Geoblock: A System with Integrity
Geoblock^® Standard 5150 (GB 5150) and the Geoblock^®2 (GB2) Porous Pavement Systems are a series of interlocking, polyethylene paving units designed to provide superior load support and turf protection for emergency and utility access lanes, auxiliary parking, golf cart pathways, trails, and other high-use application areas. The Geoblock^® system provides vehicular and pedestrian load support while protecting the grass from the harmful effects of traffic. The Geoblock system covers a larger surface area per unit .5m x 1.0m x 50mm (20" x 40" x 2 inch Nominal), reducing costs and increasing ease of installation. The system's four-sided tabular, interlocking joint design aids in pattern layout and transfers shear loads from block to block. 

While some talk about strength per square foot, the structural integrity of the Geoblock^® system is built in. The system features a four-sided tabular, interlocking block design that provides superior load-bearing performance and performance and layout design and construction flexibility. The recommended staggered placement (bricklayer’s pattern) of the individual Geoblock units further increases the system’s load distribution capabilities and maximizes the number of adjacent units used to effectively spread concentrated wheel loads over the largest possible area

See how Geoblock® can help you reach your US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Credits confirmation goals.

Geoblock: Applications
From fire access lanes to hiking trails to ATV trails, parking areas, to golf cart paths, the Geoblock^® system improves both the usefulness and aesthetics of an outdoor environment:

• Emergency and utility access lanes, Auxiliary parking areas, Pedestrian walkways, ATV trails and wheelchair access ways, Approaches to monuments, statues and fountains Golf cart path shoulders and aprons, Driveways, driveway shoulders and medians.  Geoblock^®Porous Pavement System Put to the Test [1994]. See Fire Access Lane Case Studies The City of Kentwood, Michigan & AT&T Corporate Center, Basking Ridge, New Jersey.  Additional Case Histories Project-specific design, construction and performance case histories for the Geoblock^® system.
  
   

• Here is a resource that you could get a hold of on a trail design in wet areas:  A video tape on ATV trail construction/restoration by the NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (907.644.3432).  It's an hour long and includes a half-hour "Heartbeat Alaska" program on impacts from ATV's and another half hour on ATV trail construction techniques in wetlands (on Kodiak).  See http://www.nps.gov/akso/riversandtrails/atv-video.htm for more info.
   

• Online Copy of "Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable, and Sensitive Environments:" http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/02232821/index.htm
   

Hooper Bay ATV Trail Hardening Video of Installed Geoblock Porous Pavement System

 

 

 

"Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable, and Sensitive Environments:"

 

"Trail hardening should be considered under the following conditions:

Existing trail impacts are causing or are projected to cause unacceptable onsite or offsite impacts, and More suitable alternative trail locations are not available, or Alternative trail locations are not environmentally acceptable or economically feasible.

Trail hardening provides the following benefits:

Defines a single trail alignment for vehicle travel.
Stabilizes surface soil conditions along the hardened trail section.
Provides a stable, durable trail surface for OHV traffic.
Halts trail widening and the development of braided trail sections.
Allows formerly used trail alignments to naturally stabilize and re-vegetate.
May provide for vegetation growth (or re-growth) within the hardened trail surface that helps to reduce visual impacts, maximize site stability and increase site productivity.

Trail hardening seeks to improve trail surfaces by one of three methods:

Replacing or capping unsuitable surface soils.
Reinforcing or augmenting existing soil structure.
Providing a 'wear and carry' surface over unsuitable soils."

 

Online Copy of "Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable, and Sensitive Environments:"

 

Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle
Trails in Wet, Unstable, and Sensitive
Environments

 

( http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/fspubs/02232821/index.htm )

 

NEWS LINK: Tundra ATV trail project earns national award

 

NEWS POD CAST: Hooper Bay works to protect tundra from vehicle damage

 

 

The Denali Commission met Dec 12, 2007 to review the Rural Road project nominations, including the Hooper Bay
nomination.  The Hooper Bay project was selected.  The Denali Commission will work with Federal Highway and NRCS engineers to try to
develop a TRoad cook-book with ATV mini road (Troad) standards accepted for construction projects and access to federal highway
funding to do so. 

The Alaska NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program helped to coordinate an ATV Trail Hardening Project with Sea Lion Corp in Hooper Bay Alaska.  The NPS does not endorse other agencies or organizations, their views, products or services - Video, Picture & Links with Permission from NPS.

 

Palmer Hayflats Geoblock Porous Pavement System Application
 

Palmer AK Hay Flats Project Brochure

Bethel Geoblock Porous Pavement System Demo Application
 

 

The Alaska NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program helped to coordinate an ATV Trail Hardening Demonstration Project in Bethel.  The NPS does not endorse other agencies or organizations, their views, products or services - Pictures with Permission from NPS.

White Mountains Geoblock Porous Pavement System Application

• White Mountains National Recreation Area, Alaska: Quartz Creek Trail, White Mountains National Recreation Area, Alaska (WMNRA)

  
   

Nome Alaska Geoblock Porous Pavement System Application Slideshow Presentation

• Slideshow Pictures of a Geoblock Trail Hardening Stewart River Project North of Nome Alaska: http://www.geocheminc.com/suulutaaq.htm

Submit Completed Geoblock Project Information

Submit Geoblock and/or Geoweb Project Information
The project information will be placed in our Project Library as reference and will be considered for case studies and/or magazine editorials.  Submit Project Information

Flexible Structural Bridge
The Geoblock^® system creates a flexible structural bridge within the topsoil layer, promoting the vigorous growth of turf grass while protecting turf from the harmful effects of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Geoblock® Porous Pavement System is a series of interlocking blocks designed to offer turf protection and load support in areas used by heavy vehicles.  The blocks create a flexible structural bridge system within the topsoil layer to support and distribute concentrated loads.

   

Working with the Environment
In many cities, current storm water management systems are pushed beyond their capacities by run-off from traditional hard surfaces. With over 87% open area at the surface, the Geoblock^® system offers a permeable solution. The Geoblock® design allows water to percolate into the ground through drain holes in the bottom of the units, decreasing storm water run-off and allowing natural groundwater replenishment. Under rainfall simulation of 64 mm/hour (2.5 inches), the run-off coefficient for the Geoblock® system is 1.5%.  The Geoblock^® units are manufactured from up to 100% recycled polyethylene and are inert to common chemicals, will not absorb moisture and are unaffected by freeze-thaw cycles.

Introducing the New Geoblock^®2 Porous Pavement System

Click on the Following Link for: Geoblock2 Technical Specifications

The Geoblock^® system is comprised of four major components:
1) The Geoblock^® unit, 2) the engineered base for support, 3) the selected topsoil infill, and 4) the selected vegetation.

Both the Geoblock^® unit and the base support soil work together to support the imposed loading, while the Geoblock^® unit and the topsoil contribute to the vegetative support. Other components may include a geosynthetic separation / reinforcement layer, sub-drain components, and topsoil additives, which enhance vegetative growth.

Geoblock® System Usage Guideline

Load	Description	Depth of Engineered Base
1	Heavy Fire Truck Access & H-20 loading. Typical 620 kPa (90 psi) maximum tire pressure. Single axle loadings of 145 kN (32 kip), tandem axle loadings of 220 kN (48 kip). Gross vehicle loads of 36.3 tonne (80,000 lb).  Infrequent passes.	150 mm (6 in)
2	Light Fire Truck Access & H-15 loading.  Typical 586 kPa (85 psi) maximum tire pressure. Single axle loadings of 110 kN (24 kip). Gross vehicle loads of 27.2 tonne (60,000 lb). Infrequent passes.	100 mm (4 in)
3	Utility & Delivery Truck Access & H-10 loading. Typical 414 kPa (60 psi) maximum tire pressure. Single axle loadings of 75 kN (16 kip). Gross vehicle loads of 18.1 tonne (40,000 lb).  Infrequent passes.	50 mm (2 in)
4	Cars & Pick-up Truck Access. Typical 310 kPa (45 psi) maximum tire pressure.  Single axle loadings of 18 kN (4 kip).  Gross vehicle loads of 3.6 tonne (8,000 lb). Infrequent passes.	None
5	Trail Use: Loading for pedestrian, wheelchair, equestrian, bicycle, motorcycle and ATV traffic.	None

NOTE: The above applies when the natural ground has a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) >= 3. As the CBR increases, depth of the engineered base will decrease.

Recommended Topsoil:
Suitable topsoil should be pulverized prior to filling the Geoblock^® cells and contain sufficient organic content to support vegetative growth. Topsoil such as sandy loam is recommended. Clay and clay loam materials are considered unacceptable.

Recommended Engineered Base: Vegetated Systems
A recommended ‘engineered base’ consisting of clear-stone / crushed rock having an AASHTO #5 designation blended with topsoil will promote vegetative growth and provide required structural support. The aggregate portion shall have particles ranging in size from 9.5 to 25 mm (0.375 to 1.0 in) with a D₅₀ of 13 mm (0.5 in). The percentage void-space when compacted shall be at least 30%. Topsoil, equal to but not greater than the aggregate void percentage, shall be added and blended prior to placement. The mixture shall be compacted to a density that will provide a minimum California Bearing Ratio of 7%. Under some conditions, a geotextile separation layer may be required between the natural ground and the ‘engineered base’.

Recommended Engineered Base: Non-Vegetated Systems
A recommended ‘engineered base’ for non-vegetated porous pavement systems shall be a well-graded aggregate with a fines content less than 10%. The aggregate shall be compacted to a density that will produce a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 7% minimum. After compaction, the surface shall be uniform with no protrusions from larger aggregate particles.

[Contact Us!] for design assistance, specifications and/or technical field support and representation.

GeoCHEM offers assistance to anyone interested in evaluating, designing, building or purchasing a Geoblock® porous pavement system.  You may access these services by [contacting us].  GeoCHEM reserves the right to withhold any information from any individual or company.

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Geoblock® General Brochures/Case Histories
Geoblock® General Overview	An illustrative overview of the Geoblock porous pavement system.
Case Histories	Project-specific design, construction and performance case histories for the Geoblock system.

Geoblock® Design and Construction Tools

Geoblock®5150 Design and Construction Overview Geoblock®2 Design and Installation Overview	A document tool containing the following design and construction information for the Geoblock system: Load Information, Base Recommendations and Design Details  Material Specification AutoCAD® Drawings Illustrated Set of Installation Guidelines Time/Cost Worksheet to Calculate Installed Costs Installation Performance Specification
Geoblock®5150 CSI-format Product Specification	A comprehensive product specification in CSI-format based on the Presto Geoblock material specification.
AutoCAD® Drawings	Drawings in DWG format providing all the engineering details needed for plans with the Geoblock system.
Presto Geosystems SPECMaker® Specification Development Tool ARCAT's SpecWizard Program Customized Geoblock® Specifications   Downloaded Version 4.01[ download ][ 8.4 MB ]	1 Presto's SPECMaker® Specification Development Tool The SPECMaker® Specification Development Tool lets you develop complete material and construction specifications specific to the application and project details. Create Customized Geoblock® Specifications 2   ARCAT's SpecWizard™ Program ARCAT's SpecWizard Program Customized Geoblock® Specifications   Downloaded Version 4.01[ download ][ 8.4 MB ] SPECMaker® Tool Ver 4.01 Note: The specification process takes just a few minutes. We recommend, however, that you complete your specification once started as the system will time out if inactive for 30 minutes. If interrupted before the specification is completed, you can save your specification-in-progress and complete later (see Help).

Submit Geoblock and/or Geoweb Project Information
The project information will be placed in Presto's Project Library as reference and will be considered for case studies and/or magazine editorials.  Submit Project Information
 

GEOBLOCK® Porous Pavement System Case Studies   Fire Access Case Study Summary 1 Fire Access Lane Test Friends University Davis Hall, Wichita, Kansas Palmer Hay Flats Trail Hardening, Alaska Geoblock and Geoweb Solutions for Trails and Greenways Edith Wharton Estate, Lenox, Massachusetts Porous Pavement Technology   GeoTERRA Structural Mat System   CREATING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTS & STABILIZING CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS WITH REINFORCED SURFACES. More cost-efficient than other reinforcement mat systems, the GEOTERRA™ system can be utilized for either temporary or permanent applications. Individual GEOTERRA™ units are locked together to form a network of interconnected structural mats suitable for supporting a wide variety of vehicle and equipment loads over access roads, platforms, helipads and other areas. With high crush strength, the GEOTERRA™ system has demonstrated the ability to handle the forces from some of the heaviest wheeled and tracked vehicle loads. The GEOTERRA™ system is an integrated, open, structural mat that consists of varying components depending on site conditions and loading requirements. The system’s design and construction flexibility allows the use of only those components required for the project, reducing cost and waste. Consult GeoCHEM, Inc. for assistance in determining appropriate system components for specific project needs. Three typical mat systems are presented below, listed in order from the most basic to the most rigorous requirements. 1) BASIC COMPONENTS GEOTERRA Units • PadLoc Connection Device • Stakes or Earth Anchors (optional) 2) OPTIONAL GEOSYNTHETIC UNDERLAYER COMPONENTS Geomembrane • Non-Woven Geotextile/Geomembrane  • Single or Multiple Layers of Geotextile 3) OPTIONAL DRAINAGE COMPONENTS Non-Woven Geotextile • GEOTERRA Drainage System • High-Strength Woven Geotextile TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Temporary or Permanent Use • Access Roads over Soft Ground / Remote Locations • Oil-drilling Platforms • construction Site Access • Cemetery and Utility Access over Lawns • Light-to-Heavy Equipment / Vehicle Storage • Helipads • Equipment / Vehicle Display at Expos and Special Events • Emergency Site Access ADDITIONAL GEOTERRA INFORMATION AND VIDEO LINKS PH: 206.497.3579 ~ 206.497.3116 (Washington State Sales)   PH: 907.562.5755 Fax: 907.562.3032 (Sales & Procurement Center) RETURN TO GEOWEB® CELLULAR CONFINEMENT PAGE RETURN TO GEOTERRA STRUCTURAL MAT SYSTEM PAGE [HOME | PRODUCTS | SPECIALS | RELATED INFORMATION] [CONTACT US! | WHAT'S NEW | ABOUT] GeoCHEM, Inc. Business Page © 1997 - 2009 GeoCHEM, Incorporated All Rights Reserved. GeoCHEM reserves the right to withhold any information from any individual or company. Presto® and Geoweb® are registered trademarks of Presto Products Company Visit Often for Our Latest Page Developments And Updates! Last Updated: 04/13/2009 02:58:50 PM