Marshall University has used Grass Cells and other porous paving technologies on campus at sites that have had a path worn due to students. You can see an example of this at the West corner of the Freshman South Residence Hall.
Dirt paths have developed because the soil becomes compacted causing the roots of grass to die. Grass Cells have been installed on campus to prevent soil compaction and allow the grass to continue to grow.
Concrete in the areas of these foot trails has been past practices for the university but now that Marshall University is under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit we must attempt to decrease the amount of impervious surfaces we have on campus. Marshall has installed Grass Cells as a demonstration project to see if this material can withstand the foot traffic of students. It was installed in October 2014.