Elmich Australia TurfPave - safe for driveways and more without compaction

Sydney, 30 April, 2009 - In the past, grass has been difficult to use in driveways, walkways and car parks due to root-kill caused by ground compacting.

Yet given the choice, many people would prefer the look of a grassed or decorative gravel driveway or car park over an unsightly concrete or asphalt one. Apart from the aesthetic appeal of turf or gravel, they also offer the benefit of allowing water permeability, which can eliminate the need for costly storm water drainage systems.

"Until now, turf has been troublesome to install in moderate use traffic areas, because of the problem of the earth being compacted, eventually killing the root system and resulting in unattractive worn areas," said David Oliver, Managing Director of landscape engineering firm, Elmich Australia Pty Ltd.

"This is where Elmich's TurfPave® solves the problem," he said. "It's installed under the turf surface and stabilises the soil, allowing root growth and permitting rainwater to drain away. Not only does this have environmental benefits, but it also means that developments are more likely to meet local planning water permeability guidelines," said David.

Manufactured from recycled plastics, TurfPave's® high strength modules interlock and can accommodate heavy vehicle load requirements up to the latest generation fire engines. Apart from turf, it is also suitable to have decorative gravel laid over it.

"TurfPave® is highly practical because it can conform to uneven areas making it simple to install and adaptable for use in many applications," said David.

TurfPave® was recently specified for use by NSW Sport and Recreation for stabilising a 5,000 square metre overflow car park at the Sydney Academy of Sports at Narrabeen. Modules were interlocked and positioned on a compacted free-draining gravel sub-base. The high strength flexible modules were covered with a sandy soil, over which turf was laid.

The completed installation, left, effectively withstands vehicle traffic and provides an attractive and efficient alternative to impermeable hard surfaces.

At the Sydney Missionary & Bible College, JCA Landscape Architects specified TurfPave® for a car park installation.

"We specified TurfPave® in-filled with decorative gravel, because it provides an all weather vehicular trafficable surface whilst allowing 100% rainwater surface run-off absorption into the sub-grade. This assists in meeting site permeability ratios as required by local government planning codes," said John Chetham of JCa Landscape Architects.

"TurfPave® also offers the advantage of protecting trees adjacent to car parking bays by allowing water and oxygen to penetrate through to the feeder roots. Furthermore, it breaks up the mass of bitumen and concrete surfaces thus providing a softer appearance in the landscape," he said.

TurfPave® can be used in many types of moderate traffic installations including vehicle parking lots, emergency vehicle roads, golf courses, street shoulder areas and for slope stabilization.

More information can be found at www.elmich.com.au.