2-03 Pepper Creek Drainage Channel WW - Flexible Growth Medium Specification.pdf

SECTION 31 2514 - HYDRAULICALLY-APPLIED EROSION CONTROL: HIGH PERFORMANCE - FLEXIBLE

GROWTH MEDIUM

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

A. This section specifies the hydraulically-applied, 100% biodegradable, High Performance-Flexible Growth Medium™ (HP-FGM™)that is manufactured in the United States and composed of 100% recycled, thermally refined (within a pressurized vessel) virgin wood fibers, crimped interlocking biodegradable fibers, mineral activators, and naturally derived cross-linked biopolymers and water absorbents). The HP-FGM is phytosanitized, free from plastic netting, requires no curing period and upon application forms an intimate bond with the soil surface to create a continuous, porous, absorbent and flexible erosion resistant blanket that allows for rapid germination and accelerated plant growth.

B. Related Sections: Other Specification Sections, which directly relate to the work of this Section include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Section 31 2200 – Landscape Grading

2. Section 32 8400 – Irrigation Design Build

3. Section 32 9200 – Turf and Grasses

4. Section 32 9300 – Planting

1.2 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Submit manufacturer’s product data and installation instructions. Include required substrate preparation, list of materials and application rate.

B. Certifications: Manufacturer shall submit a letter of certification that the product meets or exceeds all technical and packaging requirements and is made in the U.S.A.

1.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Deliver materials and products in UV and weather-resistant factory labeled packages. Store and handle in strict compliance with manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations. Protect from damage, weather, excessive temperatures and construction operations.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS

A. The HP-FGM shall be Flexterra HP-FGM or an approved equivalent and conform to the following typical property values when uniformly applied at a rate of 3,500 pounds per acre (3,900 kilograms/hectare) under laboratory conditions.

Property Test Method Tested Value (English)

Tested Value

(SI)

PHYSICAL

Mass Per Unit Area ASTM D65661 ≥ 11.6 oz/yd2 ≥ 390 g/m2 Thickness ASTM D65251 ≥ 0.22 inch ≥ 5.6 mm Ground Cover ASTM D65671 ≥ 99% ≥ 99% Water Holding Capacity ASTM D7367 ≥ 1,700% ≥ 1,700% Material Color Observed Green Green

PERFORMANCE

Cover Factor2 Large Scale Testing4 ≤ 0.01 ≤ 0.01 % Effectiveness3 Large Scale Testing4 ≥ 99% ≥ 99% Cure time Observed 0 - 2 hours 0 - 2 hours Vegetation Establishment ASTM D73221 ≥ 800% ≥ 800% Functional Longevity5 ASTM D5338 ≤ 18 months ≤ 18 months

ENVIRONMENTAL

Ecotoxicity EPA 2021.0 48-hr LC50 > 100% 48-hr LC50 >

Effluent Turbidity Large Scale Testing4 ≤ 250 NTU ≤ 250 NTU Biodegradability ASTM D5338 Yes Yes

1. ASTM test methods developed for Rolled Erosion Control Products and have been modified to accommodate Hydraulically-Applied Erosion Control Products.

2. Cover Factor is calculated as soil loss ratio of treated surface versus an untreated control surface.

3. % Effectiveness = One minus Cover Factor multiplied by 100%.

4. Large scale testing conducted at Utah Water Research Laboratory. For specific testing information please contact a Profile technical service representative at 800-508-8681 (US and Canada) or +1-847-215-1144 (International).

5. Functional Longevity is the estimated time period, based upon ASTM D5338 testing and field observations, that a material can be anticipated to provide erosion control and agronomic benefits as influenced by composition, as well as site-specific conditions, including; but not limited to – temperature, moisture, light conditions, soils, biological activity, vegetative establishment and other environmental factors.

2.3 COMPOSITION

A. All components of the HP-FGM shall be pre-packaged by the Manufacturer to assure both material performance and compliance with the following values. No chemical additives with the exception of fertilizer, soil neutralizers and biostimulant materials should be added to this product.

1. Thermally Processed* (within a pressurized vessel) Virgin Wood Fibers – 80% +3%

• *Heated to a temperature greater than 380 degrees Fahrenheit (193 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes at a pressure greater than 50 psi (345 kPa)

2. Cross-linked biopolymers, and water absorbents) – 10% +1%

3. Crimped Biodegradable Interlocking Fibers – 5% +1%

4. Micro-Pore Granules – 5% +1%

2.4 PACKAGING

A. Bags: Net Weight – 50 lb (22.7 kg), UV and weather-resistant plastic film Pallets: Weather-proof, stretch-wrapped with UV resistant pallet cover Pallet Quantity: 40 bags/pallet or 1 ton (909 kg)/pallet

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 SUBSTRATE AND SEEDBED PREPARATION

A. Examine substrates and conditions where materials will be applied. Apply products to geotechnically stable slopes that have been designed and constructed to divert runoff away from the face of the slope. Do not proceed with installation until satisfactory conditions are established.

B. Depending upon project sequencing and intended application, prepare seedbed in compliance with other specifications under Section 1.01 B

3.2 INSTALLATION

A. Strictly comply with equipment manufacturer's installation instructions and recommendations. Use approved hydroseeding machines with fan-type nozzle (50-degree tip). To achieve optimum soil surface coverage, apply HP-FGM from opposing directions to soil surface. Rough surfaces (rocky terrain, cat tracked and ripped soils) may require higher application rates to achieve 100% cover.

Slope interruption devices or water diversion techniques are recommended when slope lengths (3H:1V) exceed 100 feet (30 m). Slope interruption intervals may need to be decreased based on steeper slopes or other site conditions. HP-FGM is not recommended for channels or areas with concentrated water flow unless used in conjunction with a rolled erosion control product designed to accommodate the anticipated hydraulic conditions. Unless approved by the Manufacturer, no chemical additives with the exception of fertilizer, soil neutralizers and biostimulant materials should be added to this product.

B. For Erosion Control and Revegetation: To ensure proper application rates, measure and stake area.

For maximum performance, apply HP-FGM in a two-step process*:

1. Step One: Apply fertilizer with specified prescriptive agronomic formulations and typically 50% of specified seed mix with a small amount of HP-FGM for visual metering. Do not leave seeded surfaces unprotected, especially if precipitation is imminent.

2. Step Two: Mix balance of seed and apply HP-FGM at a rate of 50 lb per 125 gallons (22.7 kg/475 liters) of water over freshly seeded surfaces. Confirm loading rates with equipment manufacturer.

*Depending upon site conditions HP-FGM may be applied in a one-step process where all components may be mixed together in single tank loads. Consult with Manufacturer for further details.

Best results and more rapid curing are achieved at temperatures exceeding 60°F (15°C). Curing times may be accelerated in high temperature, low humidity conditions with product applied on dry soils.

C. Mixing: A mechanically agitated hydroseeding machine is strongly recommended:

1. Fill 1/3 of mechanically agitated hydroseeder with water. Turn pump on for 15 seconds and purge and pre-wet lines. Turn pump off.

2. Turn agitator on and load low density materials first (i.e. seed).

3. Continue slowly filling tank with water while loading fiber matrix into tank.

4. Consult application and loading charts to determine number of bags to be added for desired area and application rate. Mix at a rate of 50 lb of HP-FGM per 125 gallons (22.7 kg/475 liters).

5. All HP-FGM should be completely loaded before water level reaches 75% of the top of tank.

6. Top off with water and mix until all fiber is fully broken apart and hydrated (minimum of 10 minutes — increase mixing time when applying in cold conditions). This is very important to fully activate the bonding additives and to obtain proper viscosity.

7. Add fertilizer and any other remaining amendments.

8. Shut off recirculation valve to minimize potential for air entrainment within the slurry.

9. Slow down agitator and start applying with a 50-degree fan tip nozzle.

10. Spray in opposing directions for maximum soil coverage.

D. Application Rates: These application rates are for standard conditions. Application rates may need to be increased to accommodate very rough surfaces.

Slope Gradient / Condition English SI < 4H to 1V 2,500 lb/ac 2,800 kg/ha > 4H to 1V and < 3H to 1V 3,000 lb/ac 3,400 kg/ha > 3H to 1V and < 2H to 1V 3,500 lb/ac 3,900 kg/h > 2H to 1V and < 1H to 1V 4,000 lb/ac 4,500 kg/ha > 1H to 1V 4,500 lb/ac 5,100 kg/ha Below ECB or TRM 1,500 lb/ac 1,700 kg/ha As infill for TRM* 3,500 lb/ac 3,900 kg/ha

*Use only approved and tested Futerra® Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) to create the GreenArmor™ System

For additional details including mixing ratios/loading rates for specific machine sizes and visual keys for proper application, please consult Profile® Application Guide for HP-FGM™ and ET-FGM™.

3.3 CLEANING AND PROTECTION

A. After application, thoroughly flush the tank, pumps and hoses to remove all material. Wash all material from the exterior of the machine and remove any slurry spills. Once dry, material will be more difficult to remove.

B. Clean spills promptly. Advise owner of methods for protection of treated areas. Do not allow treated areas to be trafficked or subjected to grazing.

© 2017 PROFILE Products LLC. All Rights Reserved. A copyright license to reproduce this specification is hereby granted to non-manufacturing landscape architects, specification writers and designers.

Revision Date: 03/2017

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