Articulated Concrete Block Mat
An Interconnected Permeable Hard Armour Revetment System for Erosion Protection and Stabilisation
“Articulated” is having two or more sections connected by a flexible joint. For example “an articulated bus”
What is an Articulated Concrete Cable Block Mat?
The concrete cable block mat system is interconnected by polypropylene rope or stainless steel cables, allowing each individual block to be flexible and form to the terrain of the ground.
This interconnected block system is available in an easy manageable size that can be joined to cover a large area.
Design Characteristics
- Manufactured in economical standard sizes that allows for joining the mats together, to form a large footprint that can be configured into different sizes.
- The standardised size enables easy transport and handling on site, without specialised machinery being required.
- The mats are placed side by side and joined using cable clamps.
- Manufactured with 50 mpa concrete.
- Selection of interconnecting cable or rope systems
- There is space between blocks to provide water permeability and vegetation growth
- The trapezoidal block shape allows for articulation, ranging from 20° to 60°
USES AND APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
Articulating Concrete Block Mats are an innovative and effective erosion control and stabilisation system.
Key applications include:
- Shoreline and Embankment Protection
- Culvert Inlet/Outlet Protection
- Stormwater Drains and Outlets
- Batter Stabilisation
- Bridge Abutments
- Jetty Pier and Quay Protection
- Spillways
- Channel / Pond Lining
- Pipeline Protection and Stabilisation
- Lagoon Protection
- Causeways, Low Level or Low Bed Crossings
- Dam Overflow/Intakes
- Access Roads and Tracks
- Overflow/Weirs
- Coastal and Shoreline Protection Structures
- Boat Ramps
- Dune Stabilisation and Protection
BENEFITS
Many benefits of using the Articulated Concrete Cable Block Mat
- Suitable for Marine or Ground based applications
- Flexible design for fast economical installation
- Interconnecting cables are looped on mat edges to provide mat-to-mat connection and optional anchoring
- Flexible mats conform to ground contours, minimising site preparation
- Gaps between blocks provide water permeability and vegetation growth
- Easily maintained when vegetated or rock filled
- Cost-effective solution to severe or minor erosion
- Mats can be removed and reused on future sites
- Easy to install above and below water level, with onsite assembly not required, minimising labour costs
ARTICULATED CONCRETE BLOCK MAT FACTS
FLEXIBILITY
- Trapezoidal block shape allows articulation
- Articulation range from 20 to 60 degrees
- Cable looped on all four sides for connection
- Conforms to ground contours, minimising site preparation
- Design ensures uniform pressure on subgrade material for maximum effectiveness in erosion control
DURABILITY
- Manufactured from 50 mpa concrete
- Interconnecting cable choice – Aquatec Rope or Stainless Steel Cable
- Engineered to deliver assured performance
- Provides strong hard armour protection
- Integrated cable mats allows external forces to be distributed throughout the mat system
STABILITY
- The integrated cable in the Articulated Mats allows for easy interlocking of mats to form a single strong unit to cover any area required.
- Clamping the mats is recommended for high flow and steep slope applications.
VEGETATION REGROWTH
- Due to the open area between blocks, vegetation regrowth can easily occur.
- For best results, soil should be back-filled and seeded.
- Uniform size blocks allows for safe access for maintenance.
- Mats can be driven on with mower or tractor
INSTALLATION
- Articulated Block Mats are made in a standard size to enable easy install above and below water level.
- No specialised machinery required to lift or unload.
- No on-site assembly is required; therefore, keeping labour costs to a minimum.
- Lifting points available for easy lifting and connecting mats together.
- Lift with a spreader bar and chains attached to 4 x individual loops on each mat
ANCHORING & JOINING
- A key feature of this product is the interconnecting cables are looped on all mat edges to provide mat-to-mat connection and anchoring
- Allows for extra stability using Earth and X Bracket anchors and/or U-Bar anchors
CONCRETE BLOCKS IN HISTORY
Concrete Block Mats in History
Concrete chocolate blocks were used in the beaches of eastern Britain to hep load tanks from beaches for D-Day Click to learn more here:
