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

 

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Releases Plan To Repair ORV Trails

 

“This is totally awesome news with a big thank you to the Park Service. Finally, these ORV trails will be improved for local folks who use these trails for hunting, fishing, berry-picking, and access to their remote cabins,” said NPCA Alaska Sr. Regional Director Jim Stratton. “Another benefit of this plan is that the Wrangell-St. Elias hiking trail system will be expanded for all park visitors, creating new places to explore on foot while enjoying our country’s largest national park.”

Read The Full Article (PDF): http://www.geocheminc.com/pdf/ATV_Trail_Wrangell_St_Elias_NPS.pdf target=_blank

    Tales from the tundra (Kwigillinook AK)

The Feb/March issue of Geosynthetics magazine features the article, Tales from the tundra, 

The article highlights advantages of the GEOTERRA system that allowed it to meet the project criteria:

 

1. Can support all-terrain vehicles over soft & uneven ground
2. Allows vegetative growth through the open design
3. Provides support even when unfilled

 

      

Read the Full Article: http://geosyntheticsmagazine.com/articles/0211_fi_tundra_trailbuilding.html
PDF Format: http://www.geocheminc.com/pdf/Tales_from_the_tundra_0211_fi_tundra_trailb.pdf

 

 

Tundra ATV trail project earns national award

 

PDF Format: http://www.geocheminc.com/pdf/0809tundra_atv_trail_proj.pdf

 

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.

PDF Format: http://www.geocheminc.com/pdf/0809tundra_atv_trail_proj.pdf
HOOPER BAY NEWS POD CAST: Hooper Bay works to protect tundra from vehicle damage

 

Trail helps heal Alaska Native hunting grounds

Read the Full Article: Trails helps heal Alaska Native Hunting Grounds
PDF Format: http://www.geocheminc.com/pdf/Trail_Helps_Alaska.pdf

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

 

 

 

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.

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

White Mountains Geoblock Porous Pavement System Application

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

  
   

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 )

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.

   

Geoblock^®2 Porous Pavement System

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® & GeoPave System Usage Guideline

DESIGN GUIDELINE Depth of Engineered Base Recommendation: (Imperial)
GEOBLOCK®5150				GEOBLOCK®2		GEOPAVE			GEOPAVE
LOAD DESCRIPTION TYPICAL MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE GROSS VEHICLE LOADS	VEGETATED SURFACES Topsoil In fill & Topsoil/Aggregate Base			VEGETATED SURFACES Topsoil Infill & Topsoil/Aggregate Base		AGGREGATE SURFACES Aggregate Infill & Base			VEGETATED SURFACES Topsoil/Aggregate Infill & Topsoil/Aggregate Base
	CBR1,2 2 – 4	CBR1 > 4		CBR1,2 2 – 4	CBR1 > 4	CBR1,2 2 – 4	CBR1 > 4		CBR1,2 2 – 4	CBR1 > 4
HEAVY FIRE TRUCK & H-20 LOADING Typical 110 psi 80,000 lb	6 in	4 in		14 in	10 in	6 in	6 in		Not Recommended	Not Recommended
	Infrequent Passes			Infrequent Passes		Normal Traffic
Single axle loadings of 145 kN, tandem axle loadings of 220 kN.
LIGHT FIRE TRUCK & H-15 LOADING Typical 85 psi 60,000 lb	4 in	2 in		10 in	6-10 in	6 in	4 in		Not Recommended	Not Recommended
	Infrequent Passes			Infrequent Passes		Normal Traffic
Single axle loadings of 110 kN.
UTILITY & DELIVERY TRUCK & H-10 LOADING Typical 60 psi 40,000 lb	2 in	2 in		6-10 in	4-8 in	4 in	2 in		4 in	2 in
	Infrequent Passes			Infrequent Passes		Normal Traffic			Infrequent Passes
Single axle loadings of 75 kN.
CARS & PICK-UP TRUCK ACCESS Typical 45 psi 8,000 lb	None	None	4-8 in		2-4 in	2 in	None3	2 in		None3
	Occasional Passes		Occasional Passes			Normal Traffic		Occasional Passes
Single axle loadings of 18 kN.
TRAIL USE: SURFACE STABLIZATION <1,000 lb	None	None	2-4 in		0-2 in	None	None	None		None
Loading for ATVs, golf carts, campers, boats, equestrian, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, wheelchairs.
1 CBR is the abbreviation for California Bearing Ratio. Methods for determining CBR vary from more sophisticated laboratory methods to simple field identification methods that use hand manipulation of the soil. If other-than-CBR soil strength values exist, use available correlation charts to relate the value to CBR. 2 For CBR <2, contact Presto Products Company for recommendations. 3 A minimum of 2 inches of aggregate base should be placed below the GeoPave units as a drainage layer and an infiltration storage area. Greater depth may be required depending upon design rainfall requirements and subbase permeability. ALL DESIGNS SHOULD BE CHECKED BY A CERTIFIED ENGINEER.

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.

THE LINKS BELOW MAY REQUIRE ADOBE READER TO VIEW THEM.  CLICK ON THE "GET ADOBE READER" BUTTON BELOW TO DOWNLOAD A FREE COPY IF NEEDED

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.

Geoblock2 Technical Specifications

Land & Water Magazine's S/O 2010 Digital Issue

Check out the Sept/Oct issue of Land & Water.  The issue features a Presto article on the growing porous pavement industry and includes case studies for Presto’s Geoblock, GeoPave and FilterPave pavements. 

You can view the e-magazine article by clicking the link “Green Pavements Taking Stormwater Runoff by Storm”.

Land & Water Magazine's S/O 2010 Digital Issue §                  A Permanent and Green Solution Stream bank stabilization on Iowa's Rock Creek utilized sod, TRM, and flow transition mats to curb severe erosion. by Jennifer Welch §                  A Match Made In Heaven The city of Milford, CT and the local power company collaborated in a project resulting in restored wetlands, flood protection, better power distribution, and a more diverse city park. by Gary Sorge §                  Green Pavements Taking Stormwater Runoff by Storm Responding to high interest to integrate green-building concepts into their businesses and lives, the porous pavement industry has doubled in the last 10 years. by William Handlos and Patricia Stelter

 

 

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 Geoblock2 CSI-format Product Specification	A comprehensive product specification in CSI-format based on the Presto Geoblock material specification.
Presto Geosystems SPECMaker® Specification Development Tool ARCAT's SpecWizard Program Customized Geoblock® Specifications	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

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

Geoblock®Fire Access Lanes

• Geoblock Fire Access Case Study Summary (.pdf)

  Fire Access Lanes / Pedestrian Green Areas
   

• Friends University (.pdf)
  Wichita, Kansas
• SOKA University (.pdf)
  Aliso Viejo, California

  Green Parking
   

• Phipps Conservatory Event Parking (.pdf)
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Jack Darling Park (.pdf)
  Mississauga, Ont., Canada

  Trails
   

• Solutions for Trails and Greenways (.pdf)
• Museum of Science and Industry Walking Trail (.pdf)
  Tampa, Florida
• Walking Pathway (.pdf)
  Caribbean Island

ATV/OHM Trail-Hardening

• Hard Trails in Alaska Article (.pdf)
  Alaska
• Palmer Hay Flats ATV Trail (.pdf)
  Alaska
• Aitkin and Itasca Counties Trail (.pdf)
  Aitkin & Itasca Counties, Minnesota
• National Park Service, Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable, and Sensitive Environments Handbook (.pdf)
  Kodiak Island, Alaska
• Trail Hardening Applications (.pdf)

Grass Steps

• Edith Wharton's The Mount Grass Stairs (.pdf)
  Lenox, Massachusetts

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

Video's ONLINE

 

 

CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS: PH: 206.774.8777 ~ FAX: 206.219.3740  / PH: 907.562.5755 ~ FAX:  907.562.3032 Toll Free: 1.800.490.5320 [HOME | PRODUCTS | SPECIALS | RELATED INFORMATION] [CONTACT US! | WHAT'S NEW | ABOUT] GeoCHEM, Inc. Business Page © 1997 - 2011 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: 01/20/2012 07:24:52 PM