Ecodeck installation guide

If you have purchased a geotextile, please lay this on the ground first.

Lay the grids out into your desired configuration, ensuring the opposing clip connectors (male and female connectors) face each other and that the 'circle-shaped' (anti-migration lattice) face of the grid is directly on the ground.

If cutting of the grid is required, please perform this task now.

Connect the grids together until you have achieved your desired shape.

The pockets of the grid should now face upwards and be ready to house and contain your chosen infill material.

Note: For all grid types, we advise using angular-shaped gravel and not pebble-shaped gravel. Pebbles are more rounded in shape and will migrate and move around more than angular types. For optimal results, we recommend using gravel with a size tolerance ranging from 5mm to 25mm, and 5mm to30mm for Ecodeck 50.

IMPORTANT: Please remember, when Ecodeck is to used for parking and driving areas, Ecodeck must not be driven on until infilled with your chosen material.

As a general rule, gravel pavers should be overfilled by approximately 10–20 mm (1–2 cm) above the top of the grid cells.

Why Overfill?

• To hide the grid: A slight overfill conceals the plastic structure of the paver, making the surface visually continuous with the surrounding area.
• To allow for settling and compaction: Gravel will settle over time due to foot or vehicle traffic. The overfill compensates for this, maintaining coverage and performance.
• To maintain a smooth surface: Without enough overfill, the tops of the grid can become exposed, especially in high-traffic areas, which may lead to discomfort, wear, or damage

Note 1: Removal of TerraGrid Core 30 reinforcement will require the build-up to be redesigned and will generally result in an increase in sub-base thickness. Selecting an alternative geogrid will require a redesign of the sub-base thickness.

Note 2: Use of TerraGrid Core 30 geogrid. If construction traffic axle loads will be greater than 60kN (approximately 6 tonnes), the minimum sub-base thickness over the geogrid shall be 150mm. The maximum aggregate particle size should not exceed one-half of the compacted sub-base thickness and in all cases shall not exceed 75 mm. For sub-base thicknesses of around 100mm, a minimum 37.5mm particle size should be adopted to allow effective installation of the geogrid. Sub-base shall be placed in layers not exceeding 150 mm compacted thickness and compacted using suitable plant until the specified density is achieved

Note 3: Sub-base attenuation utilising a geomembrane and optional geotextile protection, is typically necessary to create a water storage facility and/or a groundwater protection function.

Note 4: A permeable open-graded (reduced-fines) Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) sub-base layer such as MoT Type 3 (4/20mm or 4/40mm), is preferred. However, where a conventional MoT Type 1 sub-base is to be installed, it is essential that a drainage system is incorporated to assist in the mitigation of issues associated with saturation. This drainage system would typically comprise of a network of perforated pipes or drainage geocomposite.

Note 5: CBR% = California Bearing Ratio: an indicative measurement of subgrade soil strength. Specialist advice should be sought from a suitably qualified person for high-load or critical applications.

Note 6: For SuDS permeable sub-base a filter geotextile should be installed where required by the project-specific SuDS design, where bedding migration into coarse aggregate is possible, or where specified by the designer. The sand bedding must be clean, coarse-grained sand free from silts & clays: it must not be soft building sand or silver sand.

Note 7: The paver fill material should be good quality, free-draining friable topsoil suitable for grass growth and with no contaminants or oversized debris. Amenity grass seed mixture should contain hard-wearing, low fertility and/or drought-tolerant species with the option of a low percentage of clover content if acceptable.

Note 8: The maximum advised gradient for vehicular trafficked applications is 8% (1:12) 5°.

Note 9: Maintenance – Top up gravel after initial settlement. Remove weeds as required. Keep drainage outlets clear. Inspect annually. Replace damaged panels individually.