Evaluation of Erosion Control Product Properties, Performance Capabilities, and Failure Mechanisms

There is a wide variety of Erosion Control Products (ECPs) available today. Knowing the capabilities and limitations of each type is important so the right product gets used for the right application in the field. Most solutions are beneficial when installed properly within the parameters of their given design capacities; however, there are several factors that affect ultimate project success.
ECP properties differ amongst the available solutions. Today’s trend is toward more environmentally-friendly solutions, in general. Physical and chemical components of today’s ECPs vary. A review of product components is necessary to establish benchmarks for improving moving forward. Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECPs) contain physical bonds provided by netting and/or stitching on some products. On the other hand, Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECPs) mainly contain chemical bonds. Other properties also contribute to variables affecting overall ECP applicability.
Performance capabilities of ECPs range from meeting design forces on flat surfaces to long-term vegetation reinforcement in channelized flow applications. Components of degradable and synthetic ECP solutions are changed based on performance requirements. Functional longevity relates to how long a given solution will provide performance capabilities under field conditions. Matching functional longevity to meet jobsite timelines and protect desired vegetation sufficiently is key to obtaining positive results. For example, solutions for protecting a temporary stockpile will be different than solutions for protecting a long, steep slope seeded to slow establishing native vegetation.
Failure mechanisms differ amongst ECPs. RECPs are designed to hold soil in-place while allowing slopes to dewater during hydraulic events. Most HECPs are designed to absorb as much water as possible. Evaluating the how and why regarding failure mechanisms of ECPs helps explain what we see in field performance results.
Understanding these basic physical and design differences is very important when considering solutions for erosion control projects to maximize successes.