Multipurpose Battle Area

Technical Description:

• Product: ArmorFlex^® Class 40T
• Area: 76,000 sf

The terrain of a newly constructed battle area in Fort Polk needed a system that would allow tanks and other heavy military vehicles to cross without damage and disruption to streams within the area. Due to the remote location of the site and potential loss of production time using poured concrete should inclement weather arise, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers considered the use of ArmorFlex articulating concrete block mats.

The project required ArmorFlex mats to be placed on top of engineered lifts that formed a stream crossing. Five total crossings were designed to provide the opportunity for excess flows to overtop the structure safely. ArmorFlex Class 40 was used upstream and Class 40T downstream. Polyester cables were used to connect and lift the mats.

The entire series of crossings were constructed in two and a half months. The installation of mattresses, from the time all site preparation was complete, took two and a half weeks. Four to six laborers and three pieces of heavy equipment were used in preparation for the mats. The mats were tied to the multi-plate structures with poured concrete collars.

Technical Description:

• Product: ArmorFlex^® Class 40T
• Area: 76,000 sf