Purpose and Background

Activities affecting drainage around project sites have come under more intensive scrutiny from regulatory agencies in recent years. Properly designed channel linings can ensure that drainage ditches and channels provide effective drainage without causing erosion in the channel, and at the same time satisfy regulatory requirements. Traditional methods have consisted of lining erodible channels with rigid liners such as riprap or concrete, but effective non-traditional methods can also be employed under the right circumstances. For instance, flexible linings, such as vegetative linings, erosion control mats, and turf reinforcement mats can be appropriate methods that can provide effective solutions as well. The selection of a proper channel lining for erosion control depends on site conditions, such as soil type, drainage area, estimated channel flows, and channel slope, and this webinar will explore the variety of options and help you determine the best method for your circumstances.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Definition and purpose of why erosion control is appropriate
• Five types of channel liners: vegetative liners, erosion control mats, turf reinforcement mats, riprap, and concrete
• Design guidelines and considerations for the determination of appropriate channel liners in channels
• Case study of an erosion control failure and discussion of appropriate erosion control measures

Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes have been established for webinar participants:

• Develop the basic skills necessary to design linings in channels and ditches that will prevent erosion in channels
• Understand five types of channel linings: vegetative linings, erosion control mats, turf reinforcement mats, riprap, and concrete linings, and the particular applications of each one
• Recognize what site conditions can affect erosion, such as soil type, estimated runoff, and channel slope
• Understanding of sedimentation and energy dissipation as it relates to erosion control

Webinar Benefits

• Understanding of what site conditions can affect erosion, such as soil type, estimated runoff, and channel slope
• Understanding of the particular applications of five different channel linings for erosion protection: vegetative linings, erosion control mats, turf reinforcement mats, riprap, and concrete
• Understanding of sedimentation and energy dissipation as it relates to erosion control

Intended Audience

Civil Engineers involved in the design of drainage structures and erosion control measures in or near drainages.

Webinar Outline

• Definition and purpose of why erosion control is appropriate
• Description of five types of channel liners: vegetative liners, erosion control mats, turf reinforcement mats, riprap, and concrete
• Design guidelines and considerations for the determination of appropriate channel liners in channels
• Case study of an erosion control failure and discussion of appropriate erosion control measures