GREEN ENGINEERING: OPTIMIZING EROSION CONTROL WITH VEGETATION AND RECPS: PART ONE

Rolled erosion control products (RECPs) were introduced in the late 1960s in response to the limitations of conventional dry and hydraulic mulching techniques. A diverse offering of RECPs has subsequently emerged, providing greater strength, enhanced performance, and greater longevity. These RECPs consistently meet the two principal objectives of mulches: to reduce soil loss and to expedite/enhance site revegetation. When RECPs combine with vegetation, they create a longlasting mat of reinforced vegetation that provides greater stability than common rock riprap. There are two general categories of RECP systems: temporary degradable and long-term nondegradable. Temporary degradable materials are used to prevent loss of soil from the seedbed and to enhance the establishment of vegetation where the vegetation alone should provide sufficient site protection once established. Erosion control netting, open weave meshes, and erosion control blankets are the most common systems. Other temporary degradable systems include dry-blown mulch and hydraulically applied mulches, as well as fiber roving systems. Long-term nondegradable RECPs furnish erosion protection and extend the erosion control limits of vegetation, soil, or other materials. These materials are manufactured of durable plastic materials. Typical polymers used in the manufacture of RECPs include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or polyimide. Common long-term nondegradable RECPs are classified as turf reinforcement mats. Other long-term nondegradable RECPs include fabric formed revetments, geocellular confinement systems, gabions, articulating concrete blocks, and riprap.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10519629
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Page Range: pp 54-56, 58-61
• Corporate Authors:

  Civil Engineering News, Incorporated

  1255 Roberts Boulevard, Suite 230
  Kennesaw, GA  United States  30144
• Authors:
  • Sprague, C J
• Publication Date: 1999-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 7 p.
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering News
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Civil Engineering News, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1051-9629

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biodegradability; Concrete blocks; Erosion; Gabions; Material reinforcement; Mulches; Plastics; Polymers; Revetments; Riprap; Slope stability; Slopes; Specifications; Turf; Vegetation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rolled erosion control products
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Marine Transportation; Planning and Forecasting; I21: Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00761072
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 25 1999 12:00AM