Types of Erosion Control Systems at Sites

Erosion is one of the biggest challenges faced by many construction companies. Multiple factors cause erosion and each scenario calls for stringent control measures. The severity of the erosion will determine the type of erosion control system to implement.

Adopting an erosion control system helps protect new structures, save costs, minimize the environmental impact, and ultimately save lives. This post highlights fourteen types of erosion control systems at sites.

What is an Erosion Control System?

Before we delve further, let us consider what an erosion control system is. An erosion control system is put in place to prevent the causative agents of erosion i.e., water, wind, or sediment. An erosion control system is built with durable materials that withstand harsh conditions.

When installed with expert precision, an erosion control system can mitigate water pollution, protect underground pipelines, protect properties, and manage stormwater runoff. Some erosion control systems are installed temporarily, while others are implemented permanently.

The former reduces the risk of erosion while the latter protects the area from erosion in the long term.

Types of Erosion Control Systems

Now, let us consider the types of erosion control systems available.

1. Soil Nails

Soil nails are driven into the soil to create a resisting force against slope failures. They create a barrier similar to retaining walls and offer quick installation. The nails are drilled deep into the earth while capping it at the surface during the installation.

2. Grassed Waterway

A grassed waterway is a natural or constructed channel designed to convey runoff from areas where erosion control is needed. This method of controlling erosion helps to protect water quality since the runoff filters sediment and nutrients.

3. Articulated Concrete Blocks

These revetment systems are used to control erosion on embankments of waterways and artificial drainage channels. Articulated concrete blocks can be constructed in various shapes and thicknesses, forming a grid of interconnected units.

4. Shotcrete

Shotcrete involves spraying concrete at a high speed until it reaches a certain density level or compaction. Shotcrete is more economical than most erosion control systems, yet, it is recommended to be sprayed by a professional.

5. Turbidity Barriers

Turbidity barriers are made of a geotextile walls membrane to prevent soil erosion and sometimes, supplemental sediment control.

6. Geotextile Walls

Geotextile installation is a popular erosion control and soil improvement solution. They are used for separation, drainage, sealing, protection, filtration, and reinforcement.

7. French Drains

A French drain uses drain tile, a system of underground piping that channels ground and surface water to an exit point. French drains are installed with a slope of approximately 1 inch of drop for every 10 feet of horizontal run.

8. Fabric-Formed Concrete

Fabric-formed concrete is a cost-effective and high-quality solution to erosion control. It is designed by pumping highly fluid concrete into woven fabric “forms”.

This specially woven-fabric technology looks like cable-reinforced mattress sections with patterns customized to resist some of the most erosive forces.

9. Critical Area Planting

As the name implies, this involves planting vegetation in areas with existing or potential high erosion rates. This practice is mainly adopted on sites that cannot be stabilized by standard conservation treatment.

10. Grouted Riprap

Grouted riprap is a cement-adhesive mixture used to protect soil from erosion of riverbeds and lakeshores. Riprap comprises a layer of large stones interlocked together to serve as a barrier on unstable slopes.

It is commonly installed over a synthetic geotextile membrane to prevent erosion undercutting along ditches, channels, seawalls, and shoreline banks.

11. Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls

MSE walls are easy to use and offer faster installation than traditional reinforced concrete walls. Engineers use this system to control erosion in a variety of sites.

12. Sediment Basin

Sediment basins are installed to protect the natural resources until vegetation or structures are installed to control the source of sediment. In this practice, a constructed basin is designed to collect and store waterborne debris or sediment.

13. Dust Control Methods

Dust control measure is ideal for construction sites affected by wind and water pollution. Polymer additives, silt fences, and misted water are standard dust control methods.

14. Concrete Canvas

Concrete canvas ranks among the newest and fast-to-install erosion control methods. It is a flexible, concrete-filled geosynthetic material that hardens to form thin layers when hydrated. Concrete canvas needs to be installed and hydrated correctly to ensure maximum protection.