Tensar Mat

The simple way to control erosion on vegetated slopes

While natural vegetation can provide good soil erosion protection, on steep slopes and areas prone to occasional water inundation, wave run-up or intermittent high velocity flows (such as river banks, shorelines, ditches, spillways and flood bunds) it may not be enough. Here, additional permanent erosion resistance is needed.

Tensar Mat is manufactured from polyethylene, an extremely chemically inert polymer, which is not susceptible to water absorption and deterioration and non-polluting to its installed environment. It is a thick 3-dimensional product with an upper cuspated surface that provides pockets and traps for topsoil retention. A choice of three roll widths are available up to a maximum of 4.5m, plus purpose made Tensar fixing pegs.

In the short term the mat can be used to retain bare topsoil and later, as the drapable mat maintains close contact with the slope, its matrix of polymer filaments provides an ideal medium for anchorage and reinforcement of the vegetation’s root system. Such established reinforced grass slope surfaces have been shown to withstand current velocities of over 4m/sec for a duration of up to 50 hours.

The mat is available in two grades, Tensar Mat 200 for routine erosion control and Tensar Mat 400 for more demanding applications such as steep slopes or high flow areas. It also has the full support of almost 30 years’ experience in ground stabilisation, and our team of experienced engineers can provide a full design service for a complete soil erosion solution.

In addition to the products above, other erosion control products are available from Tensar’s sister company, NAG (North American Green).