INSTALLATION
Whether it is a slope stabilization or living wall installation, Envirolok is designed for easy installation. No matter the size, scale, or location of your project. Simply follow these instructions.
1. Filling & Closing Envirolok Bags
Begin by filling the Envirolok geotextile bags with the engineered (80% sand / 20% soil) fill. All bags should be filled consistently with 1.25 cf of engineered fill (80-90 lbs) and closed securely with the provided UV-resistant zip tie or sewn shut with approved threading.
2. Base Preparation
Dig a trench the length of the structure no less than 3” deep and 16″ wide. Compact the bottom of the foundation using a hand tamper or plate compactor. This trench serves as toe stabilization and will protect the structure from undermining.
**Please note that some applications will require the bag to be set perpendicular to the slope, requiring a 30″ wide trench**
3. Foundation Course
Begin the foundation course by placing spikes, approximately 1 foot apart, along the excavated trench at the desired location of the first row. Then begin to lay the filled bags next to each other, seam side out, horizontally, along the full length of the structure. There should be 2 spikes connecting with each bag. The “snorkel” of the bag should be tucked underneath the bag as it is placed. For larger structures where bags in the foundation course is set perpendicular to the slope, the snorkel should face inward.
4. Placing Additional Bag Courses
After laying each course of bags, compact the bags to ensure a solid and uniform course. Then, insert two spikes in the top of each bag evenly spaced. The spike placement will vary with the slope of the structure and should be placed in the center of the bag contact area between courses. Repeat laying bags, compacting, and adding spikes until you have reached the desired height.
5. Backfilling & Compacting
Backfill and compact after each course ensuring the strength and stability of the Envirolok geotextile bag system. Backfill should be compacted to the specifications of the design. On-site soil can often be used as backfill but must support vegetative growth and be free draining.
6. Geogrid Placement
Structures that require geogrid reinforcement will be specified by an engineer. After compaction, geogrid placement will begin at the front of the bag course and lay towards the existing hillside. Place spikes into the top of the geogrid, holding it in place, and continue placing bag course. Geogrid should be pulled tight before backfilling over top. Continue with laying courses.
7. Coping (Top Row)
Backfill and compact after each course ensuring the strength and stability of the Envirolok system. Backfill should be compacted to the specifications of the design. On-site soil can often be used as backfill but must support vegetative growth and be free draining.
8. Vegetation
Vegetation can be installed as each course is placed or upon completion of the structure. While native plantings are recommended, as they provide natural habitat, a matrix of deep roots, and aid in filtering water, a variety of ornamental landscape plantings can be used. Contact us to work with our plant experts and find the right fit for your project.
For more complex projects, check out our advanced reinforcement techniques for added strength and stability during installation.
Remember, every slop stabilization and living wall installation is unique, and our team is here to make sure your project is a success. For more information, download our detailed installation instructions here, check out our installation videos below or contact us for more in-depth training for your project.
ADVANCED REINFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES
Tie Back
By turning a course perpendicular, it provides additional reinforcement that becomes compacted and buried into the backside of the hill. This is a great method for small walls or can be paired with other reinforcement techniques to provide strong reinforcement and stability.
Geogrid Layering
Geogrid layering is a great option for reinforcement when there is room to excavate behind the Envirolok units. Simply lay the geogrid out, pin to the bags using connection spikes, backfill over the geogrid and compact. This is a simple, easy, and effective advanced reinforcement technique.
Geogrid Wrapping
For areas of high wave energy or freeze/thaw action it can be useful to wrap the face of the bags in geogrid and bring back into the hillside for additional reinforcement. This gives extra strength and durability to those areas experiencing more intense conditions. Vegetation can successfully grow through the geogrid covering the face of the bags.
Cinch & Twine Method
This is a great alternative to geogrid and earth anchors for small walls that cannot be reinforced any other way. The cinch and twine method of weaving, allows the Envirolok system to be installed while minimizing soil disturbance, preserving natural and cultural resources, and allows existing hydraulic patterns to remain intact.
Earth Anchors
For areas that cannot be excavated, earth anchors can be used to secure the Envirolok units and create additional reinforcement. Earth anchors are secured into the parent material and connected to a section of rebar that is wrapped in geogrid and pinned to the Envirolok bags.
Rock Anchors
Rock anchors are like earth anchors, however, when rock anchors are drilled into the bedrock they are grouted into place for additional reinforcement and then connected to the Envirolok system. Anchors can maximize strength and stability for applications where there is limited ability to disturb the existing soil for excavation and backfill.