C-41 A Repair, Okeechobee, FL

C-41A, Okeechobee, Florida, is a major waterway managed by the local water management district. The local soil is extremely soft and consists mainly of very fine sand and silt. As a result, erosion is a constant issue as it causes major damage to the banks of the waterway as well as heavy siltation of the channel which could damage local habitats and infrastructure

As part of a previous conservation project, the banks were protected using HPTRM. The mat on this occasion was laid using only rock ballast at the head and toe. This was then overlaid with turf. Subsequent to the work, the rocks at the bottom of the slope had been washed away, which then led to the HPTRM floating up and losing any effectiveness by exposing the toe to undermining.

A more secure solution was provided by the Gripple Terra-Lock™ System. This time when the HPTRM was installed, ground anchors were placed underwater at the toe and all along the slope to the head. This ensured that the HPTRM maintained intimate contact with the subgrade surface, thus providing the erosion protection required.

The system makes use of the time saving, purpose-designed TL-100 which provides security, aids the ease of installation and has minimal impact on vegetation growth. This component coupled with the range of Gripple Installation Tools ensures a swift, straightforward and correct set up is achieved every time.

The Gripple Terra‑Lock™ System replaced a labor‑intensive rock ballast approach with a faster, more secure installation. The TL‑100 anchor and dedicated tools helped us install the HPTRM quickly, maintain soil contact, and deliver long‑term erosion protection on the C‑41A waterway.