Workers cut and place sections of Slopetame2 around the image/sculpture. Slopetame2 surrounds the Murrieta Diamond under construction at an Interstate Interchange in Murrieta, Calif.
Photo: Courtesy of Rick Leone, Thompson Construction

Caltrans and the city of Murrieta, Calif. partnered to improve the interstate interchange at I-215 and Los Alamos Road. Part of the improvement was to make the interchange more attractive and brand it more to the city. The city's signature emblem is the diamond.

Decorative stones and vegetation were installed in the Invisible Structures Slopetame2 areas. Slopetame2 won out in a competitive contest among other products for the following reasons: fabric backing is injection molded to the grid, not glued on; flexes in both directions – laterally and horizontally; structure is low-profile leading to less stone fill; has erosion control bars every third row between rings to help minimize stone movement.

The contractor, Yakar, Inc. installed 3,480 square meters in May. Long rolls of Slopetame2 made for quick installation. Workers adjusted the fabric backing between rolls of Slopetame2. Model 2020 rolls (6.6 feet x 65.6 feet) were installed at the site. Workers installed the anchoring system. Prior to installation, the Murrieta Diamond shape was sprayed on the embankment.