Spray Specs

Hydraulically applied erosion control products (HECPs) are useful for controlling soil erosion and establishing vegetation. This article describes HECPs and summarizes recent attempts to test and create specifications for them. An HECP is defined as a fibrous material that is mixed with water and hydraulically applied as a slurry. In addition to the fibers that make up the core material of the HECP, there are many different performance-enhancing additives. Once the HECP is applied, the HECP will achieve maximum performance after a curing period that varies based on site-specific conditions. The HECP forms a protective layer that controls erosion and allows for enhanced seed germination and accelerated plant growth. HECPs now comprise a broad range of products appropriate for a variety of applications and situations. The Erosion Control Technology Council (ECTC) has developed a specification and guidance document to assist users in selecting, designing, and installing HECPs. ECTC divided HECPs into five classifications based on their "functional longevity" — the length of time needed for the HECP to work in order for vegetation to be established. Once vegetation is established, the job of the HECP is complete and vegetation will do the job of holding soil in place. ASTM is working to develop a large-scale test method for HECPs. In the interim, there are several methods being used to generate coverage factors and other values. As the state-of-the-practice continues to evolve, it is likely that the industry will settle on one test method in order to have an equitable comparison of values. Until that occurs, users need to understand the basic methods, the advantages they have, and the limitations that occur. ECTC will continue to develop this standard and refine it as more standardized tests for HECPs become available from ASTM.

• Record URL:
  http://www.cenews.com/magazine-article-cenews.com-7-2011-spray_specs-8380.html
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10519629
• Authors:
  • Braden, Brad
  • Honnigford, Laurie
  • Iturriria, Andy
  • Morris, Sam
• Publication Date: 2011-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 42-45
• Serial:
  • CE News
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Zweig White Information Services
  • ISSN: 1051-9629
  • Serial URL: http://www.cenews.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Erosion control; Materials; Performance based specifications; Revegetation; Test procedures
• Identifier Terms: Erosion Control Technology Council
• Uncontrolled Terms: Hydroseeding
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Materials; Transportation (General); I30: Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01352199
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 21 2011 7:13AM