Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the open area of ShoreFlex and why is that important?
ShoreFlex is designed with approximately 30% open area to facilitate vegetation growth.
2. Which product is appropriate for my application?
The Hydraulic Engineering Circular (HEC RAS) determines if ShoreFlex is applicable for your application by analyzing the hydraulic conditions with ShoreFlex’s permissible shear and calculating the safety factor. The HEC RAS software is available through the
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS website.
3. What sizes does the ShoreFlex mats come in?
ShoreFlex is offered in a wide variety of sizes to fit your specific needs. Most commonly ShoreFlex will be sold in 8' and 16' widths, but custom sizes are available
upon request at an additional cost.
4. What is maximum velocity ShoreFlex can handle?
Current ASTM design procedures utilize bed shear stress for primary stability analysis. This approach takes into consideration: velocity, depth of flow, and energy slope gradient to determine how much hydraulic energy (bed shear) is incident on the ShoreFlex mats. ShoreFlex has been flume tested and extrapolated to withstand
shear stresses of 18 lb/sqft and velocities of 30 ft/s per ASTM 6460-12.
5. Which erosion control underlayment is best to use under ShoreFlex?
The type of erosion control underlayment should be chosen based off of site specific needs. Different projects may require different levels of erosion control
underlayment and each job site should be evaluated independently.
6. How strong is the geogrid that holds the concrete blocks together?
The geogrid used to connect the concrete blocks together is a high strength low
elasticity polypropylene geogrid with a 2,000 lb. breaking tensile strength in both directions which allows for maintenance equipment and vehicular traffic.
7. How do you connect adjacent ShoreFlex mattresses at the sides?
ShoreFlex will be installed in a shingling configuration. The downstream mat
perpendicular to the flow of water shall be laid a minimum of 18” underneath the
upstream mat. The mats will then be connected together via the 18” rebar anchors.
8. Do I need to be concerned about the geogrid deteriorating?
The polypropylene geogrid is designed for a minimum 25 year life expectancy and in
most cases will be protected by and incorporated into the vegetation that grows
onsite.
9. What is the maximum slope ShoreFlex can handle?
2:1 slopes are the preferred limit. However, steeper slopes, up to 1:1, can be designed providing a proper slope stability analysis has been performed. Additional anchors
may be required.
10. How fast can ShoreFlex be placed?
ShoreFlex comes delivered in a roll for easy install. Most small equipment can easily
handle and install the ShoreFlex rolls allowing for quick installation time. ShoreFlex
can also be cut onsite to avoid trees or other objects to further expedite installation.
11. How much does ShoreFlex cost?
Depending on the quantity of Shoreflex and type of erosion control backing, Shoreflex
is competitive with other similar systems. Please contact your distributor for exact
pricing.
12. How do you handle upstream and downstream terminations?
ShoreFlex terminations, both upstream and downstream will be trenched in a
minimum of 18” perpendicular to flow ensuring permanent placement and proper
hydraulic functionality.
13. How do you anchor the ShoreFlex?
Anchoring ShoreFlex can be accomplished by several different methods depending on
the design objective. Most common methods utilize galvanized steel helical or
duckbill anchors. Attachment to ShoreFlex will be accomplished via the
lifting/anchoring loops that are incorporated in the concrete blocks. CAD details for
anchoring are available from Premier Concrete.
14. How do you determine when mechanical anchors are necessary?
Mechanical anchors are used on steeper slopes or when an extra safety factor is
desired.
15. What subgrade compaction is required?
95% standard proctor within +/- 3% of optimum moisture content is the normal
requirement for fill embankments. Existing compaction of undisturbed soils is
sufficient provided they are stable soils and do not exhibit "yielding" of soft areas.
16. Can you drive on ShoreFlex?
ShoreFlex is capable of handling maintenance equipment and light vehicular traffic. However, ShoreFlex is designed as an erosion control product and is not
recommended for high traffic use. Please see reach out to Industrial Fabrics, Inc. for
alternative products.
17. How do you handle obstructions and curves? (How do you install ShoreFlex around
pipes?)
Several CAD details are available in our Technical Manual and available for download on our website. ShoreFlex can be cut onsite to avoid any obstacle that may be in the installation area. ShoreFlex also comes in multiple widths and lengths to help
accomplish any curve or turn that the application site may have.
18. Do you need to fill and seed ShoreFlex?
Site seeding is optional and is up to the discretion of the owner. ShoreFlex can be
installed over both seeded and unseeded soils and vegetation will still occur. Seeded soils will typically vegetate faster and is recommended to accomplish natural
vegetation growth through ShoreFlex.