Near Middelburg, runoff caused severe erosion and unstable banks along an unvegetated watercourse. The banks were rebuilt to improve traffic safety, flood protection and ecology, while supporting rapid vegetation growth during establishment.
In the outskirts of Middelburg, an unvegetated watercourse showed signs of significant embankment erosion. Recurring runoff washed away material, causing the embankment flanks to become unstable. The banks had to be rebuilt to ensure traffic safety, flood protection, and ecological enhancement. At the same time, vegetation needed to grow quickly and be specifically supported during the sensitive establishment phase.
What was needed was a near-natural, completely biodegradable* surface protection system that would absorb immediate erosion parallel to the embankment surface, accelerate vegetation growth, and not incur any subsequent dismantling costs.
Secumat® Green 60G5 was specified in combination with Secumat® Green PinW 30. The three-dimensional, randomly oriented filament layer acts like a biological root structure – holding fine soil on the surface, increasing shear resistance, and providing mechanical protection for seedlings. The biodegradable* filament layer remains effective until the natural root system takes over permanent erosion control. The hardwood peg is a suitable fastener made from renewable raw materials and securely anchors the filament layer to the subgrade.
Technical application: Surface-parallel erosion control for stream and channel embankments.
After profiling the embankment and levelling the surface, Secumat® Green 60G5 was installed in strips with joints and overlaps. Secumat® Green PinW 30 was used in a coordinated grid pattern to secure the material against lifting and shear stresses. Seeds suitable for the site were then sown, and a light topsoil covering optimised the seed-soil contact. The installation followed the design prepared by Naue’s Engineering and Design Department (EDD) and was supplemented with project-specific details for the edges (connections, junctions, and erosion protection functions).
Shortly after installation, the protection system visibly stabilised the embankment surfaces; erosion signs receded. As plant life began to develop, the vegetation quickly closed in – the different roots anchored the soil permanently. This minimised erosion, secured the banks, and enhanced the aquatic ecology. Another advantage is the high level of biodiversity that develops on the banks – a major benefit compared with concrete channels.
System recommendation: Secumat Green 60G5, secured with Secumat Green PinW 30 – the ecological solution for stable, vegetation-lined banks in small inland waters.
Secumat® Green stabilises the bank surface and retains fine soil while vegetation becomes established.
The mat supports seedlings during the sensitive growth phase until the natural root system provides permanent erosion control.
The system remains in place, eliminating dismantling work and associated costs.
No. 01173
