What is the Three-dimensional Vegetation Net ?
Three-dimensional vegetation nets (3D vegetation nets) are primarily used for slope protection and vegetation restoration. They are made from polymer thermoplastic materials (such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)) through extrusion and stretching processes, resulting in a three-dimensional honeycomb or interlaced mesh structure.
Material Composition
3D vegetation netting is primarily composed of the following components:
Main Material: Polymer (PE/PP), which is lightweight, stretch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and UV-resistant.
Color: Typically green or black, with green being more suitable for ecological landscapes and blending in with vegetation.
Thickness: Common thicknesses range from 2–6 mm.
Weight: Depending on the model, the weight per square meter is generally between 200–500 grams.
Thickness and Weight
Three-dimensional vegetation netting typically has a thickness of 2–6 mm and a weight of 200–500 g/m². These differences in thickness and weight determine the application range of different models:
Lightweight netting (EM2): Approximately 2 mm thick, weighing 200 g/m², suitable for greening gentle slopes;
Medium-weight netting (EM3, EM4): 3–4 mm thick, weighing 260–350 g/m², suitable for road and railway slopes;
Heavyweight netting (EM5): Thicknesses of 5 mm and above, weighing up to 430 g/m², suitable for steep slopes and areas with strong currents.
Classification by Specifications
Common specifications include EM2, EM3, EM4, and EM5.
The larger the number, the thicker and stronger it is.
| Model | Unit Weight (g/m²) | Thickness (mm) | Tensile Strength (kN/m) | Applicable Slope | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM2 | 200 ± 20 | 2.0 ± 0.2 | ≥ 0.8 | ≤ 30° | Gentle slopes, landscaping, basic slope protection |
| EM3 | 260 ± 20 | 3.0 ± 0.3 | ≥ 1.4 | ≤ 45° | Highway slopes, railway embankments, soil conservation |
| EM4 | 350 ± 30 | 4.0 ± 0.3 | ≥ 2.0 | ≤ 60° | Riverbanks, reservoir dams, steeper slopes |
| EM5 | 430 ± 30 | 5.0 ± 0.3 | ≥ 3.2 | ≤ 90° | Steep slopes, high rainfall areas, mining land rehabilitation |
Three-Dimensional Grid Structure
Three-dimensional vegetation nets are typically constructed from three or more layers of mesh, welded together:
The upper and lower layers provide stability and support, providing overall stability.
The middle layer, a three-dimensional, staggered structure, offers strong soil-holding capacity.
The overall effect is a "honeycomb skeleton" that securely holds the soil to the slope.
This structure can be thought of as the external skeleton of "reinforced soil." Grass seeds are sown within the grid, and soil fills the concave and convex spaces. Rainwater infiltrates the grass seeds, evenly distributing them and retaining moisture. As plant roots grow, they penetrate the mesh and intertwine with the soil, gradually forming a "soil + grid + root system" triplex, significantly enhancing the slope's resistance to erosion.
Application areas of 3D vegetation networks:
Water conservancy projects
Mine remediation and land restoration
Municipal gardening and landscape engineering
Ecological restoration and soil and water conservation
Urban road slope greening
Three-dimensional vegetation mesh, a new ecological slope protection material, has been widely used in various fields, including transportation projects, water conservancy projects, mine management, municipal landscaping, and ecological restoration. Compared with traditional hard slope protection methods, it not only effectively prevents soil erosion and improves slope stability, but also improves the ecological environment and beautifies the landscape, achieving the dual goals of "project safety + ecological protection."
Enhanced slope stability – effectively resists rainwater erosion and wind erosion, preventing landslides and mudslides;
Promoted vegetation restoration – provides a stable growth environment for grass seeds and roots, increasing survival rates;
Improved the ecological environment – creates green ecological slope protection and promotes a virtuous cycle between soil and natural systems;
Economic and landscape benefits – reduces maintenance costs and enhances the overall aesthetics of the project.
