Organic-Lock™ is made primarily from a rapidly renewable plant material and its additional additives are all 100% naturally-occurring materials (LEED Code- MR 6 Rapidly Renewable).
Organic-Lock™ pathways are water permeable. Permeability can reduce stormwater runoff that collects pollutants into our natural bodies of water (LEED Code- SS 6.1 Stormwater Quantity and SS 6.2 Stormwater Quality).
Organic-Lock™ pathways contain aggregate that is normally considered recycled content (LEED Code- MR 4 Recycled Content).
Unlike asphalt and concrete, which have a tendency to retain heat in urban environments, lighter colored stabilized decomposed granite and crushed stone aggregates reflect solar radiation and reduce the heat retained in the pathway surface. (LEED Code- SS 7.1 Heat Island Non-Roof).
Aggregates can earn points towards a reduced carbon footprint if they are sourced within 500 miles of the construction project. With our rapidly expanding team of dealers, we do our utmost to help our customers source aggregates that are geographically close to them (LEED Code- MR 5 Regional Materials).
Organic-Lock™ Stabilized Aggregate (OLSA) has been independently tested and confirmed to meet the requirements of the ASTM F1951-09b standard for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that it provides a surface that is both firm and stable under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This standard evaluates the energy required to propel a wheelchair across a surface and around a turn, comparing it to a reference smooth ramp with a 7.1% grade. The results showed that OLSA requires less work effort than the 7.1% ramp in both straight and turning motion tests, meaning it passed all thresholds for accessible surfaces.
The testing was conducted by Beneficial Designs, Inc. using a standardized Quickie II wheelchair and a test rider, with conditions including multiple trials of both straight-line propulsion and turning. Organic-Lock Stabilized Aggregate achieved average work per meter values of 23.4 Nm (straight) and 24.6 Nm (turning), both well below the benchmark 7.1% ramp values of 25.7 Nm and 28.3 Nm respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that OLSA facilitates easier maneuverability for individuals using mobility aids, making it a safe and dependable choice for ADA-compliant pathways.
Additionally, OLSA was subjected to the Rotational Penetrometer test (RESNA working draft), which assesses firmness and stability by measuring the depth of penetration under pressure. The test results recorded an average firmness of 0.170 in. and stability of 0.188 in.—comfortably within the guidelines for firm and stable surfaces. This reinforces the conclusion that OLSA maintains surface integrity under varied use conditions, supporting safe and accessible travel for all users.
OLSA’s compliance is rooted not only in its material formulation but also in its rigorous installation standards, ensuring the binder is homogeneously mixed with a specifically graded aggregate by licensed dealers. This controlled blending process, along with proper compaction and moisture management, ensures a consistent surface performance across all projects. The result is a natural-looking, durable, and ADA-accessible pathway that supports inclusivity without compromising on aesthetics or environmental integrity.
