2024 Archive : Lloydminster

Project Details

Fabric 1

Propex Pyramat 75
Producer/Manufacturer: Solmax International Inc.
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Propex Pyramat 25
Producer/Manufacturer: Solmax International Inc.
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Engineer Company 1
City of Lloydminster

Design Company
RMI – Resource Management International

Project Manager Company
Brodsky Construction 

Please describe the project specifications

The Northwest Drainage Channel in Lloydminster, Alberta required critical improvements to the grading and capacity of the existing channel. The natural channel was 1.5 meters wide, shallow, and did not have the capacity to handle a one in ten year storm event. This led to overtopping onto an adjacent road and flooding of nearby businesses. The engineer of record, Resource Management International Inc., widened the channel to five meters, allowing capacity for higher flows. The design required long-term erosion protection that could handle a 100-year flood event.

A combination of PROPEX Pyramat 75 High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) and Pyramat 25 Turf Reinforcement Mat (TRM) was chosen to provide resistance to hydraulic flows and protect against erosion. This offered significant savings compared to rock riprap, as well as the added environmental and aesthetic benefits. When compared to traditional riprap, a vegetated TRM drastically reduced the carbon footprint and improved water quality. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized systems like Pyramat as a Best Management Practice (BMP) to improve water quality.

Both Pyramat 75 and 25 are highly UV stabilized, allowing for long-term sun exposure without degradation. They are also engineered to promote rapid root development and encourage growth of native vegetation.

The first phase of the project was successfully installed, prompting 30,000 sy (25,083 sm) of PROPEX Pyramat to be installed during the second phase of the project.

Despite installation during heavy snow, the installation was completed quickly. The new redesign successfully established positive drainage and maximized the channel’s ability to convey high volumes of water during rain events.

In October 2023, water samples from upstream, in-stream, and downstream of the drainage channel were tested. The testings found that water downstream of the drainage channel lined with PROPEX Pyramat had significantly reduced levels of heavy metals and TSS, compared to the upstream and unreinforced areas.

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