In the face of severe challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and ecosystem destruction worldwide, 3D geomat technology, as an innovative ecological engineering solution, is receiving increasing attention and application worldwide. This technology combines principles of engineering and ecology, providing efficient and reliable solutions for slope stability, soil and water conservation, and ecological restoration. This article will comprehensively explore the technical characteristics, application fields, environmental benefits, and future development trends of 3D geomats, providing readers with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of this ecological engineering technology.

3D geomat is a three-dimensional mesh material made of polymer materials (usually polyethylene or polypropylene), specifically designed for vegetation growth and soil fixation. Unlike traditional two-dimensional geonets, three-dimensional vegetation nets have a unique three-dimensional structure, usually composed of multiple layers of flat nets connected by vertical ribs, forming a network system with a high spatial structure.

This three-dimensional structure creates an ideal microenvironment that can effectively disperse rainwater erosion energy, prevent surface soil loss, provide growth space for plant roots, promote rapid vegetation formation, and protect slopes from erosion. The mesh size, height, and structural density of the 3D geomat can be adjusted according to different engineering requirements to adapt to various terrain conditions and vegetation types.

Technical characteristics of 3D geomat

1. Unique three-dimensional structural design

The most prominent feature of a 3D geomat is its three-dimensional spatial structure. This structure is usually composed of 1-5 layers of flat mesh connected by vertical ribs, forming three-dimensional spaces with heights ranging from 10mm to 30mm. This design creates the following advantages:Increasing surface roughness, reducing water flow velocity, providing a larger soil contact area, and creating micro terrain changes are beneficial for seed interception and germination, providing three-dimensional growth space for plant roots

2. Excellent mechanical properties

A high-quality 3D geomat has the following mechanical properties:High tensile strength, moderate elongation, strong UV resistance, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, suitable for various soil environments

3. Ecological compatibility

Modern 3D geomatwork design fully considers ecological factors: the material is usually environmentally friendly polymer, which will not cause pollution to soil and plants, with a black or green appearance that coordinates with the natural environment. The mesh size is moderate, ensuring structural stability without hindering plant growth. Over time, as vegetation forms, the network is gradually covered and eventually integrated into the natural ecosystem

4. Construction convenience

The design of the 3D geomatwork system considers the convenience of engineering implementation: light weight (usually 200-500g/m ²), easy transportation, rollable packaging, simple on-site laying, can be constructed by mechanical or manual methods, and can be flexibly cut and spliced according to the terrain

In highway construction,geomat for slope protection is usually used for the protection and greening of highway slopes, restoring natural vegetation along the route, beautifying the environment, while ensuring the stability of highway slopes and improving driving safety. In railway slope protection, measures are taken to prevent soil erosion and slope collapse along the railway line, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the railway. In the slope protection project on both sides of the river, the riverbank is protected from water erosion, the stability of the river is maintained, the growth of riverbank vegetation is promoted, and the ecological environment of the river is improved. By covering a 3D geomat and planting suitable plants, the restoration of vegetation on mine slopes can be accelerated, soil erosion can be reduced, and the ecological landscape of mines can be improved, playing an important role in the ecological restoration after mining.

The correct construction method for 3D geomat is the key to ensuring the effectiveness of the 3D geomat project. The typical construction process includes:

1. Slope preparation

Remove debris such as floating stones and tree roots from the slope surface

Fill in potholes to ensure a smooth slope surface

For loose slopes, compact them appropriately

The slope generally does not exceed 1:1 (45 °)

2. Laying a 3D geomat

Lay from the top of the slope downwards, with the net roll perpendicular to the slope surface

The overlapping width of adjacent mesh sheets shall not be less than 10cm

Buried in fixed trenches at the top and foot of the slope respectively

Fix with U-shaped nails or wooden stakes, with a spacing of 0.5-1m

3. Backfilling planting soil

Choose fertile topsoil or improved soil

The thickness of the backfill should exceed the height of the net by 2-5cm

Uniform manual or mechanical paving

Prevent large soil and rock from damaging the mesh material

4. Vegetation establishment

Sowing: Choose grass irrigation seeds that are suitable for the local climate

Spray broadcasting: mechanized operation, high efficiency

Planting: seedlings or nutrient bowl seedlings

Cover: non-woven fabric or straw for moisture retention

5. Maintenance management

Regular watering in the initial stage

Timely replanting and replanting

Prevention and control of pests and diseases

Avoid human destruction

Environmental benefits of 3D geomat

1. Soil and water conservation function

Reduce soil erosion by over 90%

Reduce surface runoff velocity by 30% -50%

Increase rainwater infiltration and supplement groundwater

Prevent gully erosion and collapse from occurring

2. Ecological restoration value

Quickly restore vegetation coverage

Increase biodiversity

Improve local microclimate

Rebuilding ecosystem functionality

3. Landscape beautification effect

Create a natural green landscape

Harmony and unity with the surrounding environment

Seasonal color variation

Enhance the regional landscape value

4. Carbon sink function

Promote plant growth and fix atmospheric CO ₂

Reduce carbon emissions caused by soil erosion

In the long run, forming a stable ecosystem carbon pool

The 3D geomat technology represents the development direction of modern ecological engineering. It cleverly combines engineering protection with ecological restoration, providing effective tools for solving environmental problems such as land degradation and ecosystem destruction faced globally. With the development of materials science, ecology, and engineering technology, 3D geomat technology will continue to innovate and improve, playing an important role in a wider range of fields.

In the future, 3D geomatwork technology will become more intelligent, ecological, and systematic, becoming one of the core technologies for green infrastructure construction. To realize this potential, it requires joint efforts from all sectors of industry, academia, and research, including strengthening basic research, improving standard systems, cultivating professional talents, and promoting successful experiences.

In the context of promoting ecological civilization construction globally, 3D geomat technology will undoubtedly make important contributions to building a modern harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and become an indispensable technical support in sustainable development strategies.