The Field Evaluation of a Synthetic Material for Use as a Slope Protection Method on Irrigation Dams

摘要

This report concerns the problem of slope protection on irrigation dams. A field study of a slope protection method utilizing a new synthetic fabric material in the form of soil filled bags has been conducted to determine the placement requirements and erosion resistance of the system. Laboratory testing has provided the strength data of the fabric after intervals of exposure to the environment as well as the fill retention characteristics of the fabric. The field study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of filling and placing the bags on an operational irrigation dam using equipment and resources available to a typical farmer. Test sections on the dam were monitored to determine the amount of wave erosion of both unprotected and protected slopes of the dam.