Landscaping
Tough Cell is an ideal solution for creating a micro-environment and the restoration of landscape aesthetics via the utilization of vegetation, slope and channel restoration, minimization of storm water damage, diminishment of urban heat island effects and the ability to use local recycled materials as infill. All these solutions are perfect for Low Impact Development (LID) and encouragement of green, environmentally oriented designs.
These sustainable green building practices offer easily constructed modifications within landscape architecture which supports a natural environment. One example for a possible environmental enhancement is the ability to reinforce base layers in roads, runway shoulders and parking lots. The solution allows for the replacement of hard armor paved surfaces via grass mats. This guarantees not only the reduction of heat dissipation (heat-island effect), but also the improvement of environmental aesthetics .
Throughout every project constructed with Tough Cell, even if it is not directly environmentally related, the cell structure provides an excellent growth environment due to perforations enabling water, nutrients and soil organisms passage, drainage, and plant growth. This symbiotic process of plant growth encouragement is mutually beneficial as the Tough Cell wall holes enhance root interlock with the soil, successfully preventing soil erosion.
Cost Effective
Reduced maintenance costs throughout lifecycle, initial construction savings - all equate to a cost-effective solution for landscaping
Engineering
Cell structure allows the use of native soils as infill and is sustainable even in harsh environmental conditions, including high temperature ranges, and UV radiation. It also promotes water infiltration and drainage, thus limiting soil erosion.
Installation
Reduction of heavy machine and project construction time is made possible by the fast and simple installation and the use of locally available infill material and the reduction of pavement thickness, made possible by Tough Cell. Environmental- Reduced aggregate requirements, concrete amounts and reduced hauling guarantee minimal environmental impact and reduction of the carbon footprint of the project.
Project Examples
Two project examples of utilizing Tough Cell green solutions to stabilize slopes and construct green retention walls for natural esthetics and landscaping purposes:
Baha’i Shrine Garden Steep Slope Protection and Gardening, Israel
In this project, the objective was to set nineteen terraced gardens uprising toward the shrine of the Báb that contains remains of the Baha’i faith founder. The very steep slope leading to the shrine presented sliding dangers due to erosion, and had to stabilize slopes and prepare them for gardening soil and vegetation growth. According to Baha’i officials request, the solution was to be based on “green technology”. Eventually Tough Cell geocells were spread and infilled with gardening soil, providing a combined gardening and engineering solution preventing sliding and soil erosion. Since the grand opening in 2001, this site has become a vibrant center attracting both local and international visitors.
Italian Archeological Site Requires a Green Wall, Italy
During the restoration of Horace’s Villa, an archaeological site in Italy, the excavations caused landslides. The customer sought a solution that could be implemented with no heavy machinery and complement the Villa and its antique façade. Concrete retaining walls were not an option. Finally, retaining walls were built by using colored Tough Cell that was suited to the soil shade. The flexible character of this solution was easily adapted to the irregular slope, cells were filled with topsoil enabling the growth of vegetation. If needed, in the future these walls could be easily removed with no damage to this special site.
