Geosynthetic Upgrades at Claxton Field: A Case Study in Integrated Reinforcement and Erosion Control

The Town of Needham, Massachusetts, faced a unique challenge: renovating a beloved community recreation facility while addressing its complicated environmental history and protecting sensitive adjacent natural resources. The successful integration of two distinct geosynthetic solutions demonstrates how engineered materials can address multiple project requirements simultaneously .

Project Overview

Claxton Field has served as a recreational facility for nearly 60 years. The recently completed major renovation aimed to improve the functionality and overall experience of the community space by reconfiguring several athletic fields, installing new site amenities, upgrading lighting and turf, and adding ADA-accessible walking paths and landscaping .

However, the site had a hidden past—it was previously the location of a burn dump. Because of this, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) required that the soil beneath the field be capped and overlain by a geotextile. This requirement applied beneath the athletic fields and other areas of the site based on the results of soil testing .

The Challenge: Two Distinct Problems Requiring Engineered Solutions

Adjacent to the athletic fields is a grassy slope with a stream at the toe. During the park renovations, minor grade changes were made that steepened the slope. The design also called for significant clearing of invasive vegetation to improve the area's environmental health and appearance .

While necessary, this clearing removed existing root systems that had been holding the slope in place. The steeper profile, combined with the loss of vegetation, left the slope vulnerable to erosion and created a risk of sediment movement toward the stream .

The project therefore required two distinct geotechnical solutions :

1. One to reinforce and protect the capped soils beneath the athletic fields

2. Another to provide erosion control and slope stabilization along the stream bank

Both systems needed to deliver long-term performance while blending with the park's intended recreational and natural character.

Solution 1: MIRAFI® RS380i for Field Stabilization and Environmental Protection

To meet the field stabilization and environmental protection requirements, MIRAFI® RS380i high-performance geotextile was selected. This material provides tensile reinforcement, separation, confinement, and high water flow properties in a single solution .

Key Features of MIRAFI RS380i :

• High modulus strength: Improves long-term stability of athletic fields and surrounding grounds by distributing loads and reducing settlement potential

• Distinct orange color: Serves as a demarcation layer, clearly separating new engineered fill from underlying miscellaneous fill soils

• Combined functions: Delivers both structural support and environmental protection in line with MassDEP requirements

The orange demarcation feature is particularly important—it ensures that future maintenance or construction work will avoid disturbing the capped subgrade, providing long-term environmental protection beyond the immediate construction phase .

Solution 2: PROPEX® Armormax® for Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control

For the slope stabilization and erosion control needs adjacent to the athletic fields, PROPEX® Armormax® was installed. This system consists of a High-Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) used in combination with earth anchors that lock the soil in place .

Key Features of PROPEX Armormax :

• Hydraulic stress resistance: Designed to withstand high-flow events, making it effective in protecting the slope and the stream at the toe from erosion

• Rapid root development: Engineered to promote vegetation growth, allowing the slope to be restored with plants that integrate naturally into the surrounding park landscape

• Long-term reinforcement: Once vegetation is established, the HPTRM continues to provide structural reinforcement, maintaining slope stability over time

• Maintenance durability: High tensile strength and resistance to non-hydraulic stresses, such as mowing equipment, ensure the area can be safely maintained without damaging the reinforcement layer

Installation Process

The installation followed a carefully planned sequence :

1. Field area preparation: MIRAFI RS380i geotextile was placed beneath the athletic fields to provide tensile reinforcement and soil separation

2. Engineered fill placement: Clean fill was installed above the geotextile to cap and protect the existing miscellaneous fill soils

3. Slope preparation: PROPEX Armormax was positioned along the steepened slope next to the stream

4. Earth anchor installation: Anchors were driven through the Armormax to lock the system in place

5. Hydroseeding: Following installation, the reinforced slope was hydroseeded to promote rapid vegetation growth

Results and Benefits

The integrated approach delivered comprehensive results :

For the athletic fields:

• Compliance with MassDEP environmental requirements for soil capping

• Enhanced structural stability for high-use recreational areas

• Clear demarcation for future maintenance activities

For the slope and stream:

• Immediate erosion protection during vegetation establishment

• Long-term slope stability through combined HPTRM and root reinforcement

• Natural appearance that integrates with park landscaping

Overall project outcomes :

• A facility that meets community needs

• Full compliance with environmental regulations

• Integrated geotechnical performance with sustainable landscaping

• Durable protection for both recreational infrastructure and natural resources

Lessons for Similar Projects

The Claxton Field case study offers valuable lessons for projects with complex requirements :

1. Address site history proactively: Former industrial or waste sites require specialized solutions; geosynthetics can provide both structural and environmental functions

2. Consider multiple challenges together: The project successfully addressed two distinct problems with complementary geosynthetic solutions

3. Plan for the long term: Demarcation layers, vegetation integration, and maintenance durability all contribute to long-term success

4. Engage experienced suppliers: The selection of proven products from established manufacturers ensured reliable performance

Conclusion

The Claxton Field rehabilitation demonstrates how comprehensive geosynthetic solutions can address complex project requirements—from environmental compliance and structural reinforcement to erosion control and natural landscaping. By integrating MIRAFI RS380i under the athletic fields with PROPEX Armormax on the adjacent slope, the project delivered durable performance that will serve the Needham community for decades .

At HZ Geotextile, we offer a range of geosynthetic solutions for similar applications. Contact our team to discuss how our products can address your project's unique challenges.