In March 1999, Michael V. Harding, CPESC was asked to inspect hydraulic application sites along the Treno Alto Velocita (TAV) corridor south of Rome. The purpose of the investigation was to observe portions of the slopes where a bonded fiber matrix (BFM) had been applied in November and December of 1998. The vegetation resulting from this application did not meet the clients' expectation. Great Circle International, LLC was asked to provide technical assistance on:
A. Establishing the cause of the problem.
B. Developing solutions for the affected areas.
C. Providing recommendations for revegetation and erosion control on future sites.
Participating in the evaluation were Michela Visentin and Frederico Tecchio of Full Service (Treiste). Agronomists and engineers from the firm of Agriconsulting, S.p.A. (Rome), as well as representatives from the supervising engineering firm of Gianluigi Gigante were also in attendance. Discussions were held at a meeting in the Agriconsulting offices in Rome, as well as numerous times during the inspection.
Six (6) separate sites were visited. A final report, with photo documentation, was presented to the client which contained the following information:
· Site identification.
· Observation of the slope characteristics.
· Theory as to why vegetation failed to establish.
· Recommendations for solving existing problems.
At the conclusion of this report a section entitled "Alternatives" presented suggestions for modifications to the construction process to aid in the success of future re-vegetation activities.
