Erosion control and soil protection are essential considerations for any sitework project. Finding an effective and affordable solution can be challenging, but HydroTurf® may be the answer. As an engineer or contractor, we understand that the cost of a project can be a concern, which is why we want to introduce you to HydroTurf® as a cost-effective solution for erosion control and soil protection. It is more affordable than traditional options and requires minimal maintenance, making it a convenient and long-term solution for protecting your project.
What is HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® is an advanced erosion control product designed to protect areas prone to erosion, such as slopes, waterways, and construction sites. It is made from an impermeable geomembrane protected by engineered turf which is infilled with an engineered sand/cement mix called HydroBinder®, resulting in a fiber reinforced high-strength concrete matrix.
It offers a superior solution for erosion control, with vegetation’s environmental and aesthetic benefits combined with hard armor’s performance and maintenance benefits. It is ideal for various applications, including channel and stream stabilization, slope stabilization, and erosion control on construction sites.
How does HydroTurf® work?
It can best be described as an impermeable fiber-reinforced concrete liner. It combines engineered synthetic turf with a high-friction geomembrane. Offering superior erosion control, pointedly less turbidity, and significantly less maintenance, HydroTurf® eliminates the headaches of traditional vegetative erosion control systems.
What are the benefits of HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® offers several benefits, including its ability to effectively stabilize soil and protect against erosion, its durability and long-lasting performance, and its versatility in various applications. More specific benefits include:
Excellent Hydraulic Performance
HydroTurf® has undergone extensive, full-scale hydraulic performance testing by independent third-party laboratories. Flow velocities of 40 fps and hydraulic jump testing were performed with no instability or subgrade erosion. HydroTurf® provides predictable hydraulic performance.
Less Costly Construction
HydroTurf® is significantly less costly than hard armor revetment systems (i.e., concrete, rock riprap, and articulated concrete block). The installed cost for HydroTurf® is typically up to 50% less than that for traditional hard armor systems.
Rapid, Low-Impact Construction
Construction of the HydroTurf® system is rapid, low-impact, and scalable. Only small, lightweight construction equipment is needed for installation. On large projects, one (1) construction crew can install approximately 1 acre daily. Additional crews can be added to increase this rate.
50+ Year Functional Longevity
A functional longevity of 50+ years is engineered into the HydroTurf® system when properly maintained and demonstrated through accelerated independent third-party laboratory weathering testing.
Can HydroTurf® be applied straight on soil?
Yes, the soil typically requires subgrade preparation, but HydroTurf can be applied straight on after that. When preparing the subgrade, apply a smooth grade and remove any rocks, plants, twigs, or debris.
How does HydroTurf® compare to the cost of other revetment systems?
While pricing details vary depending on project size and location, HydroTurf® offers a compelling value proposition when compared to traditional hard armor solutions. Its engineered design delivers superior hydraulic performance, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance needs—all while maintaining performance under settlement conditions, which many alternatives cannot.
One of the most significant cost advantages lies in reduced logistics and installation effort. HydroTurf® requires far fewer truckloads to transport to the job site compared to materials like concrete, articulated concrete blocks (ACBs), or riprap. For example, covering 25,000 square feet would take only 5 truckloads of HydroTurf®, compared to:
- 23 truckloads of concrete
- 32 truckloads of ACBs
- 125 truckloads of 24″ riprap
This reduction in trucking not only lowers transportation costs but also speeds up installation and minimizes site disruption—making HydroTurf® an efficient and cost-conscious choice for long-term performance.
Are there different types of HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® is available in two different system configurations:
- HydroTurf CS® is typically used for high-velocity conditions and the protection of critical structures.
- HydroTurf Z® is ideal for less critical applications involving lower velocities and flow conditions. Each system is available in six color styles.
Are there different colors of HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® comes in six different color styles to match the natural surrounding terrain. Colors range from solid greens and solid tan to a variation of blended greens and tans.
Is HydroTurf® easy to install?
HydroTurf® requires minimal equipment and labor and can be installed by hand or with minimal machinery. This makes HydroTurf® a cost-effective solution for erosion control, as it does not require a lot of resources to install. HydroTurf® does not require a lot of specialized equipment or a large team of workers to protect against erosion from small residential projects to large commercial and industrial projects.
How difficult is it to maintain HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® requires minimal maintenance, which can significantly lower long-term maintenance budgets compared to vegetated solutions. Since mowing, seeding, or chemical treatments are unnecessary, HydroTurf® is a low-cost, low-impact scalable solution for armoring hydraulic structures against high velocity and shear stress.
What is the lifetime value of HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® has been extensively tested in laboratories and project applications for extreme performance and real-world durability. From extensive 5.5-ft overtopping flows to simulated 500-year hurricanes, HydroTurf® has established a new standard in the most comprehensive array of testing in the industry. Through long-term weathering tests, HydroTurf® is designed to have a 50+ year functional longevity when properly maintained.
What are the most common applications for HydroTurf®?
HydroTurf® can be used in many different applications for erosion control and soil stabilization, including applications such as channel and streambank stabilization, outfall structures, dam overtopping, levees, shoreline and bank protection, slope protection, DOT roadside applications, roof ballast, on golf courses and on pipeline right-of-way applications.
Channel and Streambank Stabilization
Hydraulic forces from stormwater runoff can cause significant erosion and scour of channels and streambanks. The HydroTurf® revetment technology is designed to resist erosive forces under high-velocity conditions, even on steep-grade applications.
Outfall Structures
Outfall structures must protect watercourses, channels, swales, basins, and other stormwater features against erosion. HydroTurf® provides an excellent solution for the concentrated, high-velocity stormwater flows exiting outfall culverts.
Levees
The HydroTurf® revetment solution armors levee’s to protect against extreme hydraulic conditions of storm surges, wave overtopping, and river flooding. It exceeded the USACE hydraulic performance specifications for levee wave overtopping protection.
Dam Overtopping
In high-velocity applications of dam spillways and embankments, HydroTurf® has been shown to protect against overtopping depths of 5.5 feet and the resulting flow velocity of 40 ft/s. It also protects the subgrade from erosion during severe hydraulic jump conditions. HydroTurf® is recognized by Dam Safety agencies, including FEMA, as a solution for overtopping protection.
Shoreline and Bank Protection
HydroTurf’s 5,000-PSI proprietary fiber-reinforced infill with the integrated polyethylene (PE) geomembrane provides a hard armor revetment against wave attack and fluctuating water levels. It offers exceptional performance at a lower cost than traditional alternatives.
Slope Protection
Erosion control on slopes can be challenging, especially when establishing vegetation is difficult. HydroTurf® is the solution for these slopes by providing an armoring that looks and feels like natural turf.
Landfill Storm Water Management System
Created specifically for down chutes, bench drains, and perimeter channels on and around landfills, HydroTurf® provides superior hydraulic performance capable of handling large flows on steep gradients resulting in very high velocities.
Golf
Used by top golf courses throughout the world, HydroTurf® is the ideal solution for courses where natural vegetation takes a beating and is challenging to establish and maintain. These high-traffic and erosion-prone areas include cart paths, maintenance paths, lake and pond shorelines, drainage channels, and outfall protection.
Roof Ballast
HydroTurf® is the perfect roof ballast solution for protected membrane roofs. It has been shown to resist uplift at wind speeds over 150 mph. Also, it provides excellent resistance to physical and environmental damage.
Roadside Shoulders, Medians, and Landscaping
HydroTurf® provides a total roadside management system that eliminates erosion, does away with vegetation management, institutes easy long-term maintenance, and has beautiful aesthetics.
How does HydroTurf® save me money?
HydroTurf’s minimal maintenance requirements can lower long-term maintenance costs compared to vegetated solutions. Vegetation management and erosion control are significant maintenance costs for Anchored Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM) products. Maintenance costs for these TRMs may be as high as $1,500/acre/year. HydroTurf® requires minimal maintenance and will drastically lower long-term maintenance budgets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HydroTurf® is an advanced erosion control product that offers a cost-effective, long-term solution for protecting areas prone to erosion, such as slopes, waterways, and construction sites.
HydroTurf® is made from an impermeable geomembrane that mimics natural grass’s structure and function. HydroTurf® offers superior erosion control, with vegetation’s environmental and aesthetic benefits and hard armor’s performance and maintenance benefits.
It is ideal for various applications, including channel and stream stabilization, slope stabilization, and erosion control on construction sites. The benefits of HydroTurf® include excellent hydraulic performance, less costly construction, rapid, low-impact construction, and 50+ year of functional longevity. HydroTurf® is available in two system configurations: HydroTurf CS® and HydroTurf Z ®. It is a highly recommended solution for those needing erosion control and soil protection on their sitework project.
Need help with erosion control? We’re here to answer any inquiries you may have. Don’t hesitate to send us your questions now. Contact your local Ferguson expert.
