Surface erosion control on roads in granitic soils

Burroughs, E.R., Jr.; King, J.G. 1985. Surface erosion control on roads in granitic soils. Proceedings of Symposium Sponsored by Committee on Watershed Management, Irrigation & Drainage Div., ASCE. Denver, CO: ASCE Convention, April 30-May 1, 1985. 183-190.

Keywords: road

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Abstract: Simulated rainfall was used to generate runoff and sediment yield from forest roads and fillslopes built in granitic soils to test the effectiveness of various surfacing materials, mulches, and barriers as erosion control treatments. An empirical equation is presented and used to estimate the relative effectiveness of gravel, dust oil, and bituminous surface treatments in reducing sediment yield relative to that of an unsurfaced road. The equation uses road grade, surface density, and the D₅₀ of loose soil on the surface to predict sediment yield from unsurfaced roads. Gravel, dust oil, and bituminous surfacing reduce sediment yield by factors of 4.3, 7.7, and 91 relative to the sediment yield for a comparable unsurfaced road. Dense grass cover (97 percent) on 1.5:1 fillslopes reduces sediment yield by 99.6 percent of that from a bare slope with a loose soil surface. Wood fiber mulch and a sediment barrier of cull logs and logging slash reduce bare slope sediment yield by 91 and 87 percent, respectively.

Moscow FSL publication no. 1985b