Methodology for Evaluating Inlet Protection Practices Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 4
Abstract
Most roadway construction projects disturb existing vegetation exposing bare soil to environmental variables (i.e., precipitation, wind, and freeze and thaw) that cause erosion. Soil eroded during storm events is conveyed by storm water runoff and may become deposited in receiving waterways. Inlet protection practices (IPPs) are temporary erosion and sediment controls commonly used around inlet drainage structures to prevent erosion while also retaining sediment on-site. Effective IPPs impound storm water, prevent upstream channel erosion, and promote settling along the perimeter of a device. Stringent effluent regulations coupled with greater public awareness with regards to surface water pollution have created the need for understanding the performance of commonly used erosion and sediment control practices. This study developed a methodology and testing apparatus for large-scale reproducible performance-based testing of standard IPPs at the Auburn University Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility. A two-phased testing protocol comprised of installation improvements and performance evaluations was developed. A test channel, 13.42 m (19 ft) in length, 5.80 m (19 ft) in width, sloped at 5% towards a 1.22-m (4 ft) inlet was constructed to test IPPs. Using the Alabama rainfall and erosion characteristics, water and sediment delivery mechanisms were designed and developed for implementing experimental flows and sediment introduction rates of () and (), respectively. Data collection includes pretest and posttest channel surveys, flow-through rates, total suspended solids, and turbidity. Finally, a case study using a typical wattle barrier IPP demonstrates the developed testing methodologies, installation improvements, and performance measures.
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Acknowledgments
This paper is based on a study sponsored by ALDOT. The authors gratefully acknowledge this financial support. The findings, opinions, and conclusions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the sponsor.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 20 • Issue 4 • April 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 8, 2013
Accepted: May 1, 2014
Published online: Aug 6, 2014
Discussion open until: Jan 6, 2015
Published in print: Apr 1, 2015
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