The common problem seen in the newly formed slopes is erosion. Man made and natural slopes are subject to erosion due to wind and water. The factors favouring erosion are soil, which are cohesion-less and lose in nature; the absence of binding force or loss of shear strength due to saturation.
The ground surface requires grass / vegetation cover to protect the soil from erosion. In the absence of vegetation some other means should be adopted to act as a cover and protect the surface against erosion.
The netting provided on top and bottom of the Garmat acts as a reinforcing material for the roots of the grass. The roots of the turf get entwined with the netting, which enhances further the growth of the vegetation. It has been found that the root density increases from 1500 Kg/Ha to 4500 Kg/Ha by using the micro reinforced vegetation, which effectively reinforce the soil surface. The micro reinforced vegetation enhances the shear strength even under saturated condition by root fiber reinforcement of soil.
Applications
The Garmat is designed to give stability to slope surfaces by thus avoiding surface erosion.
