The efficiency of artificial materials used for erosion control on steep slopes

This study investigates the performance of artificial materials used for erosion control on steep slopes under high rainfall intensity. Soil samples were laid on a 300 × 100 cm platform inclined at either 35° or 45°, after which the soil was covered with various materials and subjected to a rainfall intensity of 130 mm/h for an hour. A wooden-block net covered with a jute net resulted in the greatest erosion resistance, providing 83% resistance at 35° and 76% at 45°. On the 35° slope, the artificial materials showed relatively good erosion resistance. As the slope was raised to 45°, some of the materials did not attach effectively to the soil surface. Thus, the runoff velocity increased and erosion became severe. For optimum erosion resistance, the material used to protect soil must attach to the soil surface well and have structural properties, such as a high coverage ratio to reduce the impact of rainfall on the soil and uniformly distributed transverse structures to reduce runoff energy and trap soil.