Recent studies show an increase in the population of beavers, nutria and other rodents in vast regions of central Europe over the last 15 years. Unfortunately, this caused in many instances considerable damage on large rivers along dykes and earthworks in the floodplain areas, leading to an increased risk of bank failures. However, most of these mammals belong to protected species. This work is aimed at showing positive experience in cooperation with universities, research institutes and environmental agencies regarding measures to permanently safeguard the banks using composite erosion control systems with polymer coated steel wire net (as flexible reinforcement component) and a geosynthetic (to promote vegetation growth). The steel mesh component works as an effective long-term barrier against the intrusion of mammals, discouraging them from digging inside the core of the dyke. An analysis of the sensitive areas to be protected led also to definition of the characteristics of these interventions (length, shape, escape ways, population areas, etc.). The study will present several additional benefits when using polymer steel nets along dykes, such as: high and durable erosion protection in overflow areas, promotion of fast and effective vegetation growth (increasing stability), surface protection against ice impacts (in northern regions), ease of installation, maintenance, ability to conform to irregular shapes of the slope. This work will also present the positive outcome of research studies along dykes in Germany, Austria and in Italy.
The efficacy of erosion control systems depends on preventing soil loss underneath and maintaining its integrity under the effects of the water flow. The paper presents the research results at the Colorado State University on the performance of double twisted wire mesh products, known as Reno Mattresses, used as soil erosion control systems. Mattresses were subjected to various flow conditions on a 10 m long flume placed on a soil layer. The performance against erosion was evaluated by assessing the effect of the stone motion inside the mattress combined with the condition of incipient soil erosion underneath, in relationship to the mattress thickness, the filling stone properties, and under variable hydraulic flow regimes. At the same time, confirming the stability obtained using the conventional tractive force design approach, the research results allowed to introduce a new performance limit based on incipient soil erosion underneath the revetment. Based on the research results, the authors propose to express the shear resistance of mattresses used as soil erosion control systems as a function of the filling stones’ size, uniformity, unit weight, mattress thickness, and the presence of vertical strengthening elements.
The combined use of erosion control systems (commonly referred to as "nonliving systems") and live plants for the restoration of waterways requires the standardization of terminologies, material performance, and design criteria for each system. This will yield the combination of a correct engineering approach with the appropriate best management practices to produce the desired long term performance. This paper focuses on combining soil bioengineering techniques with sound engineering practices when dealing with soil erosion or overall instability problems. The performance will be discussed with a proposed multidisciplinary approach, in order to achieve the desired environmental effect. The concept of "Minimum Energy Level" will also be discussed to identify the best environmentally compatible solutions, typically ranging from simple to complex design scenarios. Due to the combined presence of inert materials and living plants, the field performance of the various solutions will evolve over time. The contributing factor will require one to test the strength characteristics of the systems both in the short and in the long term, in close relationship with the field performance criteria, in order to understand their function in waterways. The dynamics of the project site and the overall structural stability are greatly affected by these decisions.
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