Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #99

 

So, what caused this failure next to a road culvert?  While many factors could have contributed to this, the mode of failure was “Soil Piping”  where internal water in the soil seeps out carrying soil particles with it.  Over time, this process results in a void or “soil pipe” from exit to entrance.  Prevention of this should include a graded filter outlet to stop the soil particles from being lost.

 

Perry L Oakes, PE

Alabama’s Erosion and Sediment Control Program Manager