a culvert/bridge crossing and “Grasscrete” road surface.

Traffic Durability: The pictures featured were taken at the Stamford project July 19, 2006. The accessway was initially installed across wetlands to provide access for security and emergency services. This commercial park is split in two parcels with wetlands separating them. There is approximately 8 buildings on one side and 20 buildings on the other side. There are only two entranceways into these two areas and they cross over active railroad tracks. This was the reason to connect the two parks to allow two egresses for both parks. Because of the limited access to these areas, the Grasscrete accessway is used for more than security and emergency services. This connector is vital for all who work there to get from one building to the other without going over the tracks. More important than the high traffic of the employees who work there is the high traffic of delivery trucks and tractor trailers who cross the accessway daily to deliver their products.

For almost 20 years this accessway was not being used for the reason it was intended to be used. As you can see by the photos the Grasscrete has stood up to the high traffic. Note, in the photos that there is no grass growing in the top soil spaces of the Grasscrete- This only happens with very high traffic.

Denver Water Department Credit Union

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

Description:

Approx 1,700 feet of Bomanite Grasscrete was installed at the Denver Water Department Credit Union using the GC2 Reusable Formers nearly 20 years ago. The road installed allows heavy equipment access to perform the maintenance such as dredging, grading or cleaning of the retaining pond when required. Both the Grasscrete and the surrounding area were planted with native vegetation and do not receive irrigation such as those areas adjacent to the parking lot.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or slag—its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs.

David Furman Architecture

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS/INFORMATION

Description:

This unique Bomanite Grasscrete installation was installed 20 years ago and uses recylced crush brick as an aggregate filler. The original installation use for Grasscrete was to facilitate the surface water on-site for aerification of large trees. The surface provides a second function for a structurally sound pervious parking access.

Grasscrete offers the ability to acheive LEED points for a varitey of applications. The Bomante Grasscrete system maintains water that would otherwise run off for use by returning it to the sub soils for plants. Additionally this water can be economically channeled using non-pervious membrane to collection points or to planting beds adjacent to the parking area. Water can be captured for use as irrigation. As another option, Xeriscape can be used in conjunction with a hybrid of grassed and exposed Grasscrete Systems to create a Xeriscape plaza with flowing lines funneling traffic or pedestrians through space not defined by traditional curbs or borders. Colored recycled glass aggregate or reclaimed porcelain aggregate, or in this case, recycled crushed brick could be used to fill the voids to create interesting bands of color and texture that circumvent the area.

Grasscrete offers the ability to provide year-round access for a variety of applications requiring structural paving surfaces without compromising the aesthetics of the exterior landscaping. Grasscrete is a very sustainable product that can employ a large recycled material content both in the form of aggregate and binder such as fly ash or sla  its lifespan is indefinite and can be recycled itself to form the aggregates for future Grasscrete applications; providing Specifiers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly system to accommodate a variety of needs