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In 2012, Tropical Storm Isacc caused extreme flooding throughout the state of Florida. In response, immediate and quick-fix measures were implemented in support of flooding relief to strengthen the Indian Trail Improvement District levee that runs alongside the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management area. While these remedial efforts provided short-term fixes, Gov. Rick Scott directed a multiagency working group to develop a long-term flood protection solution.
The working group consisted of the South Florida Water Management District, the Indian Trail Improvement District, Palm Beach County, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The group was tasked with developing and evaluating design alternatives for the replacement of a 5.6-mile levee segment using the latest levee technologies, design and construction practices available. The levee prevents runoff from the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area from flooding the Indian Trail Improvement District. The goal was twofold: increase flood protection for residents and provide flexibility in operation of water levels within the Corbett Area.
PROPEX Armormax, a system that combines High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) with Engineered Earth Anchors to resists hydraulic stresses, was selected to armor and protect the levee. This engineered technology has been tested by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and proven to provide increased levee resilience and reduce the risk of breaching caused by overtopping.
The levee’s proximity to the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area, which provides critical habitat for several endangered species, including the Bachman’s sparrow, federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and endangered snail kite, was another factor in the selection of PROPEX Armormax. Conservation efforts in the wildlife area include restoration of natural waterflow. Once installed, Armormax encourages groundwater back into to water table and has been recognized by the EPA as a Best Management Practice (BMP) for improving surface and groundwater quality.
Approximately 66,000 square yards of PROPEX Armormax was installed. Stainless steel engineered earth anchors were implemented as part of the Armormax system to provide additional protection for overtopping and longevity against corrosion commonly caused by sand and brackish water found in the region.
One challenge of installation was the inability to control the depth of the water within the canal side of the levee. This prevented the installation team from digging a trench at the toe of the slope to secure the Armormax. To overcome this, the team used MIRAFI 160N and PYRAMAT 75 to assemble burrito-wrap structures filled with rock. Utilizing onsite equipment, these structures were then placed at the toe of the slope with excavators. Once installation of the Armormax was complete, soil and sod were placed on top of the system.
Project Details
Outstanding Achievement, 2025 Advanced Textiles Association International Achievement Awards
Fabric: PROPEX Armormax, MIRAFI 160N, PROPEX PYRAMAT 75; Solmax International Inc.