What are Geomats and Why are They Being Used?

Previously used for agricultural applications, geomats are now becoming more common for industrial, corporate and residential purposes. These mats are known as the future of ground design and layout due to their extended bi-oriented polyethylene construction.

The three-dimensional design of geomats is manufactured with water permeable synthetic materials such as polymer and polypropylene. A mixture of both can also be used for manufacturing the mats. The layers of geomats are adjoined with thermal technology which enhances their life and weather resistance. The MacMat range of Geomats (https://www.maccaferri.com/us/products/geomats-macmat/) are made of a layer that’s 10-20 mm thick, which makes this product extremely versatile.

Geomats are readily used in geotechnics, construction and many other industries for a wide variety of purposes such as vegetation or soil protection. In residential and industrial applications, these are used to fix grass, small plant roots and soil elements.

Primary Application Areas

Geomats can be used for the following purposes:

• Construction of vegetation platforms
• Protection from landslides and hydro-erosion, especially near roadside constructions
• Outdoor and indoor landscaping
• Architecture and ground design
• Reinforcement of riverside land or coastline
• Reinforcement of sloping ground or land near gutters, subgrades and banks

Unique Manufacturing Design

Geomats serve three primary purposes for soil:

• Separating
• Filtration
• Protection

Geomats have a unique design which resembles a three-dimensional honeycomb or yarn structure. It is similar to other kinds of plastic band constructions and geotextiles. The design and application style depends on the type, size, slope and moisture in the land.

Uses of Geomats

Geomats are used for a wide variety of applications such as protecting vegetation/soil from erosion. The design and application style depends on the type, size, slope and moisture found in the land. Learn more about the design and uses of geomats:

• Geomats can be used to protect bare soil or land against soil erosion.
• They can be used to ensure fast revegetation
• It can be used to ensure revegetation in areas where grass or bush cover root system is damaged.
• Geomats have a stable surface which protects against the erosive effects of water. They are also useful in areas that receive mineral-dense water.
• They reduce soil erosion by 50% in the land if constructed before erosion. In unprotected land, chances of erosion are 50% higher.
• With high tensile strength, geomats can withstand heavy water flow of up to 4m/s. This way, geomats can prevent the displacement of small to large soil particles. They also reduce erosion in areas exposed to the effects of hydraulic engineering.
• Geomats can effectively retain water in canals, pipelines and streams. The can be achieved by dispersing water flow equally and reducing kinetic energy produced by the flow of water.
• They can strengthen root layers along with reinforcing soil interface. This way, geomats help minimize soil erosion.
• Once installed on a surface, they are reinforced over time. Reinforced geomats retain a thick layer of soil even on steep non-water permeable slopes. This technology is used to stabilise the surface layer of soil where re-cultivation is required.

Why Geomats are Becoming Popular?

Erosion has become a common problem since the industrial era. Irregular water dispensing, thin soil layers, interrupted navigation and poor revegetation are some of the side effects of erosion. It can affect agricultural land and lead to poor vegetation. Geomats were initially introduced to reduce erosion and increase revegetation in eroded lands. Later, it was found that geomats can serve a variety of other purposes. This is why they are not only used in agricultural lands, but also for plantation and vegetation purposes in smaller areas such as industries, offices and homes.

The design and gradient of geomats depends on the size and steepness of the slope along with the quality of land. These are microbiologically and chemically inert. Easy installation and simple handling have made geomats the popular choice for controlling soil erosion and land layering. The erosion control mattress of geomats is made with polyester for reinforced geogrid intergrading or high-density polyethylene to allow for the development of stronger and deeper roots.

Geomats are an eco-friendly solution for preventing soil erosion and ensuring rapid revegetation by creating a surface which is resistant to the erosive effects of water. Compared to unprotected banks, geomats can also reduce soil erosion by over 50%.