Slopetame² (ST²) is a unique solution to age old problems - soil erosion and stabilization of soil on slopes and vegetated drainage channels.

The difficulty with most erosion control products are their lack of ability to keep soils in place until root systems are mature, and their potential to be undercut by rapid flow of storm water. These products are usually thin sheets of various materials, or open web-like matrices.

Other existing products act to "contain" various depths of fill materials by cellular constructions of fabrics or plastic sheets, but offer little resistance to water undercutting, or ability to interconnect cells of vegetation.

ST² System Description-
Each ST² unit is a 3-dimensional structure designed to isolate and contain small zones of soil over the entire slope surface, while at the same time preventing water from under cutting the unit and dislodging soil and roots.

ST² units consist of rigid upstanding rings connected with a flexible diagonal geogrid injection molded onto a geotextile fabric. The fabric acts to contain soil or gravel fill, while rows of bars and rings act to prevent erosion channels developing between rows of rings.

ST² Benefits-

• True 3-dimensional containment of fill.
• Rings and bars offer small scale confinement.
• Shallow depth of fill material needed.
• Strong diagonal grid to disperse loads across slopes.
• All units can be interlocked for continuous structure across slopes.
• Geotextile fabrics to strengthen root matrix.
• Fabrics act to slow speed of water infiltration and reduce chance of undercutting.
• Fabrics under gravel fill can prevent plant penetration from below and resist root penetration from above.
• Product is lightweight and easy to assemble.
• Recycled plastics are used.
• Plastics are treated for UV resistance.
• These plastics are inert from damage from normal chemicals used in horticulture.

ST² Units & System-
The ST² system includes the unit, and duckbill anchors – 3 ft (1 meter) lengths of 1/2" (1.25 cm) rebar not included. Soil preparation, product placement, anchors, soil or gravel fill, and irrigation (if required), are provided by the contractor, and considered an essential part of the installation of the system.

ST² Installation Guidelines-
If undisturbed slope continues above the area designated for ST², cut-off drains should be installed at the top of the new slope to intercept surface water generated from above. The new slope will need only to contend with water actually falling on the ST² surfaced area, minimizing storm water volume build-up.

At the toe of long slopes, or at terrace levels, additional cut-off drains may be installed for the similar purposes downstream.

The units should extend from the top to toe of a slope in one continuous piece. 1 - 2.5 meter wide rolls are sold in standard lengths but can be preassembled in custom lengths.

Generally spunbonded non-woven fabrics made of either polyester or polypropylene are used, to enhance root system strength.

Units are anchored securely from the top of the slope, and periodically along the face of the slope. Types of anchors used may vary with substrata conditions.

ST² units are then filled with small gravel, or a lightweight soil mix, preferably, which includes Hydrogrow soil conditioner to retain adequate moisture in the primary root zone.

Gravel Fill -
For slopes that do not require vegetation cover, the ST² units can be filled with small gravel - which should be 3/8's inch minus in size, and sharp (crushed) rather than rounded to best lock into place.

Vegetation -
ST² system can be very effective in assisting new vegetative cover to establish and remain in place for years by protecting the root zone from soil removal due to water runoff.
Compatible forms of vegetation include:

• Grasses
• Groundcovers
• Vines
• Shrubs
• Trees

The selected form(s) should be matched with slope, soil types, moisture, maintenance and aesthetic requirements of the site.

Shrubs and trees, with their larger roots, will most likely be restricted to slopes with permeable soils below the units and openings cut into the unit (remove rings with pruning shears) to allow proper root development.

Groundcovers other than grasses will usually be planted from pots ranging in size from 2" to 1 gallon. Small plants may have the root system split to grow over and between rings, while larger plants may require ring removal.

Grasses and most wildflowers will be best installed by seeding, or hydroseeding techniques.

As the root systems develop, roots will penetrate and integrate with the fabric layer to establish a very strong surface.

Normal Installation Steps-
Installation of the system begins with soil preparation.

1. The soil should be tilled to a depth of 10 cm to 15 cm.
2. Pre-assemble on flat ground 1, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 meter widths, for the continuous length of the slope, deforming the top of connection pins with heat (propane torch and screwdriver) to prevent separation.
3. Start at the highest elevation and place the ST² mat with rings up, fabric down, and the double hole corner at the upper right position, and unroll down the slope. Make connections to adjacent units and deform pins to keep interlocked.
4. Anchor the mat with 1 pin (15 cm long x 25 mm wide x 2 mm ga. wire) placed just inside the double hole corner, every 40" on center, or closer as may be needed by local conditions.
5. Shrubs and trees may be placed by cutting away rings/grid/fabric to accommodate root ball. Place crown of plant just below the top of rings.
6. Fill the Slopetame² units with proper topsoil type materials in preparation for seeding.
7. Hydroseed and mulch the area for grasses and groundcovers. Mulch materials (paper, cellulose, or light fabric) will protect delicate seedlings until germination, and roots have reached the ST² fabric layer.
8. Provide supplemental irrigation as needed to assure germination and plant root establishment.

Design Assistance-
Custom products for special applications are our specialty and pleasure. If modifications or new product designs are required, please call our Headquarters Technical Staff for assistance at 1-800-233-1510, international 303-233-8383 or





Disclaimers-
Specific applications must respond to site specific design criteria. Suitability of the system must be determined by owners and/or their licensed design agents.
Product specifications may be changed at any time without prior notice.