Soil Lift Construction with BioD-Block System

Installation Instructions

BioD-Block can be used in many other applications in many different forms of installation. Designers and end users may consider unique site conditions to select best form of installation.

Before installing BioD-Block coir block system, clean and level the base of the eroded streambank. If necessary, strengthen the toe and the foundation using rocks as show in the diagram (Fig. 1). Place at least 2 inches of soil on the top and level the surface well. Place a BioD-Block unit on level surface, keeping the female end towards direction of extending, and spread the bottom fabric. Anchor the bottom fabric to the ground well with suitable length metal staples or wooden pegs. Fill soil up to the height of the coir block (Fig. 1) and compact the filled soil well. Cover the compacted filled material with top fabric and anchor it well (Fig. 2). If the water table is close to the top of the first soil layer, plant native plants on and around BioD-Block (Fig. 3a). If the soil surface is at the water level, do not plant at this time. Most of the woody plants including willows will not grow in submerged conditions. Repeat the coir block installation procedure described above to make soil lift layers as needed or to the top of the bank. On the very top layer, spread grass seeds. Joining BioD-Block units can be done easily with their unique connection method. Male and female end connection in BioD-Block maintains continuity and structural integrity of the connected section. Fabric extending beyond fiber block at female end provides structural support for inserted male end. Insert male end of second BioD-Block™ to female end of first BioD-Block™ and drive stakes as shown in the picture. Make sure to drive stakes through overlapping fabrics of two BioD-Block™ units at their connection. Once again do not drive stakes all the way. Keep adding BioD-Block™ units until desired length is achieved. We recommend using minimum 1 in x 1.5 in x 15 in pine wedges at every 3 ft to anchor the bottom fabric to the ground before filling with soil and 2 in x 2 in x 24 in pine wedges on the top fabric after filling with soil. These wedges may be substituted with 12 in or longer metal staples if necessary. Additional anchors will increase the safety factor of the constructed slope.

 

Multi-layer applications of Coir Block System