Minimizing Erosion Damage to Embankments, Spillways, and Channels With Articulated Concrete Block Revetment Systems

by Paul E. Clopper, Li & Associates Inc, Fort Collins, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The results of a multi-year applied research and testing program, focusing on the hydraulic performance of various types of erosion control products and revetment systems in steep-slope applications, are presented. Testing conditions were characterized by high-velocity flow and correspondingly large tractive forces. Over 120 tests have been conducted utilizing a large scale hydraulic facility, with prototype-scale protection systems installed on a highly erodible test embankment. Articulated concrete block revetment systems, both cabled and non-cabled varieties, were shown to provide promise as a viable and cost-effective alternative to conventional erosion protection treatments where steep-slope, high-velocity flow conditions prevail. Subsequent investigations using theoretical approaches have yielded a reliable method for extrapolating these results to geometrically similar blocks which may differ in size and thickness, utilizing a 'factor-of-safety' approach. The methodology allows the determination of hydraulic stability of revetments under uniform or gradually-varied flow conditions.

Subject Headings: Erosion | Concrete blocks | Revetments | Hydraulics | Spillways | Cables | Slopes

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