Evaluation of Sediment Barrier Practices Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques

Details

• Creators:
  Whitman, J. Blake ; Zech, Wesley C. ; Donald, Wesley N.
• Corporate Creators:
  Auburn University. Highway Research Center
• Corporate Contributors:
  Alabama. Department of Transportation
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Evaluation And Assessment Irrigation And Drainage Structures Methodology Prototype Tests Runoff Sediment Discharge Testing Equipment Water Quality Management
• Publication/ Report Number:
  930-869
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  Alabama;United States
• Edition:
  Final Comprehensive Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  Alabama. Department of Transportation
• Abstract:
  Perimeter controls [i.e. sediment barriers (SBs) or sediment retention devices (SRDs)] are typically used on construction sites to retain sediment within the limits of the site and prevent polluted stormwater runoff from adversely affecting the environment by degrading aquatic habitats and clogging storm sewers. However, little data exists regarding the performance of the various products and practices used as perimeter controls. Often, design parameters are based upon rules-of-thumb and field observation that lack scientific data that establishes expected performance capabilities. SB practices used as perimeter controls must be capable of intercepting sheet flow stormwater runoff, effectively treating sediment-laden flow such that sediment removal is achieved, and efficiently discharging treated stormwater so that sediment resuspension is minimized. Nonetheless, products and practices are typically evaluated through field performance testing with little monitoring and data collection associated with installation, runoff characteristics, and water quality performance. If data is available from field evaluations, the data is site and climatic specific, making it difficult to compare the performance between practices and geographic areas. Therefore, researchers at the Auburn University – Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility developed a test apparatus and methodology to evaluate different SB practices using full-scale testing methods. The test apparatus and methodology is designed to replicate in-field rainfall runoff rates for purposes of conducting full-scale experiments on various SBs. This apparatus allows for performance testing and direct comparisons between various SB products, practices, and installations. The overall intent of conducting full-scale testing is to improve design criteria and enhance the in-field performance of SBs.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  930-869
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:759e03299206676fd17d4365a42869da38912c7f55b348f25c15e5572ab6a12d1211117a6f4ad65974cced5d2c96492b4abdef3c2da3d8d356cc696ef2211057
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42374/dot_42374_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 11.80 MB ]