If you’re reading this, there is a fair chance that you are looking for a new and cost effective erosion control solution for some of your projects. We would like to introduce you to cable concrete mats, which provide an ideal alternative to the costly and time-consuming chore of having to pour concrete to complete a job.
Because cable concrete mats offer a range of applications for projects stretching from access roadway construction to waterway restoration, they’re a popular choice for appropriate projects. Thanks to their flexibility and easy installation, they can be deployed in a number of ways to make them even more effective.
There are two types of cable concrete mats to select from: open cell and closed cell. Which type of mat will benefit your project the most? Read on to learn more.
Open cell cable concrete mats
Though open cell cable concrete mats—mats that have not been filled with soil—have a more industrial aesthetic than closed cell cable concrete mats, they are ideal for situations where controlling erosion is the only concern. To further describe open cell, these have an opening in the middle of each concrete block that allows vegetation to grow through. For instance, fast moving water can cause significant erosion problems when it comes in contact with soil. Continued water-to-soil contact over time can undercut and wash away important supporting soils.
With open cell cable concrete mats strategically placed in at-risk areas, such as banks along roads and waterways, controlling erosion is possible along critical at-risk infrastructures. Open systems can also improve drainage in applications like landfill drainage routes—areas where infill is not necessary.
Closed cell cable concrete mats
Closed cell cable concrete mat installation means that gaps between the concrete blocks are filled in with soil or another similar substance. The ability to fill these gaps makes closed cell cable concrete mats an ideal solution for projects involving stream or river restorations, which are spaces where exposed concrete would detract from the surrounding natural settings. When used on the banks of a waterway, closed cell cable concrete mats allow for a more natural looking yet structurally sound bank.
In addition to fitting in with the surrounding natural environment, well-planned closed cell systems will have the additional stability provided by strong plant root systems. When used for the purposes of a roadway or boat ramp, closed cell cable concrete mats will allow for a smooth surface for vehicles to travel over. Another plus of closed cell systems is that they can be used to protect other things associated with infrastructure, like pipelines and cable housings, in a more natural looking way.
The first step in selecting the right type of cable concrete mats is understanding the needs of your project. From there, you’ll be able to get the best type fitted and installed in less time than it would take to pour concrete and wait for it to dry. When it comes to quality erosion control for your construction projects, contact International Erosion Control Systems Inc, your knowledgeable leader in and provider of open cell and closed cell cable concrete mats.