Performance Evaluation of Five Sediment Barriers Using a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus

Erosion and sediment controls on construction sites minimize environmental impacts from sediment-laden stormwater runoff. Sediment is contained on project sites by installing sediment barriers. However, there is little performance-based testing data for the various designs, configurations, and materials for sediment barriers. To better understand sediment barrier performance, researchers at the Auburn University-Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF) developed a full-scale testing apparatus to conduct performance testing on sediment barriers. Using this apparatus, researchers have evaluated five sediment barrier options to compare performance and identify possible shortcomings using standardized full-scale testing methods. This performance testing subjected sediment barrier practices to simulated field conditions typically experienced on-site without the variability of testing in nonstandard field locations or the limitations imposed by small-scale testing. Through testing, the researchers measured sediment barrier performance in the following areas: improvement in water quality by measuring turbidity, sediment retention, and structural integrity. The sediment barriers were installed using the same tools and techniques used for construction site installation. The full-scale testing apparatus exposed the evaluated sediment barriers to water and sediment loads expected to be encountered as the result of a 2-year, 24-h storm for central Alabama. Two nonwoven, wire-backed silt fence installations were evaluated with which the standard trenched method proved to capture a greater amount of sediment compared to the sliced-method of installation, which experienced significant undermining. The best performing practice was the ALDOT Sediment Retention Barrier that captured over 90% of sediment introduced without undermining. The worst performing practice was a wheat straw wattle that undermined so significantly, it was deemed to be a failing practice, resulting in the premature stoppage of each test.