Brew City Bioengineering

A bioengineered channel protection solution was designed for the City of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District’s Underwood Creek. Using Presto Geosystems’ Geoweb system, coir fabric and willow plantings, it provides vegetated protection at one of the creek’s downtown culvert outfall locations.

Soil confined in the Geoweb system and layered with a defined setback created a flexible retaining wall system that supports vegetation. Because of the nature of the system’s open outer cells to contain the growing medium, a coir fabric was wrapped over each Geoweb lift to protect the individual sections from potential topsoil loss from intermittent high flows during rain events. Designer Dale Miller, Mainstream Restorations, incorporated a natural solution that would remain structurally sound, sustain anticipated flows and be environmentally friendly.

Benefits of the Geoweb Channel Protection System

Performance. The Geoweb layered system performs well in soft soil environments and can tolerate reasonable differential settlement without loss of structural strength. Vegetated systems can withstand relatively high intermittent flows for short periods.

Environmental. The permeable fascia allows storm water to permeate the structure providing natural water infiltration and reduction of storm water runoff. Also, vegetated channels are typically cooler than MSE walls, reducing the heat island effect in cities.

Aesthetics. Vegetated retaining walls offer natural blending with the environment and allow designers and owners to choose vegetation and plantings ideal for the location.