Study of Side Ditch Liners for Highway Application

摘要

Over the past few years, the INDOT new materials department has received numerous erosion control products (mostly geosynthetics) to evaluate as alternatives to riprap and concrete in ditch liners. Potential benefits include lower construction costs and better aesthetics over current products. Unfortunately, no specification, design methodology, or classification system currently exists for these erosion control blankets.In this project\u27s phase I, existing information and knowledge on erosion control materials used to line highway side drainage ditches were investigated. From the available technical1iterature (journal and conference publications, other DOTs specifications, manufacturer documentation, independent test laboratory test data), design methodologies, classification system, product approval procedures, and installation methods were reviewed for temporary and permanent geosynthetic erosion control materials. Based on the synthesis of these reviews a design methodology was proposed including design aids (tables, flow charts, and graphs) necessary to perform flexible liner computations. A classification system based on product performance was also proposed. In addition, current design procedures for hard armor materials (fabric formed revetments, concrete block systems, gabions, and riprap) were reviewed. A tentative specification for both flexible and hard armor ditch liners was drafted.