Replacing Mass with Science
Geosynthetic stabilization fabrics play a key role in achieving superior results with Ultra Base panels and are essential to "Replacing Mass with Science." These fabrics help stabilize soils without the need for stone or concrete and create the structural stability essential for success.
Background
Geosynthetic fabrics are a construction grade geotextile used to control the properties of a prepared ground or soil area. As an essential part of installations over compacted earth, the benefits of UltraBase geosynthetic fabrics include:
- Creating structural integrity
- Providing drainage and meeting permeability restrictions
- Reducing installation time and expense
- Eliminating the need for stone or concrete
How The System Works
The key to using UltraBase geosynthetic fabric to “replace mass with science” is in weight redistribution. In a typical installation over earth, the area is prepared, and fabric is placed directly on to the soil. The UltraBase panels are installed over the geosynthetic fabric. The weight of the panel system is redistributed over a larger surface area, preventing the panels from sinking into the prepared soil over time. This can be thought of as the “Snowshoe Effect” in that snowshoes allow for walking on top of snow without sinking by spreading weight over a larger area.
Using geosynthetic fabrics with UltraBase panels can also address drainage concerns. UltraBase products such as the Professional and Champion panels have been engineered with a cellular, channeled, honeycomb design intended to both temporarily store and direct the flow of water under the system. When placed over geosynthetic fabric, space is created for the system to “breath” and water is allowed to flow through the drain channels as intended.
Popular Fabrics
Mirafi RS280i
Woven, Permeable
This high-performance fabric offers a single solution for reinforcement and stabilization and is our most commonly used geotextile. Its high-modulus construction integrates key performance properties including soil reinforcement, confinement, separation, and filtration.
LM 800 NT
Non-Woven, Permeable
This felt like fabric is used primarily in court related projects where ball bounce is an important characteristic. It's almost always used with another supporting fabric as part of a 2-layer system and it eliminates dead spots by ensuring the cellular structure of the panel is completely supported.
30 Mil
Woven, Impermeable
This woven impermeable membrane is used to control the flow of liquids. This fabric is a thermally welded polyethylene and is similar to a pond liner material. It’s often featured in rooftop projects requiring an impermeable layer or pet turf applications to prevent pet waste from penetrating the substrate.
Summary
The key to achieving superior results with UltraBase products is using the correct geosynthetic fabric for the application. The mission behind using UltraBase panels coupled with geosynthetic fabric is to “replace mass with science.” Our system provides drainage and structural integrity, reduces installation time and costs, and can even meet permeability restrictions—all without the use of stone or concrete.
Get Started with Ultra Base Today
Talk to an Ultra Base team member today to discuss your project, application, and pricing options. Our experienced team will ensure you're choosing the right Ultra Base product for your application.
