During road construction, you’ll come across three main techniques to prevent erosion of slopes. They are surface roughening, vertical tracking, and riprap. Learn about their benefits and drawbacks, and decide which one is best for your project. Read on to learn more about the most common methods used in road construction.
Surface roughening
Surface roughening is a technique that reduces runoff velocity, enhances infiltration, and fosters vegetation. It is ideal for slopes with greater than a 3:1 ratio. Depending on the application, surface roughening may be used with other best management practices. This method is particularly effective when the slope is steep and requires the installation of structural controls or seeding.
Surface roughening is a countermeasure for soil erosion during road construction that prevents soil loss by slowing the flow velocity of runoff. While it has limited efficiency for reducing runoff velocity, it can be highly effective for controlling erosion on steep slopes. However, a large number of disturbances reduce the efficiency of surface roughening. A well-implemented surface roughening method can provide up to 18% efficiency. Moreover, this countermeasure is only effective if appropriately applied and repeated often. You may visit this website to learn more about soil erosion control solutions at GlobalRoadTechnology.com.
Vehicle tracking
One method of reducing runoff velocity during road construction is surface roughening. Surface roughening can reduce runoff velocity, encourage infiltration, and trap sediments. The technique is not measured separately or paid separately but is commonly used to stabilize disturbed areas during construction or final stabilization activities.
Another type of vehicle tracking BMP is a wheel wash, rock pad, or shaker rack. Vehicle tracking aims to prevent mud and soil from spreading from the work site to offsite areas. Offsite areas include public roads and parking lots. The method also allows construction crews to monitor the amount of mud and soil being tracked from the construction site. Once these BMPs are in place, vehicle tracking can prevent the spread of the mud and soil in the surrounding area.
Riprap
Riprap is a layering of rocks used to protect the exposed soil from the effects of the continuous hydrologic activity. Without protection, the waves will continue to wash away exposed soil. By covering the soil with rocks, erosion is prevented. Riprap can help reduce the effects of water runoff on nearby homes and infrastructure. Listed below are a few examples of where riprap can be used.
When used during road construction, riprap is placed to the full thickness of the roadway. To prevent the stones from moving, riprap should be installed in uniform layers. The stone size, weight, and density must be specified to ensure a uniform cover. The specific gravity of individual stones must be at least 2.5. If riprap is not available, rubble concrete can be used, but its density must be greater than 150 pounds per cubic foot.
Riprap is often used as a countermeasure to soil erosion caused by road construction. It is an excellent countermeasure to erosion and reduces the amount of soil eroded by a road. Riprap must be installed in a horizontal alignment and contain no bends. If it is not installed properly, the soil will slide and erode the structure. The foundation below the riprap should be graded accordingly and be able to sustain a constant weight for a few years. Riprap must also be checked for high flow rates and scour underneath the stone.
Riprap should be composed of a well-graded stone mixture. At least 50% of the riprap should be larger than the d50 stone size. The design procedure will specify the riprap gradations that best match the terrain. In addition to selecting the size, the designer needs to consider whether the road is near water. The riprap should be at least six inches thick.
Before laying riprap, filter bedding should be laid on the surface. Make sure to overlap the geotextile fabric by 12 inches and place anchor pins every three feet to keep it in place. A layer of sand or gravel must protect geotextile fabrics to prevent damage. If the fabric has damage, repair it by adding another piece of fabric over the affected area. Otherwise, replace it. Once the riprap is in place, well-graded aggregate should be spread evenly to a depth of at least 12 inches.
