TEXTILES.ORG
Solmax recently received the Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA) International 2024 Achievement Award of Excellence in the Geosynthetics Project – Water category for its El Maximo Ranch water management project.
In 2024, project owners were in search of a solution for water management at El Maximo Ranch. The project includes the construction of 40 different earthen weirs that are designed to reduce hydraulic stresses as the flow enters a series of culverts passing water to the other side of a containment roadway section that zig zags through the Kissimmee River basin. Protection of the earthen weirs is critical to the performance of the structures themselves and the stabilization of the unpaved roadway berm.
The original solution specified an 8-inch concrete blanket, but the project engineer wanted a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. PROPEX Armormax was selected because it provides a long-term solution that has a lower carbon footprint than concrete alternatives. The carbon footprint of Armormax has been verified by a third party and has up to 30 percent lower carbon emissions than concrete alternatives. In addition to providing surficial slope stabilization and erosion control, Armormax promotes vegetated reinforcement.
The HPTRM component of the ARMORMAX system is engineered with a patented trilobal design that locks seeds and soil in place to promote rapid root development for long-term vegetation. This vegetated outcome supports a living shoreline, whereas alternative hard armoring methods can decrease streamside vegetation and adversely impact aquatic life. This technology has also been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Best Management Practice (BMP) to improve water quality.
Post project the results show a highly successful solution. The PROPEX Armormax system has already been exposed to numerous tropical downpours with rains exceeding several inches over a two-day period. The weirs have been inundated multiple times and the culvert system engaged. Post-inspection has revealed a fully functioning set of weirs, culverts, and roadway sections. The water quality benefits are heavily touted as a major win in South Florida’s current clean water initiative to improve nutrient-rich waters leaving the Lake Okeechobee basin south of this project location and ultimately improving the holistic approach to a better Everglades system.
Project Details
Fabric 1
PROPEX Armormax
Producer/Manufacturer: Solmax International Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric
Fabric 2
Mirafi 140N
Producer/Manufacturer: Solmax International Inc.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric
Engineer Company 1
Higgens Engineering
Design Company
Capeling Leveling
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To explore all the 2024 International Achievement Awards Winners entries and read detailed project descriptions , click here. You can also see the IAA Geosynthetic Projects winners here.