Cellular Concrete Block Revetment

An experimental revetment of specially designed cellular concrete revetment blocks was constructed on an eroding streambank in western New York. Over a period of 8 yr the 4-in. thick revetment has given satisfactory performance under severe conditions. In contrast, an adjacent revetment of quarried stone riprap has been less effective in withstanding the erosive forces. Square holes run entirely through the depth of the block. These holes serve several purposes: They mechanically hold gravel and crushed stone in place, thus reducing the erosive forces at the surface of the bank; allow planting of vegatative materials on the bank; and reduce the block weight making handling easier. When the blocks are mass-produced and where quarried stone is available locally, the costs of the types of revetments would be approximately the same.