GEOBLOCK®5150 Grass Pavers

Project Name: Clermont Chain of Lakes Fire Lane Access

Project Location: Clermont, Florida

The Clermont Chain of Lakes consists of 11 lakes (8,960-acres) connected by a series of canals where locals and tourists enjoy being able to venture from lake to lake on boats, jet skis, and other watercrafts. The lake’s popularity and breathtaking views have made them a sought-after location, leading to the development of numerous residential areas along the waterfronts in Clermont, Florida.

Emergency Apparatus & ADA Accessibility Access Roads

One residential area was being developed around a large pond in a Clermont subdivision. Due to the neighborhood’s layout and stormwater requirements, asphalt or concrete roads could not be constructed between the pond and houses. Since this was also designated as a recreational area, there had to be fire/emergency apparatus access roads, and ADA accessibility around the pond.

To maintain green spaces, comply with emergency access requirements, and control stormwater runoff, a vegetated porous pavement system was recommended for the neighborhood. The project owner selected the GEOBLOCK®5150 Grass Porous Pavement System (2-inch deep units) for the 12,000-square-foot project because it would meet all project requirements.

Installing Green Pavements for Accessibility Routes & Stormwater Management

The GEOBLOCK5150 Grass Pavers are quick and easy to install, allowing even those who are unfamiliar or untrained to use them effectively.

For this specific project, excavation was minimal due to a strong subgrade—which sped up installation time for the contractor. The subgrade was made up of a homogenous mixture consisting of crushed aggregate and pulverized topsoil. This engineered base mixture promotes vegetation growth and provides the required H/HS25 loading for structural support.

Once the subgrade was compacted, the GEOBLOCK panels were positioned into a herringbone pattern. This pattern is used in large areas with multi-directional traffic to guarantee maximum load transfer and support.

To establish the herringbone pattern, some GEOBLOCK units were cut in half using a power saw. Other units were custom fit around the manholes and other obstructions at the site.

The GEOBLOCK panels fit together seamlessly to provide the full coverage needed to create a solid roadway for the heavy fire trucks and ambulances.

After installation, the GEOBLOCK unit cells were then filled with non-compacted topsoil and native grass seed. It is important to choose a grass that is local and that will blend naturally to the surrounding project environment. While the grass type contributes to the visual and environmental integration of the project, it does not impact the functional performance of the GEOBLOCK system.

GEOBLOCK5150 Grass Paver Benefits & Project Results

One of the major benefits of using the GEOBLOCK Porous Pavement System is that water can infiltrate freely, eliminating ponding at the surface and stormwater runoff. There is a minimum risk of erosion and contamination from vehicles into the pond and groundwater.

The GEOBLOCK system’s shared walls and interlocking tabs create a framework that resists movement and breakage from vehicles, essentially eliminating rutting, mud pits, and dead zones on the access roads.

A couple months after the GEOBLOCK pavers were installed, the access road/recreational path was completely vegetated, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the area is now fully ADA accessible and enjoyed by residents and visitors of the Clermont Chain of Lakes.