1. Articulating Concrete Mattress (ACM) Systems
A proprietary method, Articulating Concrete Mattresses are systems of concrete elements tied together with either UV-stabilized rope or stainless steel cables to form a flexible mattress that can be connected to other mattresses to form modular protection systems.
Different manufacturers construct elements in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Most ACM systems have been lab tested, project histories documented, and manufacturer's support (including design and installation) are readily available.
Very versatile, can be used for bank protection, grade control, channel lining, cart paths, fords, boat launches, and as a cover for exposed pipelines. Many projects require a geotextile filter underlayer. The entire mat system can be buried, and/or spaces between elements can be vegetated.
ACM systems can be totally removed and reinstalled, an important consideration for pipeline repair. Can also be removed & reconfigured for changing stream conditions
For grade control applications the downstream ends of the mat can be allowed to “float" and then self-adjust, (hinge) adjusting to local scour and/or knickpoint migration.
Strong anchoring systems and/or deep keys at the upstream and upslope boundaries of the mat system are required.
Knowledgeable and experienced designers, manufacturers, and installers are critical to project success. As with many techniques, the devil is in the details

2. From the Submar, Inc. website Used primarily for inland
erosion control projects on shorelines, streams & rivers. 8”
12”
38o
4½”
Shape locks in plant roots
SUB
MAR
MAR
SUB
Mats are connected with stainless steel cables or
non-metal straps to create a unitized erosion control system. Additional benefits of this system are the ability to remove, replace, or relocate, if required.
SPECIFICATIONS
MATTRESS TYPE: REVETMENT
MATTRESS DIMENSIONS: 8’ X 20’ X 4½”
MATTRESS WEIGHT: AIR 6,200 LBS, UNDERWATER 3,600 LBS
CONCRETE DENSITY: 145 LBS. PER CU. FT., 4,000 PSI
160 ELEMENTS: 5/8” ULTRA VIOLET STABILIZED COPOLYMER EXTRUDED
FIBER ROPE, MINIMUM TENSILE STRENGTH 9,500 POUNDS

3. 400 feet of extruded copolymer rope unitizes the 160 mat elements
From the Submar, Inc. website
400 feet of extruded copolymer rope unitizes the 160 mat elements
to form this mat. Wire rope is also used in some designs.

4. From the Submar, Inc. website
Concrete is poured into the mold and elements are cast onto the fiber rope. Optional non-abrasive pads are attached for overlaying pipelines.

5. Quite flexible

6. Flexible Submar mini-mat modeled by Cleophus

7. Flexible Submar mini-mat on couch
Quite flexible
Flexible Submar mini-mat on couch

8. Versatile!!

9. Mats can be transported by truck, barge, boat, & even helicopter.
From the Submar, Inc. website
Mats can be transported by truck, barge, boat, & even helicopter.

10. From the Submar, Inc. website Owingsville Discharge
On this hilly terrain near Morehead, Kentucky, vehicular traffic traversing this ROW has caused erosion, exposing two 30-inch pipelines.
Owingsville Discharge
Mile Post
Lewis County, KY
I.E.C.A. Photo Contest
1st Place
Challenge of Erosion Control
1st

11. are used to position the mats over the target.
From the Submar, Inc. website
Mechanical spreader frame used for
underwater installations.
SONIC BEACONS
Beacons attached to
the mat handling frame
are used to position the
mats over the target.

12.
From:

13. Overlapped & banded ACM
Key trench
Pix by Derrick
Overlapped & banded ACM

14. From Submar, Inc. Designated “Louisiana Scenic Stream”
Mats are installed and connected
prior to soil cover.
Downstream curve
before construction.
Pipelines exposed in the creekbed.
After mat installation, mats on the banks were backfilled to assist revegetation. Gravel was placed over the mats in the creekbed.
Downstream curve 5 months after installation. Pipelines are no longer visible in the creekbed. Mats are not visible anywhere in this scenic reach of stream.
From Submar, Inc.
Designated “Louisiana Scenic Stream”
Big Creek Crossing
Grant Parish, Pollock, LA
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT
OF WILDLIFE & FISHERIES
SCENIC RIVER AUTHORITY

15. Dry Gully Crossing, Cypress, Texas
Before
1 Year Later
Mats are buried for natural appearance
Dry Gully Crossing,
Cypress, Texas
From Submar, Inc.

16. 5 Years After Installation Vermillion County, Montezuma, IN
Before
After Installation
3 Years
After Installation
Before
5 Years After Installation
7 Years After Installation
EXCELLENT WILLOW GROWTH THROUGH ACM
From Submar, Inc.
Raccoon Creek
Vermillion County, Montezuma, IN
SUB
MAR

17. Jones County, Sharon, Mississippi
Before Installation
After Dewatering Creek
During Installation
Looking
Upstream
1½ Years Later
After Installation
After Installation
3 Months
After Installation
Wetland looking good
Reedy MP
Jones County, Sharon, Mississippi
Gas Pipelines - Transco
SUB
MAR

18. Jones County, Sharon, Mississippi
4½ Years Later
Wetland plants growing through mat
Reedy MP
Jones County, Sharon, Mississippi
Gas Pipelines - Transco
SUB
MAR

19. “Hinged” ACM grade control, more mats can be added as needed
Pickens, MS. ACM “tail” was laid on flat bathymetry, headcuts have migrated US and mat has adjusted and arrested the headcut
“Hinged” ACM grade control, more mats can be added as needed

20. This PowerPoint presentation was developed & built by Dave Derrick
This PowerPoint presentation was developed & built by Dave Derrick. Any questions or comments, call my personal , or Enjoy the information!!
“Based on the interagency publication, Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices, this introductory training covers:
Stream corridor ecosystems and their components
Ecological processes, structure & functions
Characterization and analysis of stream corridors
Development of a restoration plan
Design, implementation, monitoring, and
Integrated, iterative, adaptive, flexible approaches”.