Content 1. Introduction 2. Particular Permeable of Planter Tube System 3. Particular Specification of Planter Tube System 4. Section Detail 5. Job Reference
Introduction of Planter Tube System Planter Tube System was invented for tackling the problem of creepers establishment on erosion control mats. In Hong Kong, hydroseeding is a very common vegetation method on soil slopes with a gentle gradient not more than 35o, according to GEO Technical Guidelines Appendix I. On steeper slopes, erosion control mats are used to minimize the raindrop impact instantly. However, it is found that, in many cases, creepers could not grow well because the commonly used erosion control mats are too thick for the stolon (secondary horizontal root) to grow through the mats and to develop the secondary generation. The following pictures show that the creepers cannot grow healthily because they cannot anchor the soil surface, and cannot uptake adequate moisture and nutrients (Figure 1). Figure 1. Creeping plants cannot develop full vegetation covers on slopes, applied with erosion control mats What is Planter Tube System? The Planter Tube is perforated PVC tube with 36 mm diameter upper end opening and 28 mm diameter lower end opening with 170 mm long filling with Fiber Soil. Some biodegradable materials may be used for planter tube upon request from the client. The perforated opening was designed with total area not less than 35% to the overall lateral surface. The most commonly used creepers are Ipomoea cairica ( ), Zebrina pendula ( ), Scindapsus aureus ( ) and Wedelia trilobata ( ), which are planted and maintained into the tube until being full established in the local nursery before the delivery to the site (Figure 2). The spacing and the pattern of root holes are determined by the Engineer or Landscape Consultant. According to the drawing, the root holes with an approximate diameter 42mm and 200mm depth will be drilled on the slope, and the Planter Tubes will be inserted into the root holes (Figure 3).
Figure 2. Planter Tubes that are ready to be installed Figure 3. A Planter Tube that was inserted into a root hole The Planter Tube System was launched in November 2002 and now was successfully implemented on over 10 slopes of GEO, ASD and HKHA projects up to April 2004. The performance has been proved to be satisfactory (see Figure 4). With the continuous effort on research and improvement, not only full vegetation covers can be established on steep slopes up to 70 o, some of shrub or tree species can also be planted used this system on slopes with less than 45 o and 35 o respectively. Figure 4. Full vegetation covers after the application of Planter Tube System Advantages of Planter Tube System 1. Effective greening solution to existing plastic soil slope 2. Cost Saving 3. Applicable to confined sites 4. Various creeper species available 5. Applicable to steep slopes 6. Applicable to Soil Nail Head 7. No cutting of erosion control mat/rock Mesh 8. No heavy machinery is required 9. Maintenance Free
Particular Permeable of Planter Tube System PLANTER TUBE SYSTEM Units The units of measurement shall be: (i) Planter Tube. number (ii) Establishment Work number Measurement The measurement of Planter Tube shall correspond to the number of Planter Tube shown on the Drawings or ordered by the Engineer. Itemisation Separate items shall be provided for works in accordance with General Principles paragraphs 3 and 4 and the following: Group Feature I. Planter Tube System II. Establishment Work Planter Tube System The items for Planter Tube System shall, in accordance with General Preambles paragraph 2, include for: Item coverage (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) Setting out and planning in accordance with Drawings; Supplying and preparation of plant in accordance with the Specification; Drilling in any materials; Supplying fiber soil and perforated tube in accordance with the Specification; Installing the planter tubes into root holes, backfilling with soil mix; Adequate protection to the plant during delivery, loading, unloading, storage and planting; Disposal off Site of all surplus and unsuitable material; Temporary protection to planting hole against infiltration; Thoroughly watering the plant to the field capacity after planting and subsequent watering before substantial completion of the planting works as certified by the Engineer;
(j) Reinstatement of damaged hydroseeded areas, erosion control mats and wire mesh after installation of the planter tubes. Establishment Work The item for establishment work shall, in accordance with General Preambles paragraph 2, include for: Item coverage (a) Watering; (b) Fertilizing; (c) Insect and pest control; (d) Testing of Vegetation Coverage (e) Replacement. (f) Litter Collection
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System Particular Specification for Planter Tube System GENERAL General Requirement 1.01 (1) Tube planting is a vegetation planting methodology to carry out the planting work of specified plant species onto the soil slope with inadequate thickness layer of topsoil or for the slope with gradient which is too steep that in the opinion of Engineer that pit planting work could not be carried out. (2) Tube planting shall be carried out in accordance with in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (3) The Contractor shall submit at least 1 year records proving the performance of the proposed material for the approval of the Engineer. Weather and Ground Conditions 1.02 (1) Tube Planting Work and Establishment works operations shall not be carried out at times when weather or ground conditions may in the opinion of the Engineer adversely affect the permanent works. (2) Planting shall take place in suitable weather conditions. Planting shall not take place in weather conditions that will result in initial drying out of root systems and/or scorching of leaves. Ideally planting shall take place in overcast or moist conditions. If planting has to be carried out in sun or under drying winds, plants waiting for planting shall at all times be covered to prevent drying out. (3) The Contractor shall cease planting immediately when in the opinion of the Engineer the weather conditions are not as defined above. Planting shall take place within the recognised planting season (l st April to 31st August), unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Engineer. List of Approved 1.03 (1) The installation Planter Tube and Establishment Works shall be Suppliers of Materials undertakened by an approved specialist landscape contractor. In addition to and Specialist Contractors the general requirements of the Contract, the Contractor shall demonstrate that the proposed specialist landscape contractor has sufficient experience and skilled labour to undertake the works specified. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 1 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System (2) If the Contractor is not included in the List of Approved Suppliers of Materials and Specialist Contractors for Public Works maintained by the Employer for: - Landscaping Class I - Group I or II and Landscaping Class II - Group I or II Then he shall enter into written sub-contracts with approved listed contractors, in the relevant Group, for the execution of respective part of the Works. MATERIALS Planter Tube 1.04 (1) The planter tube should be perforated tube that is made of biodegradable plastics. The material should return to the earth through processes of biodegradation and composting, without releasing pollutants (2) The diameters of the top and bottom openings of the tube shall be approximately at least 35mm and 25mm respectively. The length of the tube shall be at least 170mm. The area of openings in the perforated tube, excluding the top and bottom opening, shall cover approximately one-third of the circumference of the tube. Fiber Soil 1.05 (1) The Fiber Soil should be excellent in gas permeability and water-retaining capacity, and can maintain fertilizer for a long period of time. Besides, it should be strong resistance to drought and rain erosion. High alkaline content material should not be used as bonding agent. (2) The Fiber Soil consists of the following ingredients: Ingredients Application Rate (per m 3 ) (a) High grade peatmoss (b) Wood chip compost 600 litre 400 litre Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 2 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System (b) Wood chip compost (c) Chemical fertilizer (N:P:K = 13:3:11) (d) Chemical fertilizer (N:P:K = 4:17:4) (e) Perlite powder 400 litre 0.36 kg 1.19 kg 4.02 kg (f) Acrylic polymer granules 0.05 kg (g) Bonding agent (h) Germination stimulator 9.3 kg 1 kg (3) The Fiber Soil shall comply with the following : - PH value 6.0 to 7.5 - Moisture content 30% to 35% - % organic matter (dry weight) 50% to 90% - % organic carbon (dry weight) 40% to 60% - % total nitrogen (dry weight) 0.1% to 1.5% - Carbon: Nitrogen ratio 35:1 to 50:1 Sprig 1.06 (1) The sprig climber or ground cover should be at least 200 mm long with more than 2 numbers of healthy nodes. (2) A sprig shall have a vigorous root at the node of each shoot or stolon. (3) At least one number of fresh bulk should be shown at the upper portion of the sprig. Fertilizer 1.07 Post-planting fertilizer shall be 12:12:17 (nitrogen/phosphorus/ potassium) granular fertilizer or an equivalent approved by the Engineer. MATERIALS SUBMISSION Submission 1.08 The following particulars of the proposed materials for Tube Planting and establishment works shall be submitted to the Engineer, not less than 45 days before the commencement of work. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 3 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System Test Report of Fiber Soil 1.09 A test report for Fiber Soil issued within 3 months before the date of use should include details of the composition and results of test: (a) PH value (b) Moisture content (c) Organic matter content (d) Carbon/Nitrogen ratio Particulars of Other Materials 1.10 The following particulars of the proposed materials for Planter Tube System and establishment works shall be submitted to the Engineer: (a) Species and origin of ground cover sprig, (b) Detail of nurseries, (c) Particular of the bio-degradable plastic of planter tube (d) Type, color and detail of planter tube (e) Particular of post-planting fertilizer (f) Method statement of installation (g) Details of the company employed to carry out the planter tube and the equipment to be used Samples of Materials 1.11 Samples of the following proposed materials shall be submitted to the Engineer at the same time as particulars of the material are submitted: (a) One number of Planter Tube filled with Fiber Soil and plant as specified for each species of plant, (b) One liter of Fiber Soil. (c) One kg of post-planting fertilizer PREPARATION, STORAGE AND TRANSPORT Preparation of the Planter Tube in Nursery 1.12 (1) The specified plant species shall be ordered by the Engineer at least 45 days and the material should be established and maintained in an approved holding nursery prior to deliver of the material to the site for installation. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 4 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System (2) At least 4 numbers of the sprigs of ground cover or climber species should be prepared into the planter tube in accordance with PS Clauses 2.03 (3) At least 100mm long of sprig should be above the top of the tube and 150 mm shall be embedded inside the tube respectively. (4) The plant in the Planter Tube should be healthy and with the significant of the growth of bulb in the node and vigorous root system root in the soil. (5) Inspection of the prepared material should be carried out by the Engineer at least 7 days in order to ensure the healthy condition of plant prior to the delivery of material. Damaged Planter Tubes or unhealthy plants shall not be used for the work. Storage 1.13 (1) The prepared Planter Tube should be kept in the approved shaded area in order to prevent the scorched of leaves due to the intensive sunshine. (2) Continuous watering, fertilizer should be carried out in order to maintain the plant in good and healthy condition prior to use. Transport of Planter Tube with Plant 1.14 (1) Planter Tube with plant shall be packed vertically in basket during the transportation. (2) The holding basket should be covered with windscreen fabric during vehicle transportation in order to reduce excessive transpiration of plant. INSTALLATION WORK Preliminary 1.15 The method statement, planting spacing, planting pattern and procedure of work should be read in conjunction with the detail of the drawing or as instructed by the engineer. Ground Cleaning 1.16 Weeds, rubbish, litter, stones exceeding 50 mm diameter and all deleterious Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 5 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System material shall be removed from the surface of the ground. Vegetation shall be cleared without using herbicide unless permitted by the Engineer. If permitted, the herbicide shall be a proprietary type approved by the Engineer and shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. Drilling of Root Hole 1.17 (1) The root hole with approximate 32 mm diameter and 170 mm length should be drilled by mechanical or electricity drill. (2) The hole should be drilled perpendicular to the slope surface. Installation of Planter 1.18 (1) The Planter Tube should be installed into the root hole with according to Tube the drawing. (2) The gap between the hole and the tube shall be filled up with in-situ soil after the installation. ESTABLISHMENT WORKS Establishment Works 1.19 (1) Establishment works shall be carried out immediately after the planting work is completed until the end of the Establishment Period. (2) The Contractor shall report to the Engineer before and after carrying out any Establishment Works. Reports shall be submitted in duplicate on forms provided by the Contractor and of a style approved by the Engineer. Inspection of Establishment Works 1.20 An inspection of Planter Tube and the establishment works shall be carried out jointly by the Contractor and the Engineer at monthly intervals to determine the establishment works which are required. The Engineer shall instruct the Contractor to carry out the establishment works which in the opinion of the Engineer are necessary; the work instructed shall be completed within 14 days after the date of the Engineer's instruction. Watering 1.21 (1) Fresh water shall be used for watering of Planter Tube System. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 6 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System (2) After installation, watering shall be carried out every 7 days. The minimum requirements for watering shall be 10 litres/m 2. The Contractor may apply to the Engineer for relaxation of the requirements in the event of adequate rainfall. (3) Vegetation shall be watered until the vegetation is well established. Grass Cutting 1.22 (1) Grass cutting is not allowed on the slope that planter tube was applied. (2) Grass cutting should be carried out along the surface channel twice a year, in order to prevent the vegetation from blocking the surface drainage. Replacement of Planter Tube 1.23 Plants in Planter Tube that in the opinion of the Engineer are dead shall be replaced by a new Planter Tube as stated in Clause 1.18. Post-planting Fertilizer 1.24 (1) Post-planting fertilizer shall be applied not less than 100 days, and not more than 300 days, after grassing or planting. The fertilizer shall be applied at a rate of (2) Post-planting fertilizer shall be applied between 2 months and 9 months after application of hydroseed and, unless otherwise permitted by the Engineer, shall be applied between 1st March and 30th September (3) Post-planting fertilizer shall be applied to all the planted areas at a rate of 40 g/m 2 during the specified periods. Litter Collection 1.25 All litter exposed by grass cutting shall be gathered up and disposed of within 24 hours. Control of pests and disease 1.26 Pesticide or fungicide shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to control pests and disease. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 7 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System Control of Pests and Disease 1.27 Pesticide or fungicide shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to control pests and disease. Completion of Work 1.28 Immediately before the end of the period for establishment works: (a) All planted and grassed areas should be free from litter; (b) All replacement and patching up of vegetation should be completed; (c) All vegetation edges should be trimmed. TESTING OF VEGETATION COVERAGE Testing of Vegetation Coverage 1.29 (1) Tests should be carried out to determine the vegetation coverage. The tests should be carried out 100 days after grassing and at the end of the period for establishment works. The vegetation should be cut to a height of 300 mm if necessary over the parts of the area to be tested. (2) The number of tests should be instructed by the Engineer (3) Tests should be carried out at location that is chosen by the Engineer to represent the grassed area as a whole. At each test location an approximate area of 10 m 2 should be marked. Compliance Criteria of Vegetation Coverage 1.30 At least 95% of each test area should be covered with vegetation unless the existing gradient of the slope is greater than that from design, or it is a shaded area that is not suitable for vegetation growth. Non-compliance of Vegetation Coverage 1.31 If the result of any test for vegetation coverage of planter tube vegetation does not comply with the specified requirements for vegetation coverage, the area should be replant as stated in Clause 1.18 as instructed by the Engineer. Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 8 -
Particular Specification for Planter Tube System 35 31 35 31 23 TOYO GREENLAND CO. LTD PLANTER TUBE 2 OPENING 2 10 170 PLAN VIEW OPENING WITH DIA. 10mm 8 7 13 HOLLOWBASE 23 27 FRONT VIEW COPY RIGHT R Project: Toyo Greenland Co., Ltd. Drawing Title: Planter Tube Check : Ho Tat Pui, Daniel Scale : 1:1 Ref.: Date: 26 JULY 2004 Toyo Greenland Company Limited Tel.: (852) 2639 9312 Fax.: (852) 2377 2150 - P.S. 9 -
TOYO GREENLAND COMPANY LIMITED Tel : 2639 9312 Fax : 2377 2150 Summary of Job Reference - Planter Tube Project Description of Work Main Contractor / Client Consultant / Landscape Completion Date Subcontractor Architect / Architect Contract No.: GE/2001/27 Hydroseeding - 17,000 sq m Fuk Shing Engineering Co., Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering Halcrow China Ltd. October 2002 LPM Project, Phase 2, Package G Planting Office Urbis Ltd. Maintenance Contract No.: GE/2002/04 Landscape Planting Yick Hing Construction Co., Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering Maunsell Geotechnical November 2002 LPM Project, Phase 2, Package B Hydroseeding - 855 sq m Office Engineering Services Eco-Bag Earthasia Ltd. Contract No.: HKHA 20010039 Hydroseeding - 800 sq m Barbican Construction Co. Ltd. Hong Kong Housing Authority Binnie Black & Veatch Hong October 2002 Tai Hang Tung Planter Tube Kong Ltd. Contract No.: GE/2001/04 Hydroseeding - 27,500 sq m Carrier Construction Co. Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering Mott Connell June 2003 LPM Project, Phase 2, Package C Planting Office Urbis Ltd. Planter Tube Contract No.: GE/2000/09 Planting Tonic Engineering & Construction Geotechnical Engineering Fugro (Hong Kong) Ltd. October 2003 LPM Project, Phase I, Package L Hydroseeding - 13,600 sq m Co., Ltd. Office Urbis Ltd. Slope No. 11SW-A/C 173, Po Shan Planter Tube
TOYO GREENLAND COMPANY LIMITED Tel : 2639 9312 Fax : 2377 2150 Contract No.: GE/2002/17 Hydroseeding - 21,392 sq m Hsin Chong Construction Co., Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering Halcrow China Ltd. October 2004 LPM Project, Phase 2, Package G Planting Office Urbis Ltd. Plante Tube Eco-Green on Rock Slope Contract No.: GE/2002/05 Hydroseeding - 55,000 sq m Yick Hing Construction Co., Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering Binnie Black & Veatch Hong December 2004 10-Year Extended Landslip Preventive Measures Planter Tube Office Kong Ltd. Project, Phase 2, Package D Eco-Green on Shotcreted Slope Landslip Preventative Works for Slope in Kowloon and The Northern New Territories Contract No.: GE/2002/04 Hydroseeding Yick Hing Construction Co., Ltd. Geotechnical Engineering N/A Ongoing 10-Year LPM Project, Phase 2, Package B Planter Tube Office Eco-Bag Residential Development at the Lam TinSlope Geomat 500-2,745 sqmplanter Calm Seas Project Management Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. N/A Ongoing Improvement Work to the Slope No. TKO-1 Tube - 250 nos Ltd. Contract No.: GE/2003/26 Planter Tube 3,000 no. Kenly Engineering Limited Geotechnical Engineering N/A Ongoing 10-year Extended LPM Project, Phase 2, Office Package U Landslip Preventive Works for Slopes in Tsuen Wan
Contract No.: GE/2001/27 Cheung Sha, Lantau Island Slope No.: 13NE-BC165 Planter Tube System on shotcrete slope with gradient 70, Completed in June 2004 Date: 1 February 2004 Date: 30 June 2004 Contract No.: HKHA 20010039 Lok Wah (North) Estate, Kwun Tong Slope No.: 11NE-C/FR70 Planter Tube System on Shotcrete slope with gradient 60, Completed in March 2004 Date: 16 March 2004 Date: 4 May 2004 Contract No.: GE/2002/04 Tai Lam Water Treatment Works, Tai Lam Chung Road, Tuen Mun Slope No.: 6SW-D/C55 Planter Tube System on Shotcrete slope with gradient 80, Completed in May 2003 Date: 20 November 2002 Date: 7 May 2003
Contract No.: GE/2002/05 Wu Kau Tang, Fanling Slope No.: 3SE-BC98 Planter Tube System on erosion control mat with gradient 70, Completed in October 2004 Date: 01 October 2004 Date: 23 July 2005