Browsing by Subject "Erosion Control"
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Item Aging effects of environmental factors on rolled erosion control products(Texas A&M University, 2007-04-25) Khanna, SumeeThis thesis presents a study made on erosion control blankets with respect to their aging and longevity. Erosion control blankets have been relied upon increasingly in recent times replacing the old and traditional methods for protecting areas from erosion by storm water and other factors. But what can be an estimated duration for which a given set of blankets can be functional in channel erosion control. This research is done with the ultimate aim of understanding whether these erosion control blankets can stay in place and be conducive to some vegetation growth, which is said to be the most reliable measure for long-lasting erosion control. Seven erosion control blankets, consisting of natural, synthetic and composite types, were put to actual use for erosion control for 3 years in a field. After 3 years these used materials were cut from the field for conducting the tests. Unused blankets of the same brands were obtained. Index tests were conducted on both used and unused material specimens to measure the erosion control properties. All materials experienced a significant amount of strength loss after use. The natural materials show 80% strength loss, while the composite and synthetic materials were tested to have around 50% strength losses after being put to use for 3 years. Thus it can be observed that the composite and synthetic materials have a decent amount of life where erosion control is concerned. Other tests also proved that composite materials can be relied upon for erosion control to a reasonable extent, and the research goal was achieved.Item Use of compost filter bermsfor sediment trapping: primary focus on water quality and structural stability(Texas A&M University, 2004-11-15) Raut Desai, Aditya BabuRunoff from road construction and maintenance sites is responsible for erosion and deposition of sediments in the receiving water bodies. In addition to soil particles from erosion, runoff also transports other pollutants such as rubber, toxic metals, automobile fluids, car exhausts (which settle with the rain), pesticides, fertilizers, and other debris. Compost has been used effectively as a valuable soil amendment to aid plant growth. Berms (mounds) of compost placed at the top or bottom of steep slopes can be used to slow the velocity of water and provide additional protection for receiving waters. However, a downside of the application of composted organic material is the potential degradation of runoff water quality. Overloading with nitrogen and phosphorus causes eutrophication, which reduces the suitability of waterways for beneficial uses. A field testing of the berms coupled with a laboratory analysis of the testing water will provide a basis for the impact of the compost berms on the runoff water quality. The study of the impact of compost on the runoff water quality was investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of berms made from various materials such as dairy manure compost, yard waste compost and composted bio-solids mixed with wood chips in a ratio of 50:50 on the runoff water quality, as well as, the sediment removal efficiencies. Field tests were performed on the berms to simulate conventional rainfall runoff and the tested water was collected as time-weighted samples and analyzed in the laboratory. Several variables were investigated during this study. Results of this investigation demonstrated that the effectiveness of this application was hampered by the structural instability of the berm. A 100% failure rate was observed in the berms tested. Optimum performance was observed in yard waste compost berms, which introduced the least amount of contaminants into the water. However, some masking effect could be present due to berm failures. In fact, the actual sediment removal by the berms could not be determined. The study of compost filter berms showed some evidence of the existence of first flush effect.