Webinars /
Lunch & Learn

Abstract:
Today’s more frequent, high intensity storm events are subjecting drainage channels, riverbanks, and shorelines to greater flow discharges and erosive forces than ever before. Historically, conventional stitched and woven turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) have proven to be effective vegetative “soft armor” alternatives to environmentally unfriendly “hard armor” rock and concrete materials for stabilizing some of these areas. However, conventional TRMs do not provide nearly the same level of erosion protection as hard armor materials until they become well vegetated, which can take several months to several years. If a large storm event occurs before vegetation is fully established, which is becoming increasingly more likely with climate change, conventional TRMs are prone to erosion failure. This presentation discusses the development of a new category of permanent erosion control products known as Hybrid-Turf Instant Armoring Mats, which were specifically developed to meet the erosion challenges of more severe weather. These products offer substantially increased pre-vegetated erosion protection for a reduced risk of failure prior to vegetation establishment, therefore extending the use of natural vegetation in place of hard armor in more high flow applications.

Presenter Bio:
Tim Lancaster has been involved in the erosion control industry for over 30 years. After graduating from Purdue University in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Science, Tim worked for North American Green in various erosion technology, product development, and managerial roles until 2017. During his time with North American Green, he invented and further developed the company’s line of Vmax™ composite turf reinforcement mats. From 2004 – 2014, Tim served as Chairman of the Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC), an industry organization that develops and promotes standards and guidelines for various types of commercially available erosion control products. Since 2017, he has been inventing, developing and launching a new line of simulated turf erosion control products with improved erosion protection capabilities. Tim now serves as Vice President of Sales for GrassWorx LLC, the manufacturer of these innovative new products.