Landscape & Urban Design Issue 14 2015 | Page 44

This was the problem faced by the London Borough of Hackney officials; something was needed to protect the tree roots of the many established trees that lined its streets. Officials from the London Borough of Hackney appointed Civil Engineering Contractor Volker Fitzpatrick to solve this problem. The solution was RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit, a natural aggregate finish surround for planted trees in public and private areas, it was recommended for its SuDS compliance, ease of maintenance, and for the appearance of the resin bound gravel. Sub-contractor AJ O’Connor was appointed to install the system which has gradually been applied over a large area. RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit surrounds the tree with a resin bound aggregate surface that is easily swept clean and has a porous structure that allows rainwater to seep immediately through to the root system and reduces the burden on surface water drainage. AJ O’Connor excavated around each tree to a depth of 150-200mm and filled the excavation with gravel to within 50 mm - 75 mm of the surface, the required depth of RonaDeck Eco Tree Pit system. The two-part resin was mixed with a drill and paddle before being added to the kiln-dried aggregate component in a high capacity forced action mixer. The mixture was then laid on the prepared gravel base and levelled off. EcoPath for Golfers - Enfield A new highly sustainable product in the RonaDeck range RonaDeck EcoPath MT was used to provide a slip resistant surface for golfers waiting at the first tee at Enfield Golf Club. The loose gravel waiting a rea next to the first tee at Enfield Golf Club was causing maintenance problems; the gravel was migrating to grassed areas and it became muddy and slippery in wet weather, a particular problem in the winter months. RonaDeck EcoPath MT was specified to provide a slip resistant, attractive, easily maintainable waiting area for golfers and spectators. The area also needed to be accessed safely so the design included a set of steps, surfaced with RonaDeck EcoPath MT, leading down to the tee. As its name suggests RonaDeck EcoPath MT is sustainable, with recycled rubber tyres being used to produce the rubber granules. It is also porous; applied to Type 3 aggregate, the permeable construction is SuDS compliant. As well as helping the environment, this permeability prevents surface ponding, an important consideration for this project. RonaDeck EcoPath MT was applied to the prepared base of compacted Type 3 aggregate, levelled and smoothed with a float. The surface was allowed to cure and was ready for foot traffic within 24 hours. RonaDeck EcoPath MT provided a visually attractive and slip resistant surface for golfers and spectators to wait on while they watched the first shots being played. RonaDeck systems have also been used in sporting venues including Lords Cricket Ground, Twickenham and Wembley. Ronacrete is the only manufacturer of resin bound surfacing products that is a member of FeRFA, the resin flooring trade association. www.ronacrete.co.uk 44 Landscape & Urban Design Issue 14