ACEMat™ R

✓The benefits of using ACEMat™ R are summarized as below:

• Comprehensive protection at low rates
• Versatile application areas, including normal to steep slopes, riverbanks, channels, etc.
• Effective vegetation promotion
• Reduces carbon emissions (up to 96% CO₂ reduction)
• Quick and easy installation

 

How Does a Slope Protection Mat Prevent Soil Erosion?

A slope protection mat works through several mechanisms that collectively reduce erosion and stabilize slopes.

First, ACEMat™ R protects the soil surface from direct rainfall impact. When raindrops strike bare soil, they loosen particles and initiate erosion. The mat acts as a protective cover, absorbing energy before it reaches the soil surface.

Second, the three-dimensional structure slows runoff water and reduces water flow velocity. By dissipating hydraulic energy, the mat minimizes soil particle detachment and transportation.

Third, the structure traps moisture and retains seeds, improving seed germination and vegetation establishment. Once vegetation develops, plant roots further stabilize soil and strengthen the slope.

Finally, the mat reinforces the root zone, helping vegetation withstand hydraulic forces that would otherwise uproot plants during heavy storms. The combination of soil reinforcement, vegetation support, and hydraulic protection makes ACEMat™ R Turf Reinforcement Mat highly effective for permanent slope erosion control.

Benefits of Three-Dimensional Woven Turf Reinforcement Mats

The performance of a Turf Reinforcement Mat depends heavily on its structure.

ACEMat™ R utilizes a three-dimensional woven system with rectangular pyramid patterns and a thickness of up to 7 mm. This structure creates a stable reinforcement layer capable of interlocking with soil and vegetation.

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced Soil Stabilization

The mat stabilizes soil particles and reduces the risk of erosion caused by rainfall, runoff, and wind.

• Improved Vegetation Growth

The open structure allows sunlight, air, and moisture to reach the soil while retaining seeds and promoting root development.

• Permanent Erosion Control

Unlike biodegradable erosion control blankets, ACEMat™ R remains functional throughout the project life, providing continuous reinforcement.

• Hydraulic Resistance

The reinforced structure dissipates water flow energy and protects channels and slopes from scouring.

• Environmental Sustainability

The system promotes natural vegetation establishment and significantly reduces the need for concrete or hard armor protection systems.

Applications of Slope Erosion Control Mats

Slope erosion control mats can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Transportation infrastructure frequently includes steep slopes vulnerable to erosion. Turf Reinforcement Mats stabilize embankments and support long-term vegetation growth.

Drainage channels are often exposed to concentrated runoff and high flow velocities. Reinforcement mats protect channel linings from erosion and scour.

Riverbanks and shorelines experience continuous hydraulic forces. The reinforcement provided by erosion control mats helps maintain slope stability while preserving natural vegetation.

Mining projects often require permanent slope protection and vegetation establishment after construction. Turf Reinforcement Mats support ecological restoration while controlling erosion.

Landfill caps and environmental restoration projects benefit from reinforced vegetation systems that minimize erosion and improve long-term performance.

Long-Term Durability and Cost Effectiveness

One of the primary advantages of ACEMat™ R is its durability.

The mat is manufactured from high-strength polypropylene monofilaments with tensile strengths up to 60 kN/m. The material is resistant to ultraviolet degradation, oxidation, abrasion, environmental weathering. Installation is easy with anchors such as ACEPin™ T(earth anchor) or
ACENail™ (soil nails).

Compared with concrete blocks, shotcrete, and other hard armor protection methods, ACEMat™ R provides a cost-effective alternative that promotes natural vegetation while reducing maintenance requirements. In many projects, the use of reinforced vegetation systems can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared with conventional concrete-based solutions.

The performance of ACEMat™ R has been validated through internationally recognized testing programs:

This test is conducted by a third-party laboratory that simulates soil conditions after stormwater-induced erosion. When TRM is applied to protect the earthen channels, it absorbs the hydraulic force, shear forces, and overland flow, thereby reducing soil particle loosening.

2. Vegetation growth test ASTM D7322

The result of the test shows that in the same controlled environment, the germination rate, plant height and grass weight of the covered group are better than those of the control group without cover, it was confirmed that TRM is helpful for the germination of seed promoters and the ability of plant growth.

3. Scouring resistance test ASTM D7101

We simulate the test to evaluate the amount of soil sprayed or carried by runoff and rain splash; the test shows that the treatment group covered with ACEMat™ R contains more soil than the other. The outcome can prove that TRMs have a stronger anti-erosion ability.

 

Try Our Design Tools

ACE∞™CL-Design, the design tool on the ACE Geosynthetics official website, is recommended to operate with ACEMat™ R Series, to preliminarily evaluate the channel lining application. The analyze complies with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines.