etic
Cementiti
ous
Composit
e Mats
(GCCMs)
APPLICATIONS IN SLOPE PROTECTION
AND EROSION CONTROL
Introduction to GCCM
GCCMs, such as Concrete
Canvas®, are flexible,
cement-impregnated
fabrics that harden on
hydration to form a thin,
durable concrete layer.
They combine geosynthetic
ease of installation with
concrete strength.
Components of GCCM
GCCM consists of
1. Polyester Hydrophilic Top Surface
2. Reinforcing Fiber Matrix
3. Dry Concrete Mix
4. Water Impermeable PVC rear
surface.
Key Features of
GCCMs
•Rapid installation without mixing or
formwork
•Flexible and conforms to terrain
•Requires only water to activate
•Can be installed in wet conditions
• Durable with 50+ years design life
Applications of GCCM
Geo-synthetic Cementitious Composite Matt is typically used
to replace conventional concrete (in-situ, precast or sprayed)
for erosion control, remediation and construction
applications.
•Highway and railway embankments
•Canal and drainage side slopes
•Cut slope stabilization
•Bridge abutment slopes
Applications of GCCM
Erosion Control
Functions
•Protects against rain splash and surface
runoff
•Prevents soil detachment and sheet erosion
•Channels water flow safely without scouring
•Limits water infiltration into slope
Technical
Specifications of
GCCM
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Property Unit Value
Thickness mm 5.00 8.00 13.00
Mass (Unset) Kg/m2 7.00 12.00 19.00
Density (Unset) Kg/m3 1500 1500 1500
Density (Set) +30-35% +30-35% +30-35%
Strength (10 days Mpa 40.00
Compressive)
Strength (10 days Bending) Mpa 3.40
Strength (10 days Young’s Mpa 180.00
Modulus)
Installation
Guidelines on Slopes
1. Site Preparation – Clear and grade the slope – remove debris, roots,
and sharp rocks.
2. Anchor Trench & Edging - Excavate crest and toe trenches (~150–
300 mm deep/wide).
3. Unrolling & Aligning Mat - Deploy mats vertically from crest to toe.
4. Overlapping 7 Fixing - Overlap sheets by 100 mm (200 mm in flow
zones). Secure overlaps using ground pegs, screws, or hog-rings.
5. Anchoring in Trenches - Lay mat edges into anchor trenches and
backfill. Secure with pegs or nails at the trench base.
6. Hydration & Curing - Spray evenly with potable water (1.5–2 L/m²).
Allow to cure – initial set in 2 hrs, full strength in 24 hrs.
Relevant Codes &
Guidelines
•IRC SP 48 : Hill Road Manual
•Office Memorandum : MORT&H Nov’24
•ASTM D8364: Specification Standard for GCCMs
•ASTM D8030: Standard Practice for Sample
Preparation for GCCMs
•ASTM D8173: Standard Guide for Site Preparation ,
Layout, Installation & Hydration of GCCMs
Case Study
Use of GCCM in Slope Protection
Works in Govindghat,
Uttarakhand under BRO Shivalik
•Location: NH 07,
Govindghat - Joshimath -
Mana Road , Uttarakhand
•Slope Angle: 50° - 60°
•Area Covered: 700 m²
•Material Used: Concrete
Canvas (GCCM) of 8mm
Thickness
•Installation Duration: 10
to 15 days
Construction Cost
Cost per square meter including supply, providing
and fixing for various thickness of Geosynthetic
Cementitious Composite Matt
Thickness Rate in Rs. Per Sqm (Incl. of
GST)
5mm 3617/-
8mm 4823/- (Shall be used)
13mm 6029/-
Construction Cost
Item Item Description Quantity Unit Rate in Rs. Amount in Rs.
No. (Incl. of (Incl. of GST)
GST)
1 Supply & Installation of 8mm thick 2500.00 Sqm 4823.00 12057500.00
Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite
Mat confirming to ASTM D8374 including
all labour, material, machinery, etc.
complete.
2 Supply & Installation of 32mm dia. SDA 2500.00 Rmt 9213.93 23034825.00
including all labour, material, machinery,
etc. complete.
3 Supply & Installation of 50 x 50 mm Chain 2500.00 Sqm 1200.00 3000000.00
Link Mesh including all labour, material,
machinery, etc. complete.
Total Cost 38092325.00
Conclusion
GCCMs offer an effective, fast, and long-lasting
solution for slope protection and erosion control.
Their ease of installation, strength, and versatility
make them ideal for infrastructure protection in
challenging environments.
