1994 Performance Results for Erosion-Control Blankets, Mulches, and Channel Liners (0-1914-4)

Storm water management issues facing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the late 1980's led to the development of a coordinated research program. The researchers developed methodologies for evaluating the field performance of the Department's most pressing needs that included: erosion-control blankets, channel lining materials, and mulches. From these methodologies, the Hydraulics and Erosion Control Laboratory was designed and constructed.The objectives of the erosion control research are to determine the effectiveness of erosion control products on various application areas typically located in the highway environment such as slopes and channels. The researchers collect data on the effectiveness or field performance characteristics during one growing season (March - November) and statistically analyze the data. Product effectiveness data include vegetative density coverage and sediment loss measurements based upon soil type and slope condition. Results for the current year support the Texas Department of Transportation's Standard Specifications for Soil Retention Blankets (Erosion-control Blankets and Channel Liners) and Hydraulic Mulches with an Annual List of Approved Materials. As an additional level of analysis, the researchers compare previous years' findings with the current year's results and include these results in the interim report(s).