Choker layer

medium sized granular, free from fines

In bioretention systems a choking layer of ≥ 100 mm is the recommended method to prevent migration of finer filter media into an underlying reservoir of coarse aggregate. These same mid sized granular materials are recommended for use in Stormwater planter underdrains and may be useful in the fine grading of foundations courses for permeable paving.

Suitable materials include:

High performance bedding (HPB)

Clean, angular aggregate screened to between 6 - 10 mm. Widely available and designed specifically for drainage applications. Free from fines by definition.

HL 6

Is a clean, angular aggregate screened between 10 - 20 mm. Free from fines by definition.

Pea Gravel

Rounded natural aggregate, screened between 5 - 15 mm, and washed free from fines.

In most scenarios, a geotextile layer is unnecessary and have been associated with rapid decline and clogging in some circumstances.

Gravel, or crushed stone of various size gradations (i.e., diameter), used in construction; void forming material used as bedding and runoff storage reservoirs and underdrains in stormwater infiltration practices.

Soil particles with a diameter less than 0.050 mm.

A broad category of particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates, and available in various particulate size gradations.