Perth Airport erosion control trial

Project (year):

Perth Airport erosion control trial (2020)

​

Client:

Perth Airport Pty Ltd and West Coast Civil Pty  Ltd

​

Description:

GHEMS was contracted to install Flexterra hydromulch as part of an erosion control trial undertaken at Perth Airport. Working along-side and collaboratively with trial participants Perth Airport, West Coast Civil and DuraVeg, GHEMS successfully completed the works to the strict quality and safety standards required. 

​

The objective of the trial is to determine the effectiveness of Flexterra hydromulch in establishing and sustaining turf grass in areas adjacent to runways that experience 'jet blast'. Runway areas impacted by jet blast lack vegetative cover and increase the risk of 'foreign object debris' (FOD) emanating from these areas. FOD is any item (from small stones to equipment) on aircraft manoeuvring areas that is not intended to be there and pose a significant hazard to aircraft operations.

 

A grass seed mix of 'Avanex Jackal' tall fescue grass, which contains an endophyte that deters insects and birds, and standard couch grass seed was incorporated in the hydromulch mix for installation.

 

The areas will be monitored and visually inspected by Perth Airport personnel over the coming weeks and months to evaluated trial outcomes.