Bosun Buffalo Block

Highly Versatile Articulated Concrete Block

The Bosun Buffalo Block is a highly versatile Articulated Concrete Block (ACB) designed for effective erosion control management. With an industry leading Movability Number that exceeds SANRAL’s proposed criteria for alternate erosion protection measures, the Buffalo Block is suitable for various applications, such as:

Once installed, the Buffalo Block creates an interlocking matrix of individual blocks positioned together to establish an erosion-resistant surface while remaining permeable, flexible and fit for vehicular traffic. The innovativeness of the Buffalo Block is evident in the fact that Bosun holds two design registrations on the appearance and functionality of the block, as well as a patent on the unique design of the block’s nibs.



A Buffalo Block installation can easily follow the curved nature of water channels and sloped embankments, while maintaining interlock ability.

The nibs on each block make contact with the neighbouring blocks, resulting in a complete interlocking connection relationship.

Buffalo Block Features and Benefits:

Geometry

The unique geometry of the Buffalo Block is designed with a complete interlock ability in mind, while ensuring application versatility, structural integrity and installation simplicity. With an industry leading Movability factor, the Buffalo Block ensures a stable matrix of blocks which can resist the destructive forces bought on by high velocity water-flow.

The voids and the unique surface texture of the block are engineered to provide the required flow resistance. In order to achieve the most stable orientation, it’s recommended to install the blocks with the “nose” of the block pointing upstream.

The smaller, segmental design of the Buffalo Block creates a more flexible surface which is less prone to damage caused by the movement of the ground beneath it. Due to this compact design and 100mm thickness, the Buffalo Block has a higher load-bearing distribution and capacity when compared to traditional grass blocks and larger concrete paving elements. In addition, the design ensures that the block is easier to handle and install.

Nibs

The Buffalo Block features specially designed, patented nibs, which ensure adequate and uniform joint widths between blocks. This prevents edge and corner spalling commonly experienced with traditional grass blocks when under load. The taper on the nibs creates a flexible surface which is less prone to damage caused by movement.

Furthermore, the nibs allow for easier installation on uneven surfaces. Less surface preparation is required as the taper of the nibs ensure the blocks maintain interlock ability while following the earth’s contours. Patent: ZA 2019/06463

Permeability and Vegetation Growth:

The voids in the Buffalo Block allow for the ingress of water, growth of vegetation and the infill of concrete on specific installation designs. The size of the openings per block are 40mm x 40mm. In addition to these openings, the nibs space the blocks apart – further increasing the permeability of the installation. Once installed, they amount to approximately 20,5%/m².

The growth of vegetation in and around the blocks creates a natural look that blends into the surrounding environment, making it ideal for drainage channels, embankment stabilisation and grass block installations.


Applications

  • Permeable paver
  • Soil erosion
  • Line attenuation ponds
  • Protects water pipes – inlets and outlets stop soil erosion
  • Shoreline protection
  • Scour protection
  • Weirs
  • Spillways
  • Boat ramps
Water Drainage Channel with Bosun Buffalo Blocks

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Product Name Buffalo Block
Dimensions 400mm x 216mm (L x W)
Thickness 100mm
Mass per block ±13.1kg
Pavers per m² 13.55
Mass per m² 177.51kg
SANS N/A
Movability number 0.327
Infill volume of cavities per area installed 0.0205 m³/m²
Percentage open area per area installed 20.5%
m² per pack 4.65m²
Pavers per pack 63
Weight per pack 775kg
Bosun VFC Retaining Wall system Technical Information

Bosun Buffalo Block Hydraulic Model Study:

This study enables engineers to design water channels with the Bosun Buffalo Block based on the following parameters:

• The Manning Roughness Coefficient (the roughness of the Buffalo Block surface against flow, which is also a function of flow depth.)

• The Movability Number (the parameter describing the point which incipient motion/movement of the block will occur.)

Design Calculator

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Get in Touch

Thank you for your interest in Bosun. Should you require assistance, or any information currently not available on our website, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have qualified Engineers in our employment in order to provide you with the relevant advice.