Erosion control's magic bullet
Transition mats are only as strong as their anchoring. ScourStop's new, innovative "bullet" anchors have greater hold-down strength, helping withstand the shear forces of fast-flowing water.
Transition mats are only as strong as their anchoring. ScourStop's new, innovative "bullet" anchors have greater hold-down strength, helping withstand the shear forces of fast-flowing water.
Challenge: A drainage ditch had fallen victim to worsening soil erosion caused by scouring from high stormwater runoff volume and velocities. This undermined the integrity of the associated box culvert that was the responsibility of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). Even with light rainfall, washouts were common due to the area's topography. Traditional methods weren't working.
Solution: Four components were used: ScourStop transition mats, sod, geotextile material, and turf reinforcement mats (TRMs). ScourStop was installed over the geotextile, sod, and TRM soil-cover system at the highest energy areas. The slope was backfilled and shaped to the original flow line. Transition mats were installed in critical areas, from across the channel bottom and up each side slope four feet.
Results: Stabilization was achieved, and the channel has even withstood peak rain events, including a flash flood and a separate rainfall in which 2.19 inches came down in 24 hours. ODOT hydrologist and engineer Leslie Lewis said: "The ScourStop engineered system is a smart, simple solution. It reinforced the natural ground, and it's easier to transport and install."
