Comparing Low-Cost Methods for Stabilizing Diversions and Ditches.

Construction projects are historically a major source of sediment loss and highly turbid surface runoff.  Regulations and current best management practices require the use of diversion ditches and sedimentation ponds to reduce environmental impacts of construction projects.  Recent research has indicated that these diversion ditches are a major source of sediment loss.  Preliminary studies have shown that lining these ditches reduces sediment loss. This study examined the erosion reduction potential of four different liners: jute, jute combined with granular polyacrylamide, excelsior, and a spray-on concrete product (Posishell). The latter was considered to have two advantages over rolled erosion control products: better conforming to variations in ditch contours and much faster to install.  Tests were conducted in a flume packed with a local soil at three different flow rates and three different slopes.  Preliminary results suggested that the concrete product was the most effective while jute was the least effective in preventing erosion.  The estimated costs associated with the concrete product were comparable to the standard products.  The effects of slope and flow rate will also be presented.