Structural Soil

Ecoactiv

Structural soil, or load-bearing or engineered soil, embodies a meticulously crafted and highly specialized soil blend that serves a dual purpose. It is tailored to provide robust support for urban infrastructure such as pavements, sidewalks, and various hardscape surfaces, explicitly addressing their load-bearing requirements. On the other hand, it has been thoughtfully engineered to create an environment conducive to the flourishing growth of urban trees, harmonizing these two vital urban elements.

This intricate composition consists of 80% gap-graded levels, primarily composed of crushed stones, which fulfil the load-bearing role, while the remaining 20% comprises soil to facilitate tree growth. The delicate equilibrium achieved between load-bearing capacity and tree nurturing makes it an invaluable resource for urban landscapes where the coexistence of infrastructure and healthy tree canopy is paramount.

Applications

Structural soil forms the essential basis for all foundations that enable further development for urban landscapes:

Urban Streetscape Resilience: Structural soil is vital beneath urban streetscapes, providing essential support for sidewalks, roadways, and urban surfaces. It allows for the coexistence of pedestrian and vehicular traffic while nurturing the growth and vitality of trees.

Inviting Plazas and Squares: In creating public spaces like plazas and squares, structural soil becomes the bedrock for fostering a welcoming urban environment. It enables the healthy growth of trees, enhancing these communal areas’ overall aesthetic and appeal.

Durable Sidewalk Solutions: Structural soil finds its place beneath sidewalks, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity. By accommodating tree roots without causing heaving or damage, it paves the way for resilient and enduring walkways.

Sustainable Parking Lots: Within parking lots and other paved areas, structural soil assumes a dual role in managing stormwater runoff and promoting the flourishing growth of trees. It embodies sustainability by mitigating environmental impacts while enhancing greenery in urban settings.

Benefits

There are a multitude of benefits to utilising Structural Soil in urban landscapes including the following:

Optimal Tree Health: Structural soil excels in providing ample space for the robust growth and expansion of tree roots, nurturing the establishment of healthy root systems.

Exceptional Load-Bearing Capacity: Engineered for durability, structural soil effortlessly supports the weight and traffic of urban infrastructure without succumbing to compaction, safeguarding unhindered tree growth.

Prolonged Infrastructure Lifespan: Properly installed, structural soil is a guardian of pavements and hardscape surfaces, reducing pressure on these structures and extending their lifespan.

Efficient Stormwater Management: The void spaces within structural soil facilitate water infiltration and drainage, efficiently managing stormwater runoff and mitigating urban flooding.

Mitigated Infrastructure Damage: Creating a conducive environment for tree roots structural soil prevents them from wreaking havoc on pavements and underground utilities, thereby reducing infrastructure damage.

Enhanced Urban Greenery: Structural soil seamlessly integrates trees and greenery into urban spaces, enriching air quality and elevating the aesthetic charm of public areas and streetscapes.

Encouraging Root Penetration: Its composition encourages healthy root systems by promoting root growth through the soil, diminishing the risk of girdling roots.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Including trees and greenery in urban landscapes elevates the visual appeal of streetscapes and public spaces, transforming them into inviting havens.

Shade, Cooling, and Comfort: Urban trees planted in structural soil provide shade, combat the urban heat island effect, and create pleasant outdoor environments for residents.

Environmental Contributions: Urban trees in structural soil aid in carbon sequestration, air purification, and the promotion of urban biodiversity.

Mature Tree Preservation: Structural soil can be employed to retrofit urban areas, preserving existing mature trees and enhancing the character of the urban environment.

Promoting Sustainability: Structural soil champions sustainable urban design practices by allowing the coexistence of trees and vegetation with hardscape surfaces.

It is paramount to recognize that the successful installation and maintenance of structural soil demand expertise in urban tree management and soil engineering. Collaborating with professionals specializing in urban forestry, landscape architecture, and soil engineering is imperative to ensure the fruitful implementation of structural soil systems that benefit trees and urban infrastructure.

Structural Soil

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