Erosion control product and sediment retention device performance criteria

6 Erosion control product and sediment retention device performance criteria 

Having geosynthetic components enables ECPs and SRDs to be more dependably engineered for specific project conditions. For example, geotextiles can be chosen with specific filtration and flow characteristics to prevent armor system undermining as an ECP or to retain sediments from runoff as an SRD. In other cases there may be a need for extended resistance to UV exposure or a requirement for sufficient strength to impound sediment-laden waters. 

An effective ECP is one which absorbs the kinetic energy of rain, slows runoff, promotes water infiltration, and provides the microclimate needed for the germination of seeds and the subsequent establishment of a self-sustaining vegetative mat to provide permanent erosion protection. It may also be proposed that when channel flow, currents, or waves predominate, the ability to provide long-term armoring is requisite. 

To accomplish these functions, a well-designed ECP requires that  

To retain sediment effectively, a well-designed SRD requires that  

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