We Examine Common Methods of Erosion Control in Civil Engineering

We don’t have to explain the benefits of erosion control. The purpose behind erosion control in civil engineering is to prevent the displacement of soil…but there’s much more to the process than that. There’s also an intense regulatory landscape involved, specifically the NPDES and SWPPs. 

Erosion control in civil engineering goes much further than checking a box. It’s a disciplined process that requires extensive diligence in order to help ensure preservation of the soil and water quality. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how erosion control is implemented in civil engineering and what factors you should consider before partnering with a company to help you through the detailed process.

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What Is Erosion?

Erosion occurs when soil particles are washed away by mechanical action, water, wind or gravity.

When it comes to engineering, there are four main types of soil erosion we deal with. These include:

1. Splash erosion – This occurs when the impact from raindrops disaggregates soil.
2. Sheet erosion – This is a more uniform removal of soil, and it is often not evident until after an extensive amount of erosion has occurred.
3. Rill erosion – This is a more concentrated flow that forms channels. It’s also a visible sign of hydraulic failure.
4. Gully erosion – When the rill formation has advanced, you’re faced with gully erosion, which is a very costly and difficult situation to fix. 

What Are the Common Erosion Control Methods Civil Engineers Use?

Next, let’s take a brief review of how civil engineering and erosion control provide the framework for helping your venture become a success.

Some of these mechanisms include:

Utilizing Surface Stabilization

• Using cover crops and seeding: This can impact the C-factor, even if you provide only 50% coverage.
• Sodding: This is an option for higher-risk areas such as steep slopes. 
• Mulching: The use of wood fiber or mulch can reduce the impact of rain.
• Compost blankets: This serves as a physical barrier and is very useful on slopes.

Geosynthetics

• Riprap: These angular rocks can line outlets and provide protection to the slope. However, there are sizing requirements. This requires D50 calculations in order to be accurate. D50 calculations refer to the average size of the particles’ diameters.
• Erosion control blankets and turf reinforcement mats: If you utilize these, be sure to follow EPA guidance on biodegradable and wildlife-friendly netting. 
• Roughening: By utilizing stair-stepping or track walking, you can not only reduce the runoff speed, but also improve seed contact.

Runoff Control

• Temporary slope drains: By concentrating the flow to a stable outlet, erosion can be controlled.
• Diversion dikes: These can redirect runoff away from disturbed areas.
• Grass-lined channels: These offer permanent conveyance with biological lining.

Remember that these sediment controls must be maintained. Neglect–not design problems–are the main causes of failure, according to the EPA’s guide to BMPs. Remember that there are three categories of inspections that require different timing requirements. This includes routine inspections, inspections before rain events and inspections after rain events.

How Can Erosion Harm Sites?

Erosion can have a devastating impact on sites. We’ll outline a few of them.

Erosion can harm sites by:

• Losing load-bearing capacity due to less topsoil
• Gullying damaging embankments
• Rendering inlets, culverts and detention basins problematic as erosion clogs these pathways
• Impacting off-site water sources like lakes and rivers
• Transferring pollutants to different areas

The effects of erosion go beyond the environment. You may also factor the financial burden of erosion on construction sites—including project delays, rework, off-site cleanup and even fines.

Failure to follow the guidelines of the NPDES permits can result in stop-work orders and extensive fines. 

What Is Sediment Control, and How Does It Differ From Erosion Control?

It’s best to think of erosion and sediment control as part of a process as opposed to two different elements.

While erosion control prevents soil from being removed in the first place, sediment control intercepts any particles that have “escaped” and are being transported. This not only preserves the environment but also helps guard against expensive compliance failure. 

What Are the Benefits of Erosion Control?

There are obvious benefits of erosion control: It can not only protect the soil, but also provide safeguards to help stabilize landscapes. Erosion control also:

• Helps ensure regulatory compliance
• Protects project cost
• Benefits downstream water
• Helps establish better long-term site performance

Let Ballentine Associates Help Your Project Stay On Track So You Won’t Have to Worry About Erosion

We’ve provided a basic overview of the benefits of erosion control as it relates to civil engineering. There are also extensive benefits to working with Ballentine Associates. When you work with us, you’ll discover that we are more than a vendor; we’re a partner in your success.

We invite you to review our portfolio and discover why we have so many loyal clients. We can help you stay on track so you won’t need to worry about expensive rework or costly delays. We’d love to learn more about your project.