Flex MSE is an innovative vegetated wall system that offers landscape architects, estate managers and structural engineers an eco-friendly solution when looking to create attractive green spaces with enhanced engineering stability and durability.
Developed in Canada, the patented Flex MSE system comprises two engineered components, soil filled geotextile Bags and spiked interlocking Plates, which are 100% recycled and recyclable. Using the same globally accepted principles of mechanically stabilised earth that builders rely on for making massive retaining walls, Flex MSE can be installed in two thirds the time of concrete block and other conventional retained wall structures and requires no specialist equipment or skilled labour.
Vegetated retaining wall and slope stabilisation needs are increasingly found on many landscaping projects and, as a system that can be built up to 82 degrees, Flex MSE provides a natural solution when near-vertical structures are needed. Its construction can create unique naturalised landscapes or flow over existing formations and site irregularities such as large rocks, trees or roots.
Flex MSE allows designers to build organic structures without having to rely on right angle decisions to create strong, naturally resilient geomodular structures for walls, slopes and waterways. Flex MSE is a proven erosion control solution that is ideal for applications where land meets water; for example on culvert headwalls, channels, unstable stream banks, groins and weirs or on flood protection schemes.
With very high settlement tolerance and rapid drainage, its components are able to withstand strong water flow and even complete submersion without breaking down prematurely.
Flex MSE is also able to accept almost all types of vegetation. Depending on the application and desired aesthetic, this can include pre-seeding and hydro-seeding with native grass and flower blends, or live planting and staking of perennial ground covers, shrubs, grasses and flowers to achieve an instant, fully customised vegetation finish. In a rural environment, the vegetated wall system can blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside; in an urban application it can reinvent the landscape with an attractive, graffiti-free green space.
Savings in complex installation equipment, materials, labour and transportation help to keep project overheads down, with all-in costs for a Flex MSE wall generally 60% of comparative concrete wall systems. With an anticipated lifespan of 120 years, Flex MSE also lasts almost twice as long as other systems, making it the ideal choice in today's challenging market.
