Silikote Bunker Hardscape has been developed with drastically different chemistries that avoid many of the common pitfalls present in current hardscape offerings. Hardscape solutions, by their very nature, are more expensive and complex to employ. Silikote Bunker Hardscape is offered as an ultra-premium solution that provides more flexibility, simplifies installation procedures, and reduces materials acquisition time and cost.
In recent years, we've seen a small number of product introductions that create a fixed bunker substrate from aggregate and polymers. These efforts are promised as a permanent bunker solution, preventing contamination while allowing water to percolate throught the aggregate. Short of reinforced concrete, these hardscape systems are designed on the same premise - aggregate and binder.
Where these solutions seem to have a weak point, literally, is in the binder chemistry. Some of these are based on a class of compounds termed isocyanates. Others have been based on ceramics. In both cases, these binders offer adhesion to the aggregate particles. The challenge with any hardscape is how to make a "fixed" system work effectively in a dynamic, constantly changing environment like a golf course bunker. Unlike fabric bunker solutions, current hardscape solutions are based on a chemisties with rigid characteristics that simply cannot account for the effects of expansion and contraction. What we've seen, especially in northern climates with more frequent and severe freeze-thaw cycles, is that the hardscape fails, with the binder cracking and breaking loose from the aggregate.
Another consideration of current hardscape systems is cost. Some state that the cost is the same as fabric sloutions. This is simply not the case due to three simple factors - the cost of the aggregate, the cost of transport to the site, and the labor to install the aggregate. These costs are not being included in these comparisons. Fact based estimates suggest that hardscape options are 200% to 400% the cost of Sandtrapper to acquire and install. Since any capital investment is evaluated based on its return, it is important to properly calculate these costs.
Lastly, all of the current hardscape solutions are tied to rigid specifications and certified installers. The effect of this format, albeit important, does present several obstacles. The specification for the aggregate is critical to polymer adhesion. In most cases, washed gravel (of a specific dimension/shape/composition) is required for testing. Local gravel sourcing may not be possible if the spec is not met. On site, the gravel usually needs to conform to specific moisture parameters. These factors will certainly impact project implementation, cause delays, and increase project costs.
In short, many people may agree, conceptually, that bunker hardscapes are a viable golf course maintenance solution. However, current offerings seem to miss the mark.
The product development team at IVI-GOLF have established Silikote Bunker Hardscape as a divergent chemistry that solves the problems of Isocyanates. The Silikote also adresses the material specifications and installation requirements by defining parameters that are easier to implement, flexible to install, and more cost-effective to acquire.
Based not on carbon chemistries, Silikote builds on the characteristics and performance advantages of silicone. Long known to have significantly better reactions to temperature and moisture variations, silicone chemistries have the ability to bond more securely and be more flexible at lower temperatures. Additionally, Silikote is being developed to have enviroment-specific variations, allowing facilities to tailor their product selection to the climatic conditions at their course.
Isocyanates are a category of chemical that is categorized as harmful. Isocyates were the causative agent in the Bhopal Disaster that killed thousands of people. Isocyanates are potentially dangerous irritants to the eyes and respiratory tract. Special handling and use is required to avoid these harmful factors.
Current hardscape solutions require that the aggregate to be used meet specific specifications. In some cases, lab testing is required for the aggregate. Prior to any long range plans, the specification compliance, sourcing, and cost factors of aggregate will need to be known. The Silikote Bunker Hardscape option allows for less stringent aggregate specifications and the ability to rely on local pits for lower costs.
Current hardscape solutions require specific moisture content for the aggregate at the time of installation. Should any weather events occur during your installation window, delays will result. The Silikote Bunker Hardscape option allows for greater moisture tolerances, minimizing the impact of waether during install.
The Silikote Bunker Hardscape option is being developed as a Do-It-Yourself solution. By simplifying the specifications and installation method, a facility is not contrained by a specific installation company.
The Silikote Bunker Hardscape option is in the final stages of development and testing. A Product Update will be released later in 2014.