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Solutions to Tough Problems
Applications of erosion and sediment control products
Each year 30 – 80 billion tons of soil are lost from the world’s land masses. To put this figure in perspective, you could fill a train with dirt and go from the earth to the moon and back again, 12 times! Erosion is the process by which soil is removed, either by wind or water. The product of erosion is sediment.
The impacts of erosion are numerous and have significant environmental, cultural, operational and economic impacts. A culvert is plugged with sediment and can cause flooding, property damage, law suits, and requires costly maintenance to repair. By using a variety of erosion and sediment control techniques, this could have been prevented.
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Turbidity curtain (yellow fabric) is used to contain sediment generated from a shoreline stabilization project in the Florida keys. |
Turf reinforcement is the concept of increasing the resistance to erosion by using 3d blanket materials to reinforce the strength of roots. In some cases this can be an acceptable alternative to concrete or rip-rap in channel applications. |
Silt fence keeps sediment on site and prevents it from polluting nearby streams and rivers. The fabric holds back the sediment while allowing water to filter through. |
Erosion control blankets stabilize the shoreline adjacent to a residential development |
A temporary fabric dam allows construction across a river and prevents sediment. |
Erosion control blankets are used to stabilize an urban channel until permanent vegetation can be established. |
Application of shoreline technology with coconut mat in background and rock rip-rap in foreground. |
Challenge of Erosion Control |
Aerial application of hydromulch, seed and fertilizer from helicopter. |
Photo by Doug Lowry, Armtec Construction Products, Guelph, Ontario |
Challenge of Erosion Control 1st place winner 1997 |
Shoreline stabilization using bioengineering techniques which include live shrub cuttings & biodegradable blankets. |
Technology in Action- Garner Lake, Lakeland, TN |
Technology in Action |
Before & After |
Application of hydromulch stabilizes slopes on a coastal environment |
Photo by Theiss Contractors Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia |
Photo by Theiss Contractors Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia |
Photo by Theiss Contractors Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia Geotextile protection of creek banks during bridge construction. |
