Erosion is the process of soil or dirt being displaced by wind or water. In the case of pools, water is the primary driving force of erosion. Many are not aware, but erosion contributes to pollution, and it is extremely important when it comes to construction sites. Construction materials, excess dirt, chemicals, and other toxic materials can become part of runoff if water or wind gets ahold of it. In turn, these materials pollute runoff water, which can affect freshwater sources.

Fortunately, erosion can be managed with the right resources and team. JR Pool Plastering and Texas Gunite has years of experience excavating pool shells and controlling erosion throughout the entire process. Of course, erosion control is important for more than just pool construction or redesign. Our team offers erosion control for all construction projects regardless if a pool is involved.

Ways of Controlling Erosion

There are several ways of controlling erosion at construction sites. Not every erosion problem can be solved with the same method, which is why it is important to know which methods work best for specific situations. JR Pool Plastering and Texas Gunite will implement the best method for the job based on the construction site and the surrounding area. Here are eight common ways of controlling erosion:

Articulated concrete blocks
MSE Walls
Turbidity Barriers
Riprap
Soil nails
French drains
Geotextiles

Articulated Concrete Blocks

This method uses concrete blocks that form a grid. These blocks are interconnected, which helps reduce erosion in several areas. These revetment systems are used on sloped structures to reduce the velocity of the water.

MSE Walls

MSE walls or mechanically stabilized earth walls have been more popular than concrete blocks in recent years. These types of walls can be installed faster and with less effort. MSE walls are also versatile because they can be used on various types of sites.

Turbidity Barriers

In order to prevent soil erosion and the spread of contaminants within the water, turbidity barriers are the best option. These barriers are usually made from geotextile membranes that float. The membranes are anchored to the bottom of the water in order to keep them in place.

Geotextiles

In order to improve soils over roads, embankments, pipelines, and earth-retaining structures, geotextiles are an effective method. This application could have an open mesh weave, warp-knitted structure, or a closed fabric. Determining the right kind of geotextile for the job is based on operations, filtration, drainage, reinforcement, and more.

French Drains

This method is a system of underground piping that brings surface water to an exit point.

Soil Nails

Soil nails are installed by drilling a hole into the soil and placing steel bars into them. At the top, the steel bar is capped to create a barrier similar to a retaining wall.

Riprap

This method is often used to protect soil from erosion, where runoff water is very concentrated. Riprap is an interlocking system of large stones that act as a barrier.

Take Preventative Measures

There are a handful of guiding principals JR Pool Plastering and Texas Gunite follows. Our goal is to save you time and money, so we will implement processes that limit these two resources. However, there are times in which these resources are required in order to control erosion.

Increase Resistive Forces

You can reduce the power of erosive forces such as wind and water. The aforementioned erosion control methods are great ways of preventing water or wind from taking control of the construction site.

Topography

The angle of slopes and the length of slopes will greatly impact the erosion process. Try to create short, shallow slopes because they erode slower. These types of slopes allow vegetation to take a foothold for a longer period of time.

Soil Exposure

The longer soil is exposed to wind and water, the more likely it is to erode. Wind and water will serve to be detrimental to exposed soil. Keeping vegetation in the area will help strengthen the soil. It is also beneficial to divert water away from exposed soil, so erosion is less likely to occur.

Runoff Velocity

The speed at which water runs off slopes will impact soil erosion. It is best to interrupt this runoff velocity with rock dams, riprap, and more. The water will hit these devices and slow down before reaching the exposed soil.

Controlling Erosion

JR Pool Plastering and Texas Gunite offers erosion control services for all types of construction sites. When construction sites disturb the soil, it becomes weak and loses its integrity. Water and wind can greatly affect this weak soil. Our team of professionals can help you manage your construction site’s erosion and prevent problems that often arise. Contact our team today in order to learn more about our erosion control services. We would be happy to help you create an environmentally safe construction site.