MKB Anchor Reinforced Vegetated Systems (ARVS) Permanent Erosion Control Systems combining Turf Reinforcement Mats with Percussion Driven Anchors

A: An ARVS is an engineered erosion control solution that combines a high-performance turf reinforcement mat (HPTRM) with mechanical earth anchors. By physically pinning the system deep into the subgrade, the ARVS creates a unified, reinforced soil mass. This delivers the durability and shear-resistance of traditional “hard armor” (like concrete or rock riprap) while promoting a natural, vegetated landscape.

ARVS should be your primary choice for high-risk, critical infrastructure where the consequences of slope or channel failure are significant. Ideal applications include dam embankments, spillways, steep levees, and high-velocity drainage channels where hydraulic shear forces exceed the capacity of surface-applied mats.

Standard mats rely primarily on their own tensile strength to resist erosion. In contrast, the mechanical anchors in an ARVS penetrate deep into the soil strata, anchoring the system to the subgrade. This prevents the “lifting” or “tunneling” that can occur during extreme hydraulic events and ensures the mat remains in intimate contact with the soil, which is essential for healthy, long-term root development.

ARVS offers a “green” alternative that matches or exceeds the shear stress thresholds of rigid materials. Unlike concrete, which can crack due to settling, or riprap, which can be displaced over time, an ARVS is flexible—meaning it conforms to the ground surface even if the soil shifts.

Yes, the installation requires higher precision than standard erosion control blankets. It involves the layout and mechanical installation of ground anchors at a specific pattern and depth, through the reinforcement mat. Because this is a structural system, it is vital to follow site-specific design specifications regarding anchor density and placement.