Cable Concrete is the premier precast articulating
concrete block mat system. It consists of pyramidal shaped concrete blocks
interwoven with stainless steel cable, underlaid with a durable geotextile fabric. These
characteristics allow for unsurpassed flexibility and ease of installation. Add
cable running both lengthwise and widthwise, offering loops on all sides for clamping to
adjacent mats, and a durable erosion control system is created that can protect any size
or shape area. Cable Concrete provides the Owner with a cost effective solution which
allows water permeability, vegetation, contour flexibility, subsoil confinement and long
term control of erosion.
CABLE CONCRETE DESIGN FEATURES
Plant manufactured in needed mat configuration and
delivered to the jobsite for fast and economical installation.
4000 psi minimum concrete.
Air entrained concrete for durability and freeze-thaw fracture resistance.
Type 302 stainless steel cable.
Cables looped on all mat edges to provide for mat to mat connection and optional
anchoring.
Geotextile fabric attached to mat at plant.
20% to 40% open area to provide water permeability and
vegetational growth.
Pyramidal block shape allows for articulation ranging
from 20' to 60', depending upon block size.
Complete engineering analysis, with flume testing, has been conducted by
the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor, Ontario,
Canada. Cable Concrete is manufactured to exacting specifications, which exceed both
federal and state D.O.T. requirements.

Before

After
CABLE CONCRETE FACTS
Stability: Hydraulic conditions and flow velocities determine the
block size and layout design needed to stabilize the erosive forces. The Cable
Concrete mats, with the interwoven cable and mat to mat clamping, become one homogeneous
control system. Cables are precast through each block, assuring both lateral and
vertical stability.
Flexibility: The pyramidal shape of the blocks provides for large angular
variability. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to abrupt changes in grade
contours.
Permeability: The open area of the mats allows for sufficient transfer of water
between the subgrade and the system surface. The attached geotextile fabric allows
for relief of hydrostatic pressure without permitting migration of subgrade fines.
Vegetation: Native and exotic grasses, broadleaf plants and shrubs will grow in the
open area of the mat if desired. Its smooth surface allows for easy access by
pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and affords easy maintenance of vegetation.
Plants' root systems actually enhance the stability of the system over the years.
Because the cables are precast into the system, blocks can be removed for larger
plantings without compromising the integrity of the system.
Reusable: The cables of the mat allow for use as a temporary erosion control
material, for construction traffic or emergency situations. The mats can then be
lifted for more permanent placement elsewhere or put into storage for the next jobsite.
INSTALLATION
The Cable Concrete erosion control system offers quick installation by the Contractor or
Owner. Mats are delivered to the jobsite by either flatbed or boomtruck. When
possible, the 4 foot by 16 foot mats are delivered for placement by installer directly
from truck to prepared ground, minimizing handling.
The mats are lifted and positioned with a lift bar supplied by the manufacturer.
With the geotextile fabric already attached, the mats are normally placed in sequence from
the downstream end of the job to the upstream end. This shingling of the fabric
eliminates the potential for undermining of the completed system.
Anchoring of the completed system may be advisable, due to steep slopes or high water
velocities. This anchoring is usually done at the upstream edges and in areas where
excessive turbulence may occur. While all engineering data used to design a project
is based on unanchored mats, anchoring offers an additional margin of safety and is
often recommended.
Once placed, clamped and anchored, the Cable Concrete erosion control system can receive a
variety of surface treatments. Washed rock can be dropped between the blocks for a
clean, unvegetated look. Black dirt can be spread between the blocks and the area
seeded for a fully vegetated, easily mowed surface. Or it can be left unfinished,
allowing sediment and natural growth to determine final appearance.
CABLE CONCRETE APPLICATIONS
* Lakeshore Protection.
* Riverbank Protection.
* Landfill Drainage Systems.
* Stormwater Pipe and Box Culvert Outlets.
Boat Ramps / Access Roads / Fire Lanes / Low Water
Crossings.
* Channel Lining.
* Spillways.
* Dike and Dam Overflow Protection.
* Bridge Pier and Abutment Scour Protection.
* Temporary and Emergency Erosion Control.
CABLE CONCRETE BENEFITS
* Cost-effective solution to severe erosion needs.
* Precast mats with preattached geotextile speed installation and quality of finished
project.
* Easily maintained when vegetated or rock filled.
* Highly resistant to ice damage and freeze-thaw cycle.
* Allows safe pedestrian access.
* Flexible mats can conform to existing ground contours,
minimizing site preparation.
* Mats can be removed and reused as future site use or
hydrologic data changes.
* Local precaster manufactures Cable Concrete to exacting
specifications, that exceed both federal and state D.O.T.
material requirements and assures a quality product.