Types of Artifical Devices

Broken Rock

Riprap being Installed Stone and broken rock coverings are a simple and long used technique to reduce erosion in waterways and gullies. "Riprap," which is a loose covering of stone on the soil surface, has been widely employed for this purpose. It has also been used on the front slopes of earthen dams to prevent wave action from wearing the front of the dam. The stones have been sorted and placed by hand in the past, but are now usually merely dumped over the surface and smoothed over with a machine. More rock is required this way, but the amount of labor is reduced. Broken rock is a very expensive technique that is being used less and less except for in areas where rock is a widely available natural resource.

Rock Barriers

A barrier or series of barriers is often needed to reduce the erosive power of water in steeply sloping waterways and in many gullies so vegetation can be established. Erosion is reduced by the flatter slope between barriers, and vegetation has a chance to grow on the more level areas.

Slat/Brush Fences

To anchor brush barriers in place, two rows of posts are driven vertically into the soil across the waterway or gully bed. Loose branches or small trees are packed tightly in between the rows of posts, making an impermeable barrier. The ends of the brush piles should be dug into the channel walls and the soil should be packed tightly around them. The top of the brush pile normally is low in the middle so no water will flow around the ends.

Log Barriers

Logs may be used to form barriers in larger gullies. Sturdy posts are driven deeply into the channel sides and bottom as for brush barriers. The logs often must be dug into the bottom as well as the sides so they make firm contact with the soil.

Timber Barriers

Heavy dimension lumber or timber, or a series of thick posts driven closely together can also serve as a barrier. Posts should be driven vertically into the soil, deeper than the length of the exposed part above ground so the force of the water cannot overtop the barrier. Large thick pieces of termite-resistant wood help guarantee the long life of the structure.

Brick Barriers

Brick barriers can be used to stop gully erosion. A good foundation such as poured concrete or layered rock is necessary for any barrier built with bricks or blocks. This, along with supporting butresses, should resist the force of the water where the barrier meets the gully wall.

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