5 Ways to Control Erosion at Construction Sites

1. 5 Ways to Control Erosion at Construction Sites Soil erosion is a real danger to any construction project. This is why contractors make use of various erosion control methods in order to secure soil in place, preserve the construction site, and minimize the environmental impact of the project. There are many different factors that contribute to soil erosion on a construction site. From general soil condition to heavy vibrations or natural events like heavy rain, different construction situations call for very specific solutions to preserve soil quality and protect the new structure from the dangers of erosion. Erosion control products can add substantial expense to the general project cost, which is why manufacturers are striving to develop more innovative products like Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) and geotextiles in order to minimize erosion control cost and reduce environmental impact. Below are proven ways that contractors control erosion on construction sites: ● Geotextile fabrics and Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) are two of the most widely used erosion control products, especially for applications like road construction, the building of earth retaining structures, pipelines, and embankments. Depending on the specific need of the project, different types of ​geotextile fabrics ​are available to fit the unique requirements of the site, particularly the soil conditions. These include open mesh weave geotextiles, warp-knitted and closed/non-woven fabrics, which offer varying levels of permeability among other characteristics that make them suitable for filtration, reinforcement, sealing, drainage, separation, or protection. ● Turbidity barriers – Similar to a ​Silt Fence fabric​, a turbidity barrier is a type of sheet material made out of ​​an impermeable coated geotextile fabrics, that works to control erosion and prevent migration of contaminants, like soil and sediment, in water.

2. Concrete blocks – Also referred to as articulated concrete blocks, these surface systems are laid out to create an interconnected grid. They secure soil and prevent erosion, particularly on waterway embankments and in man made drainage channels. Riprap – Riprapping is a method of laying down layers of large stones that interlock together, creating a solid barrier on slopes. Ripraps are often installed over a geotextile fabric​​​or geosynthetic membrane for better soil reinforcement. MSE walls – MSE, or mechanically stabilized earth walls, work like traditional concrete retaining walls, but are preferred in modern construction because of their adaptability to various types of sites and their speed of installation. ● ● ●