Erosion protection of landfill slopes

EnkaMat is a range of three-dimensional erosion-protection mats made of durable polyamide monofilaments which are thermally fused together where they cross. These filaments thus create an artificial ‘root structure’ with over 90 % of void space. To comply with specific conditions of landfill slopes, different EnkaMat product variants are available with thicknesses of up to 20 millimeters.

Examples of parameters to be considered when selecting the right product from the wide EnkaMat portfolio include: expected rainfall intensity and duration, inherent erodibility, slope length and gradient. For fast installation, the erosion-protection mat can be delivered up to 3,85 meters wide.

The objective of EnkaMat erosion-protection mats is twofold: immediately after installation they protect the surface of the bare soil against erosion by wind and rainwater. In this way, EnkaMat encourages the development of vegetation under circumstances where this is normally difficult or even impossible. The second objective of EnkaMat erosion-protection mats is to permanently reinforce vegetation on landfill slopes. Seeded, filled with topsoil or mulched, EnkaMat keeps fertile soil in place and enables root systems to gain a secure hold. Its open structure promotes swift vegetation growth. When secured with extra pegs, the erosion-control mat may often even remain unfilled. EnkaMat is secured in trenches at the toe and shoulder of the slope. To ensure intimate contact with the underlying soil, the mat is pinned at regular intervals. Maintenance is not required. As EnkaMat is made of high-quality polyamide, it maintains its protective function over a long period of time.