Many erosion and sediment control devices are available, including liners for rock mattress channels, cross drains, and non-woven fabrics. The purpose of these devices is to reduce water exposure and ponding on the site. Below is a description of the different types of devices available. For more information, please visit our product guide. The products described here are available at a variety of prices. They effectively prevent erosion and minimize ponding on slopes and other sites. You may read more about the best erosion and sediment control devices in Global Road Technology.
Nonwoven fabrics
Geotextiles are fabric-based erosion and sediment control devices. They are made up of various materials, including woven slit film polypropylene and needle-punched geotextiles. Geotextiles combine high strength with low permeability and are best suited for high load-carrying surfaces. Nonwoven geotextiles are stronger, more durable, and more pliable than woven geotextiles but are not as porous as their woven counterparts.
Geotextiles are durable, flexible, and a great alternative to conventional erosion and sediment control methods. A heavy-weight non-woven fabric is ideal for retention barriers and artificial lakes, and it will slow the rate at which water flows. They can also be used as separation layers under volleyball courts or under railroad tracks. Non-woven fabrics are a great way to control soil erosion and sediment while protecting sensitive environments.
Geotextiles are highly versatile and easy to install, and they are also resistant to UV rays, Rot, and Mildew. These products are very effective in controlling soil erosion, but the choice of erosion control device should be based on the project’s specific needs. Certain sites require an in-depth assessment report; once these assessments are complete, the most effective erosion control product can be chosen.
Other types of geotextiles include silt fences. Silt fences protect nearby waterways from erosion by trapping sediments and oil. They are made from tightly woven synthetic materials and securely posted on the ground. These geotextiles are incredibly durable, allowing water to flow through them while preventing sediments and oil from reaching the water. They also prevent mudslides and floods.
Turf Reinforcement Mats
Several types of erosion and sediment control devices are available on the market, but the most effective is the use of turf reinforcement mats. This turf material is 100% polypropylene fibre and is available in tan and green. It is approved for use on slopes up to 0.5:1 (h:v). It can also be used on beaches and channels and is an excellent choice for steep slopes than 10 percent.
A turf reinforcement mat has a few benefits when applied to the ground. A natural fibre erosion control blanket should break down over time, and it will not work if there are voids in the soil. Therefore, installing these erosion control mats over a smooth surface is best. However, the fabric can become stuck on down wood or have uneven topography. Installation is usually done with galvanized landscaping staples, and Biodegradable wood stakes are also used.
Another benefit of using turf reinforcement mats is that they stabilize soils long-term, especially when combined with vegetation. These mats are of non-degradable materials that interact with the vegetation and reinforce it. When correctly installed, they provide immediate erosion protection, help establish vegetation and control erosion permanently once they’re established.
TRMs are available in several different designs and can be applied to slopes. Some of them address particular site conditions, such as slope range, water velocity, and shear stress. The application procedures may require you to spread a seed layer over the TRM before applying it to the soil. If you’re unsure which type is best for your project, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the product is installed properly.
Soil Retention Blankets
Soil retention blankets are an effective erosion and sediment control device. They come in a roll, similar to a carpet, and are placed at key locations. Depending on the application, erosion control blankets may contain organic and synthetic materials, including coconut fibre, agricultural wheat straw, and wood excelsior. Concrete blends and polypropylene blends can also be used.
Erosion control is a primary goal of many industries. Low impact development is an environmental and economic strategy that focuses on creating systems that mimic natural development. Efficient soil retention blankets can be a vital part of this strategy. Soil retention blankets are used in projects, from roads and parking lots to residential and commercial developments.
Depending on the location, erosion control blankets can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. A 50/50 blend of mulch and compost will provide better erosion control than compost or soil. By covering bare soil, erosion control blankets can help enhance water infiltration, soil structure, and the impact of precipitation. Surface sealing can also help in restoring lost soil nutrients.
Soil erosion can be a significant problem in residential and commercial construction. When outside forces move or detach soil particles, they start to erode and shift. Erosion control blankets and mats prevent soil shifting and add stability to the ground. They also prevent soil from shifting and are valuable for establishing landscaping. These products also help to restore and manage storm runoff.
Cross drains
Surface cross drains are constructed to capture and channel water from a road and minimize erosion and sedimentation of the surrounding areas and watershed. Different surface cross drains can be used, including driveable dips, waterbars, and rolls in profile. Depending on the type of surface, cross drains may be made of metal or rubber. Their in-filling rates vary widely, so the appropriate spacing must be decided before construction.
Some soil control methods may require special equipment to be applied. Flow diversion banks, for example, may require stripping topsoil on a slope. Excavated Catch Drains are also used, and flow diversion banks and excavated catch drains should be used on a large site.
