Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

The purpose of this specification is to inform landscape architects and installers

of the detailed requirements for using the Citygreen Strata Cell system
effectively.
Strata Cell is a highly engineered solution that enables street trees to flourish
and prevents heaving of adjacent pavements and roads.
While the Strata Cell modules have very high strength capacity, the longevity of
the pavement structure is contingent on all components being correctly installed
in line with relevant design criteria.
The following Specification addresses each key step in the planning and
installation processes. Further information may be obtained from
www.citygreen.com USA/Canada 1866 282 2743, Australia +612 6578 8250.

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

4/5/2011

Table of Contents
1.0 Definitions.........................................................................4
2.0 Site Preliminaries..............................................................5
2.01

Product Storage..................................................................................... 5

2.02

Services................................................................................................. 5

2.03

Tree Pit Layout....................................................................................... 5

2.04

Tree Pit Depths....................................................................................... 5

2.05

Soil Analysis........................................................................................... 5

3.0 Tree Pit Excavation and Drainage........................................6

3.01

Excavation............................................................................................. 6

3.02

Reinforcing Collar................................................................................... 6

3.03

Drainage................................................................................................ 6

3.04

Sub-base Preparation............................................................................. 6

3.05

Installation of Aggregate Sub-base below Strata Cell Matrix.................6

4.0 Matrix Installation and Soil Filling.......................................7

4.01

Strata Cell Assembly.............................................................................. 7

4.02

Lateral Pipes.......................................................................................... 7

4.03

Vertical Pipes.......................................................................................... 7

4.04

Root/Moisture Barriers............................................................................7

4.05

Loading Matrix with Filler Soil.................................................................8

4.06

Filtergrid Separation/Reinforcement.......................................................8

5.0 Compaction and Pavement Layers.......................................9

5.01

Reinforcing Collar................................................................................... 9

5.02

Tree Pit Opening..................................................................................... 9

5.03

Granular Base Course............................................................................ 9

6.0 Materials.........................................................................10
6.01

Strata Cell 60 Series............................................................................ 10

6.02

Strata Cell 45 Series............................................................................ 10

6.03

Strata Cell 30 Series............................................................................ 10

6.04

Filter Grid 3030.................................................................................... 11

6.05

ReRoot Linear Root Barrier...................................................................11

6.06

RootStop Linear Root/ Moisture Barrier................................................12

6.07

Aeration Pipes...................................................................................... 13

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

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6.08

Filler Soils............................................................................................. 13

6.09

Granular Base Course..........................................................................14

7.0 Addendum.......................................................................15

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

4/5/2011

1.0 Definitions
A. Strata Cell: Patented, load-bearing, engineered plastic module with
vertical and lateral interlocks, for creating void space beneath pavements.
B. Coloured Indicator Triangle:
Coloured insert in top face of Strata Cell
module, used to enable correct alignment of modules. Indicator verifies
module strength.
C. Strata Cell Matrix: Assembled and interconnected volume of Strata Cell
modules
D. Lateral Pipe System:
Perforated pipe system for circulation of air, and
distribution of water and nutrients, connected to surface grating.
E. Vertical Pipe System:
Large diameter plastic pipe system for
inspection, circulation of air, and connection to surface grate.
F. Rootstop Root/Moisture Barriers: Linear membranes to prevent root or
moisture penetration.
G. ReRoot Barrier:
ribs.

Linear root barriers with vertical integral root training

H. Filler Soil:
Correctly balanced soil mix to provide optimum growth
conditions for tree root systems within Strata Cell matrix.
I.

Filtergrid : High strength geogrid bonded to filter fabric for

reinforcement of granular road base.

J.

Tree Pit Opening:

The pavement opening into which the tree is planted.

K. Granular Base Course:

Compacted granular material to approved
regional standards for support of pavement to relevant Pavement Load
design.
L. Tree Pit:
planting.

Excavated space filled with quality soil media for tree

M. Reinforcing Collar: A trench between Strata Cell matrix and surrounding

soil, lined with Filtergrid, filled with granular base course and compacted.
N. CBR: California Bearing Ratio
O. ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials (www.astm.org)

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

4/5/2011

2.0 Site Preliminaries

Assessment of site conditions and planning for installation.

2.01 Product Storage

Strata Cell modules must be transported and stored on Citygreen pallets with
pallet wrap intact until ready for installation. Pallets should be positioned on firm
level base, so as not to impede traffic or work flow.

2.02 Services
Installer must obtain accurate service locations from all providers and discuss
potential conflicts with tree pit location prior to commencement. Any
amendments to tree pit numbers, dimensions or location to be approved by the
principal Landscape Architect in writing.
Installer must observe statutory clearance and cover measurements for service
pipes and conduits.

2.03 Tree Pit Layout

Tree pit locations and dimensions, as detailed by the specifying Landscape
Architect, must be accurately surveyed and marked using string lines, survey
pegs and marking paint. The Landscape Architect is required to inspect and
approve the tree pit layout, relative to project details, including granular collar
detail.

2.04 Tree Pit Depths

Installer to confirm excavation depths from finished pavement elevations,
including provision for drainage and base course layers.

2.05 Soil Analysis

Site soil analysis to be conducted by a Soil Analyst and submitted to Landscape
Architect to ensure adequate drainage of surplus water from base of tree pit.
Where drainage is inadequate, provision must be made using land drains
connected to main storm-water pipe, or grade to soakage pits. Design of soakage
pits to be approved by Landscape Architect, prior to commencement of works.

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

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3.0 Tree Pit Excavation and Drainage

Excavating the pit, providing adequate drainage and meeting
required load capacity at fl oor of tree pit.

3.01

Excavation

Installer to excavate the tree pit accurately to the dimensions of the detailed
plans, allowing 200mm (8) additional clearance in length and width. Side walls
of excavated pit to be clean, straight, and within 15 of vertical. Tree pit length,
width and diagonals at base of pit to be measured to ensure that correct
dimensions are being obtained (measurements shown on tree pit detail plus
200mm). Installer to confirm that correct depth has been provided, measuring
from finished pavement level, including any drainage layers. Base of tree pit
should be flat unless there is a drainage layer to be provided, in which case the
subgrade surface must have a grade of 5%.

3.02

Reinforcing Collar

The top perimeter of the tree pit must be further excavated to a depth of 300mm
(12) and to a width of 200mm (10), or a width sufficient to permit a narrow foot
compacting plate (reinforcing collar) to be installed. Sides and base of this
excavation must be clean and straight.

3.03

Drainage

Positive drainage to main storm-water service from base of tree pit is mandatory
if the design incorporates water harvesting and is strongly recommended if the
site soil is not well drained. The base of the tree pit must be graded at 5% to the
perforated collection pipe in trench. This collection pipe is to be wrapped in filter
sock and connected to the storm-water system. A 100mm (4) layer of clean
aggregate is to be placed in base of tree pit and leveled.

3.04 Sub-base Preparation

Base of tree pit must be free of debris and level. Installer to check CBR of the
subgrade below the proposed granular pavement layers to ensure it meets the
applicable pavement design criteria. If the subgrade is fill confirm that it is
compacted to a minimum of 95% of maximum dry density at optimum moisture
content in accordance with ASTM D 698 Standard Proctor Method.
Compact the subgrade in natural ground with a minimum of three passes of a
suitable vibrating compacting machine or apply other compaction forces as
needed to achieve the required subgrade compaction rate. Apply additional
compaction forces at optimum water levels.
If an aggregate drainage layer is specified cover top and sides of with a
proprietary non-woven filter fabric to engineer specifications and ensure the
sides of the drainage layer are compacted against the sides of the excavation to
the density specified.
Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

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3.05 Installation of Aggregate Sub-base below Strata Cell

Matrix
Install aggregate sub-base to the depths indicated in the drawings and compact
to a minimum of 95% of maximum dry density at optimum moisture content, in
accordance with ASTM D 698 Standard Proctor Method. Compact the subgrade
with a minimum of three passes of a suitable vibrating machine or apply other
compaction forces as needed to achieve the required subgrade compaction rate.

4.0 Matrix Installation and Soil Filling

Assembling the matrix and associated components, fi lling with
soil.

4.01

Strata Cell Assembly

(Refer illustrated guides in Addendum)

Check and confirm all tree pit dimensions and mark location of tree with surveyor
pegs before commencing assembly of Strata Cell matrix. Rectify any
discrepancies or errors.
Ensure base of pit is level and free of debris. Place the first Strata Cell in left
corner of tree pit with colored indicator triangle pointing towards the corner.
Place second module next to the first one with colored indicator triangle aligned
towards corner and snap together, checking that the two connecting edges have
matching numbers. Continue connecting modules from left to right until the first
row is complete, then start the second row and complete from left to right,
connecting all modules at adjacent edges, ensuring all numbers are paired
correctly and colored indicators are aligned, until first layer is complete.
The second layer is commenced by placing the first Strata Cell in left corner of
tree pit with colored triangle pointing to left side of pit i.e. counter-rotated 45
from the first layer. Connect this module to the first module in layer below and
then proceed to complete the second layer. Ensure that all indicator triangles are
aligned and all modules connect together firmly, laterally and vertically.
The third layer is assembled with colored indicators aligned as per first layer and
a fourth layer is assembled as per the second layer, until the specified number of
layers is in place.
An opening for the tree root ball (as detailed and dimensioned on the tree pit
plans) must be provided within the matrix.

4.02

Lateral Pipes

As per tree pit design details, perforated aeration pipes should be installed within
the top layer of modules. The pipe must be laid in a complete connected circuit
within 600mm (24) of the outer edge of the matrix. Junctions and risers should
be fitted at spacings of no more than 3.6 metres (12). Riser pipes to be trimmed
Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

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to 150mm (6) above finished pavement level and supported in a vertical

position by temporary staking. Open ends of pipe to be sealed with caps or
weather-proof tape.

4.03

Vertical Pipes

Where vertical aeration or inspection pipes are specified they should be placed
within the large central opening of the Strata Cell modules, in correct locations.
Pipes should be trimmed to a length of 150mm (6) above finished pavement
level. Open ends of pipes to be sealed with caps or weather-proof tape.

4.04

Root/Moisture Barriers

Where specified in the tree pit plans, a linear Rootstop Barrier should be
installed. Typically this will be placed between the Strata Cell matrix and the side
wall of the pit. Ensure the barrier is inserted to the full depth of the pit and is not
in contact with any sharp debris or stones that may puncture the barrier. Any
joins must have a 150mm (6) overlap and be taped both sides using Rootstop
tape over clean dry surfaces. The top edge of the Rootstop barrier should be
trimmed with a sharp knife to level with the top of the Strata Cell matrix.

4.05

Loading Matrix with Filler Soil

Ensure that all required filler soil testing and certification is complete to the
satisfaction of the Landscape Architect prior to loading into the tree pit.
When matrix is fully assembled, with all specified piping and barriers in place,
the filler soil can be loaded into the matrix. Soil should be placed in the matrix
using an excavator bucket and spread with rakes or shovels until the void spaces
are filled. Ensure the outer trench for the reinforcing collar is kept clean and free
of filler soil. Matrix is to be vibrated using plate vibration or needle vibration
equipment in order to shake soil into all voids.
Continue loading dry soil, raking out and vibrating, until matrix is filled.
Should the filler soil constituents and moisture content not permit the voids to be
fully filled, assemble the Strata Cell modules in layers and progressively fill, layer
by layer.
Note: In some instances an air layer is detailed in the top of the matrix. In this
case soil is loaded, spread and vibrated in smaller amounts, to ensure an even
distribution of soil beneath the air layer.

4.06

Filtergrid Separation/Reinforcement

The outer trench for provision of the reinforcing collar should be cleaned and all
filler soil and debris removed. Place the Filtergrid layer on the top of matrix and
cut to length, ensuring that the material fully covers the top of the matrix, the
upper side walls of the matrix, and the bottom of the adjacent trench for
reinforcing collar. Any material joins must be straight, free of debris and over-

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

4/5/2011

lapped 150mm (6). Pipe penetrations to be provided by means of two

intersecting slits cut with a sharp knife to form a cross.

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

4/5/2011

5.0 Compaction and Pavement Layers

Enclosing the tree pit and placing pavement layers, to comply
with design loads.

5.01

Reinforcing Collar

Load the granular base course material into the base of the collar trench
ensuring the Filtergrid layer is not displaced from the base of the trench.
Compact the granular material in 150mm (6) lifts until the collar is level with the
top of the matrix.

5.02

Tree Pit Opening

Confirm the exact required position of the tree pit opening from project details
and with reference to survey markers. Cut Filtergrid layer and fold back to
expose the tree pit opening. Position form-work to provide for poured concrete
system, or other method as specified in project details.
Place ReRoot linear ribbed root barrier within the tree pit opening with vertical
ribs facing inwards. Ensure bottom edge of ReRoot barrier is placed on the Strata
Cell matrix and upper edge is at finished pavement level. Trim to suit with sharp
knife. Ensure any joins are overlapped a minimum of 150mm (6), are clean and
dry and taped both sides with Root Stop tape.

5.03

Granular Base Course

Load and spread granular base course material onto the Filtergrid layer in an
even depth of 100mm (4). Compact this layer with a vibrating plate compactor
with a mass of 1200kg 1400kg/m of base plate, to specified compaction levels.
Continue building compacted granular layers to required levels including the
reinforcing collar.

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6.0 Materials
6.01

6.02

6.03

Strata Cell 60 Series

Engineered plastic modules designed to connect together to create a
matrix, for use beneath pavements. The interconnected skeletal matrix
provides in excess of 94% void space for filling with soil media, or storing/
detaining storm water. Due to the high structural integrity of the modules,
these matrices can be used close to trafficked pavement surfaces- subject
to engineers certification.
100% recycled Polypropylene (PP) reinforced with fiberglass.
No steel components- corrosion free.
Ultimate Load Strength 624 kpa (90.5 psi), verified by laboratory crush
tests.
50.8 cm (20 inch) x 50.8cm (20 inch) x 25cm (10 inches) in height
0.0645 m (2.2778 ft) per module
15.3 modules/ m 11.853 modules/ yrd

Strata Cell 45 Series

Engineered plastic modules designed to connect together to create a
matrix, for use beneath pavements. The interconnected skeletal matrix
provides in excess of 94% void space for filling with soil media, or storing/
detaining storm water. Due to the high structural integrity of the modules,
these matrices can be used close to trafficked pavement surfaces- subject
to engineers certification.
100% recycled Polypropylene (PP) reinforced with fiberglass.
No steel components- corrosion free.
Ultimate Load Strength 450 kpa (65.26 psi), verified by laboratory crush
tests.
50.8 cm (20 inch) x 50.8cm (20 inch) x 25cm (10 inches) in height
0.0645 m (2.2778 ft) per module
15.3 modules/ m 11.853 modules/ yrd

Strata Cell 30 Series

Engineered plastic modules designed to connect together to create a
matrix, for use beneath pavements. The interconnected skeletal matrix
provides in excess of 94% void space for filling with soil media, or storing/
detaining storm water. Due to the high structural integrity of the modules,
these matrices can be used close to trafficked pavement surfaces- subject
to engineers certification.
100% recycled Polypropylene (PP)
No steel components- corrosion free.

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Ultimate Load Strength 306 kpa (44.38 psi), verified by laboratory crush
tests.
50.8 cm (20 inch) x 50.8cm (20 inch) x 25cm (10 inches) in height
0.0645 m (2.2778 ft) per module
15.3 modules/ m 11.853 modules/ yrd

6.04

Filter Grid 3030

Composite of a laid geogrid made of stretched, monolithic polypropylene (PP) flat

bars with welded junctions and a mechanical bonded filter geotextile welded
within the geogrid structure, used for reinforcement in many fields of civil
engineering including road construction, landfill and hydraulic engineering.

Property

Test Method*

Unit

Geogrid

30/30 Q1
151 GRK 3
30/30 Q1

Raw material

Mass per unit area

Max. tensile strength,
md / cmd**
Elongation at nominal
strength, md / cmd**
Tensile strength at 2%
elongation, md / cmd**
Tensile strength at 5%
elongation, md / cmd**
Aperture size, md x
cmd**
Production specific
elongation

EN ISO 9864
EN ISO 10319

g/m
kN/m

Polypropylene (PP),
white
200
30/ 30

EN ISO 10319

8 / 8

EN ISO 10319

kN/m

12 / 12

EN ISO 10319

kN/m

24 / 24

mm x mm

Approx. 32 x 32

Geotextile

151 GRK 3

Raw material

Mass per unit area

Max. tensile strength,
md / cmd**
Elongation at max.
tensile strength, md /
cmd**
Puncture force
Displacement at static
puncture strength
Detector tested
Roll dimensions, width x
length

EN ISO 9864
EN ISO 10319

g/m
kN/m

Polypropylene (PP),
white
150
7.5 / 11.0

EN ISO 10319

40 / 30

EN ISO 12236
EN ISO 12236

N
mm

1,670
30

mxm

Yes
4.75 x 100

* based on, ** md = machine direction, cmd = cross machine direction

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6.05

ReRoot Linear Root Barrier

Linear root deflecting barriers to be used in proximity to tree root ball to
protect all pavement layers. Vertical, integral ribs guide tree roots down
into StrataCell matrix beneath pavement.
Continuous rolls to minimize joins and possible penetration.
Widths to suit application and pavement depth
100um thickness
100% High density Polyethylene. This resin meets FDA regulation
177.1520 for food packaging.

Nominal physical properties:

PROPERTY*

ASTM D

UNIT

VALUE

Density

1505

g/cm

0.952

Melt Index
ESCR,F
Condition B
Tensile Yield Strength

1238
1693

g/10 min
h

0.35
50

638 @
50mm/min
638 @
50mm/min
746
790
2240

MPa

27

>600

C
MPa
-

<-90
1310
66

Elongation at Break
Brittleness Temperature
Flexural Modulus
Shore Hardness D
*

6.06

Physical properties reported herein were determined on compression molded

specimens prepared in accordance with Procedure C of ASTM D 1928.

RootStop Linear Root/ Moisture Barrier

For use within or to line the main tree pit, where moisture or roots must be
prevented from entering an external zone. Commonly used to protect
critical services, or road based courses.
Continuous rolls to minimize joins and possible penetration.
Widths to suit application and pavement depth
100% High density Polyethylene. This resin meets FDA regulation
177.1520 for food packaging.

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Nominal physical properties:

PROPERTY*

ASTM D

UNIT

VALUE

Density

1505

g/cm

0.952

Melt Index
ESCR,F
Condition B
Tensile Yield Strength

1238
1693

g/10 min
h

0.35
50

638 @
50mm/min
638 @
50mm/min
746
790
2240

MPa

27

>600

C
MPa
-

<-90
1310
66

Elongation at Break
Brittleness Temperature
Flexural Modulus
Shore Hardness D
*

6.07

6.08

Physical properties reported herein were determined on compression molded

specimens prepared in accordance with Procedure C of ASTM D 1928.

Aeration Pipes
Flexible, perforated pipe system for optimizing oxygen exchange within
the tree pit soil. This lateral pipe system is connected to the surface by
means of T-pieces and riser pipes and also forms the means of distribution
for harvested storm water, and supplementary irrigation or nutrient
dosing.
100% High density Polyethylene pipe
Moulded T-Pieces and junctions
Cast aluminum ventilation grilles with tamper-resistant grating.

Filler Soils

Refer addendum: Filler Soil Specification for Strata Cell Tree Pit.docx

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6.09

Granular Base Course

Granular material meeting the standard below, or equivalent (approved by

specifying Landscape Architect in consultation with qualified Civil or Geotechnical
Engineer):

ASTM D1241-07, Type 1, Gradation B Standard Specification for Materials

for Soil-Aggregate Sub base, Base, and Surface Courses.
a. Type I mixtures shall consist of stone, gravel, or slag with natural
or crushed sand and fine mineral particles passing a No. 200
sieve.
Sieve
37.5mm (1.5)
25mm (1)
9.5mm (3/8)
4.75mm (No 4)
2.0mm (No 10)
425m (No 40)
75m (No 200)

Citygreen Strata Cell Specification

Percent
Passing
100
75-95
40-75
30-60
20-45
15-30
5-15

15

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7.0 Addendum

Strata Cell Connection

Strata Cell Connection
Citygreen Urban LEED
Filler Soil Specification

Procedure Layers 1 & 3.pdf

Procedure Layers 2 & 4.pdf
Performance Assessment.pdf
for Strata Cell Tree Pit.docx

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