The Practical and Economical Solution for Soil Retention
When most people think about soil erosion, they assume it only affects farmers. This issue can be just as problematic on construction sites, where it can cause washouts that lead to irreparable economic and environmental damage. Thankfully, there are practical and effective solutions for construction site soil retention.
Causes of Soil Erosion on Construction Sites
Before discussing the earth retention supplies available to contractors, let’s take a moment to discuss the causes of soil erosion. On construction sites, soil erosion can occur as a result of both intentional and unintentional earth movement.
Tearing up the vegetation as a part of the site preparation process also removes the root system that was formerly holding the dirt in place, and grading often leads to further water and wind erosion. Furthermore, unintentional actions like soil compaction due to heavy equipment use and failures to divert up-slope water from construction sites can worsen these problems.
Principles of Successful Soil Retention Plans
Every construction site is a little different, so no one soil retention plan will perfectly fit each of them. Instead of using cookie-cutter solutions, contractors need to consider their unique situations and apply the following principles of successful soil retention plans. An effective soil retention plan will:
- Reduce erosion and soil deterioration.
Limit soil exposure to harmful practices.
Implement on-site erosion control practices, especially around the perimeter and downhill from the site.
Prevent harm to nearby streams, wetlands, and other sensitive areas.
Monitor and maintain soil retention solutions to ensure efficacy.
Most contractors and project managers require the help of specialists in creating and implementing effective soil retention plans. Earth retention systems are available that address all of these principles, helping to prevent erosion and maintain the integrity of surrounding soils.
Effective Soil Retention Systems
Soil retention plans vary in their complexity. Some require little more than erosion control mats, while others involve a combination of complex earth anchoring systems. Some of the most effective solutions include:
Tieback Anchors
Helical tieback anchors are rods that are screwed into the ground on one end and secured to retaining walls or other earth retention systems on the other. They are designed to transfer the load from construction practices from the shaft and into the soil using helical bearing plates.
Soil Nails
Soil nails are steel bars that are used to reinforce soil that may be prone to landslides. These bars are anchored deep into the earth and used to prevent the upper layers of soil from sliding away. The most effective soil nails are hollow, threaded steel rods that can be set to shallow or deep depths depending on the project’s specifications.
Ground Screws
Ground screws are also referred to as earth screws. They consist of helical end-bearing plates welded to central steel shafts and are used to provide support for lateral walls. Helical ground screws stabilize soil laterally behind both permanent and temporary walls, providing support at a large scale.
The Importance of Effective Soil Retention Solutions
Construction contractors need ways to keep soil in place and prevent erosion. The methods described briefly above can be implemented on almost any site, where they can be used to support excavation, shore up adjacent structures, stabilize man-made slopes, or even provide bulkhead and seawall support or remediation. Just keep in mind that these systems must be installed by trained professionals.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more