How Construction Sites Impact Soil Erosion

Erosion, or the dismantling of natural materials, can be caused by both nature and human activity. Construction sites have increasingly been attributed to acceleration erosion and nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Erosion can lead to the loss of fertile topsoil, which is important for plant growth. Topsoil has a higher level of biological activity and organic matter. If this soil layer loses its ability to provide nutrients it will not appropriately protect soil from pests and disease causing unregulated water flow. The runoff from construction sites is a source of sediment in urban areas under development, which can lead to poor water quality. Erosion control and soil protection are crucial for developing any construction site.

The traditional method engineers use to stabilize slopes and control erosion typically depends on man-made structures. However, these structures do not always last or integrate well with the surrounding environment. Plants and other natural materials are rarely used for stopping erosion, but they are a stronger option for holding the soil together over time. Roots of plants can bind soil together to make it more erosion resistant. This bio-structural approach is often cheaper and more sustainable than conventional methods.

What Is HydroTurf Vegetation?

HydroTurf is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly erosion control technology designed to minimize both initial construction expenses and ongoing maintenance costs. 

It uses a combination of natural fibers and synthetic materials to protect slopes, waterways, and construction sites from erosion. The turf is filled with a binding sand and cement mix. It mimics the appearance and function of natural vegetation, leading to a more successful method of erosion control and slope stabilization. 

HydroTurf can be used for a variety of applications including channel stabilization, dam overtopping, bank protection, and roadside management.

Why Use HydroTurf Vegetation?

HydroTurf vegetation offers significant long-term benefits over traditional erosion control methods. This includes aesthetic appeal, runoff prevention, local ecosystem support, and cost-effectiveness.

Natural Aesthetic Preservation

Effective tools in land development and construction sites often lack in maintaining the visual appeal of the area. HydroTurf offers the aesthetics of vegetation combined with better performance than traditional hard armor. The grass colored layer effectively stabilizes soil without sacrificing the natural aesthetic value of the area. By blending with the natural environment, erosion control doesn’t have to come at the cost of visual appeal. It stays green all year so you won’t have to worry about maintenance.

Worry-Free Erosion Control

HydroTurf is a durable and long term solution to controlling erosion. It is designed to resist erosive forces under high velocity conditions and steep grades. Because of the way it adheres to the soil, HydroTurf provides effective erosion control immediately upon installation. This reduces soil displacement in the event of harsh environmental impacts. Unlike mulch or other natural methods of drainage, HydroTurf has endured extensive weathering tests and been engineered to maintain functionality for over 50 years. The full-scale hydraulic tests range widely to include wave overtopping, hydraulic jumping, heavy debris loads, and intentionally damaged conditions. These are performed by independent third party laboratories to ensure accuracy. Other quality evaluations include aerodynamic wind tunnel, flammability, freeze-thaw durability, weathering, and vehicle loading. 

Positive Ecological Impact

HydroTurf is better than traditional sediment control products by integrating vegetation. It supports local ecosystems without disturbing biodiversity. By preventing pollutants from reaching water bodies, it enhances soil health and water quality. HydroTurf’s layer reduces the need for chemical interventions such as herbicides. Plants are instead supported by healthy soil conditions and natural weed control. Construction of HydroTurf is rapid, low impact and scalable, which also reduces the carbon footprint of installation. Heavy equipment is not necessary and one construction crew is able to install one acre per day. 

Long-Term Savings

With HydroTurf, you can invest in long-term benefits and increased reliability. Compared to traditional methods, HydroTurf requires minimal maintenance costs making it more economical in the long run. The cost of installation depends on product configuration, location, and the complexity of the project. Regardless, the simplicity of HydroTurf installation also makes it less costly than traditional methods such as concrete, blocks, or rocks.

Integrate Vegetation Into Your Erosion Control Strategies

Integrating vegetation into your erosion control strategies provides numerous benefits, both environmentally and economically. HydroTurf combines robust engineered systems with a natural appeal for a range of benefits. It can even be used in areas where grass is difficult to grow. It is suitable for a variety of environments, including areas exposed to heavy water flow and harsh weather conditions. Enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your project with HydroTurf.

Erosion control is a critical element of every large-scale construction project. It keeps your project safe from external threats like wind, water, and sediment erosion, and it could keep the environment protected from any threats introduced by your process, such as hazardous chemicals and substances. 

At US FUSION, we’re passionate about erosion control and doing work in the safest way possible. We’re proud to offer one of the most durable, versatile erosion control systems on the market: Protex™. 

Read on for more details on Protex™, what it’s used for, and how it can work for you. 

What Is Protex™?

Protex™ is US FUSION’s solution to erosion control using fabric formed concrete. Our experience and ability to provide the premier solution to each application is what makes Protex™ one of the most reliable, stable, and long-lasting erosion control solutions on the market. 

Protex™ can replace traditional types of erosion control methods like riprap, sheet pile, wire containment baskets, concrete slope paving, hard armoring systems, and precast block mats. 

Here are some of Protex™’s  highly prized features and capabilities: 

• Custom fabric forms pumped with fine grout
• No additional forming or finishing is required
• Variety of styles and thicknesses for any application
• Primed for precise placement
• Ideal for underwater installation
• Gentle and safe installation for geomembrane protection

What Erosion Control Applications Is Protex™ Used For? 

Just like any other erosion control system, Protex™ is critical in preventing wind, water, and sediment erosion from disrupting your project and the environment around it. It can be used to stabilize slopes, manage stormwater runoff, avoid water pollution, build protection berms, and safeguard liner systems and pipelines. Protex™ can be installed temporarily while a construction project is underway, or it can be installed permanently for long-term erosion control. 

Some more specific examples of Protex™ erosion control applications include: 

• Dam face and spillway protection
• Impermeable linings for ponds and canals
• Wastewater basins
• Underwater pipeline protection
• Wharf and dock armoring
• Shoreline and seawall restoration

This is by no means an exhaustive list of Protex™ applications. To learn more about what applications our clients trust Protex™ for, check out our Protex™ brochure. 

5 Benefits of the Protex™ Erosion Control System

Installing any type of erosion control system would be a beneficial move for your construction project — but what exactly makes Protex™ stand out among the rest? These are its main five benefits. 

1. Unmatched Erosion Control

For reliable erosion control, there’s no better solution than Protex™ from US FUSION. Fabric-formed concrete, especially when combined with other erosion control solutions, is one of the most durable materials out there — and at US FUSION, we’ve mastered the installation process. We’ve made a promise to always put safety first, and our Protex™ application helps us keep that promise.

2. Heavy-Duty Strength & Long-Term Durability

Protex™ is designed for maximum strength and stability for both temporary and permanent applications. You won’t find a higher-performing solution. 

Protex™ can even outlast grouted riprap. It’s a bit lower-profile as well, so you don’t have to worry about any eyesores next to your modernized construction. 

3. Simple & Quick Installation

Some erosion control systems can take weeks to install, setting your project timelines back considerably. That’s not a problem with Protex™. 

With the help of the erosion control experts at US FUSION, Protex™ can be installed on your timeline. Protex™ installation doesn’t require any heavy machinery or cranes and can be done anywhere — even in underwater or limited-access locations. This often reduces our project timelines by months, since our operation can take place simultaneous to other project tasks. 

4. Environmentally Friendly Design

Protex™ is made from sustainable, low-impact materials that can last on your construction site for years. Plus, its entire purpose is to prevent environmental damage caused by erosion, pollutants, etc. It’s a solution that helps you and helps the world around you. 

5. Reduced Material & Labor Cost

Protex™’s great features and capabilities can significantly reduce your overall project costs. Since its makeup is so strong and durable, you can use less of it than you would with traditional erosion control system materials. Also, since you can trust a Protex™ system to last for years, you won’t need to worry about constant replacement costs. 

Ready to See What the Protex™ Erosion Control System Can Do For You?

In search of a high-quality, long-lasting erosion control system for your specialty construction application? Choose Protex™ from US FUSION. With superior technology and versatile features, it will provide the stability you need to effectively keep environmental hazards at bay. Contact us online for more information.

Erosion control is important in protecting both the environment and your construction project from a number of hazards, and it’s one of the services we do best here at US FUSION. But when our clients come to us needing an erosion control system, they’re often unaware of all the different types available to them. Let’s take a closer look at a couple common types of erosion control systems, so you can make a more informed decision about what’s best for your application.

What Is an Erosion Control System?

An erosion control system is a solution put in place to prevent wind, water, or sediment erosion. In most cases in industrial facilities, it’s used to manage stormwater runoff, scour, mitigate water pollution, provide protection and/or ballast of a liner system, protect underground pipelines, build protection berms, or protect property.

Some erosion control systems are installed to temporarily reduce the risk of erosion while a project, like a newly constructed building, is carried out. However, many other erosion control systems are implemented permanently, in order to protect an area from erosion in the long term.

Either way, these systems are manufactured with durable materials and installed with expert precision so that they are capable of handling whatever conditions they may encounter.

4 Types of Erosion Control Systems

Now that you know what erosion control systems are and what they do, let’s take a look at some of the different types available.

1. Fabric-Formed Concrete

Fabric-formed concrete is made by pumping highly fluid concrete into specially woven fabric “forms”, which look like mattress sections with patterns customized to fit the needs of your application. Fabric-formed concrete allows for fast, cost-effective installation, and its superior woven-fabric technology makes it a quality choice for any construction application. Fabric Form concrete can also include cable-reinforced mattresses to resist some of the more erosive forces.

2. Concrete Canvas®

Concrete Canvas® is a fairly new construction material to the erosion control industry. It’s a flexible, concrete-filled geosynthetic material that hardens upon hydration to form thin layers. It’s also known to be one of the fastest erosion control systems to install — but it’s important that it’s installed and hydrated properly to ensure maximum protection.

3. Grouted Riprap

Grouted riprap is a cement-adhesive mixture that is essentially used to bind rocks together. It’s commonly placed over geotextile to prevent erosion undercutting along ditch, channel, and shoreline banks. In some applications, grouted riprap is accompanied by filters and bedding for a higher level of security.

4. Shotcrete

Using shotcrete for erosion control involves spraying concrete (wet or dry mix) at a high speed to reach a certain compaction or density level. Since shotcrete is strategically sprayed by a professional, it requires less initial framework than other types of erosion control systems. This also means it’s a bit more economical than other systems.

Common Erosion Control System Applications

Erosion control systems are ideal for applications where managing sediment is critical to ensuring safe and stable environmental conditions. Some of the most common of these applications include:

• Bridge piers
• Stream banks
• Drainage ditches
• Shorelines & seawalls
• Embankments
• Dams & spillways
• Retaining ponds
• Landfill caps
• Ports & harbors
• Lakes & reservoirs

If you’re looking for a reliable, stable, and long-lasting erosion control system, talk to US FUSION. We offer a variety of effective products, including our unique Protex™ solution. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, you can trust us to find the right product for your application. Call us or contact us online to get started.