Irc Gov in 056 2011

IRC:
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
FOR
TREATMENT OF EMBANKMENT
AND
ROADSIDE SLOPES FOR
EROSION CONTROL
{FIRST REVISION)
INDIAN
ROADS CONGRESS
^011
IRC:56-2011
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
FOR
TREATMENT OF EMBANKMENT
AND
ROADSIDE SLOPES FOR
EROSION CONTROL
(FIRST REVISION)
Published by:
INDIAN
ROADS CONGRESS
Kama
Koti
Marg,
6, R.K. Puram,
Delhi -110 022
Sector
New
MAY, 2011
Price Rs. 600/(Packing
& postage charges
extra)
IRC:56-2011
First
Published
July,
1974
Reprinted
March, 1991
Reprinted
September, 2002
Reprinted
August, 2005
Reprinted
April,
First
May, 2011
Revision
(All
2007
No part of this publication
shall be reproduced,
any form or by any means without the
permission of the Indian Roads Congress)
Rights Reserved.
translated or transmitted in
Printed
at:
Abhinav
Prints,
New
(1000 Copies)
Delhi -11 0041
!RC:56-2011
CONTEMTS
Page No.
Personnel of the Highways Specifications and Standards Committee
1.
Introduction
2.
Mechanism
3.
Objective of Erosion Control
4.
Soil
5.
Different
6.
Bioengineering Erosion Control
7.
Slopes
in
Cohesionless Soils
8.
Slopes
in
Black Cotton Soils
9.
Selection of Erosion Control
(i)
of
Surface Erosion
Loss Analysis
Methods
6
to
Prevent Soil Erosion
25
30
'
Method
31
31
Annex-I
33
Annex~ll
34
Annex-Ill
36
Digitized by the Internet Arch!ive

in
2014
https://archive.org/details/govlawircy201156
IRC:56-2011
PERSONNEL OF THE HIGHWAYS SPECIFICATIONS AND

STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(As on
October, 201 0)
(Convenor)
& Spl. Secretary,

Road Transport & Highways, New Delhi
Director General (RD)
Sinha, A.V.
3.
22"^*
Puri, S.K.
Addl. Director General, Ministry of
(Co-Convenor)
Highways,
Kandasamy, C.
Chief Engineer (R)
(Member-Secretary)
Highways,
New
New
Ministry of
Road Transport &
Delhi
S&R,
Ministry of
Road Transport &
Delhi
Members
4.
Executive Director, Consulting Engg. Services
Datta, P.K.
New
Chief Engineer (Retd.), Haryana
Gupta, K.K.
Kadiyali, Dr.
8.
PWD,
Addl. Chief Transportation Engineer,
Sinha, S.
LR.
Katare, P.K.
(I)
Pvt. Ltd.,
Delhi
Chief Executive, L.R. Kadiyali

Director (Projects-Ill),
Agency, (Ministry
&
National
of Rural
Faridabad
CIDCO, Navi Mumbai
Associates,
Rural
New
Delhi
Roads Development
Development),
New
Delhi
Professor & Coordinator, Centre of Transportation Engg.,

Roorkee, Roorkee
9.
Jain, Dr. S.S.
10.
Reddy, KSiva
Engineer-in-Chief (R&B) Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
11.
Basu, S.B.
Chief Engineer (Retd.),
12.
Bordoloi, A.C.
Chief Engineer (NH) Assam, Guwahati
13.
Ratliore, S.S.
Principal
Secretary
to
R&B Deptt. Gandhinagar
14.
Pradlnan, B.C.
Chief Engineer (NH), Govt, of Orissa,
15.
Prasad, D.N.
Chief Engineer (NH),
16.
Kumar, Ashok
Chief Engineer,
New
17.
Kumar, Kamlesli
18.
Krislina, Prablnat
Patankar, V.L.
of
Gujarat,
Bhubaneshwar
RCD, Patna
Ministry of
Road Transport & Highways,
Ministry of
Chief Engineer, (Retd.), Ministry of
Member
New
Govt,
the
Delhi
Highways,
19.
Delhi
Delhi
Chief Engineer,
New
MoRT&H, New
IIT
New
Road Transport &
Delhi
(Tech.),
National
Highways
Authority
Delhi
20.
Kumar, Mahesh
Engineer-in-Chief, Haryana
21.
Bongirwar, P.L.
Advisor L&T,
Mumbai
(i)
PWD, Chandgarh
of
India,
IRC:56"2011
PWD, Lucknow
22.
Sinha, A.K.
Chief Engineer, (NH), UP,
23.
Sharma, S.C.
24.
Sharma.
Consultant, AIMIL,
25.
Gupta, D.P.
26.
Momin, S.S.
Former Member, Maharashtra Public Service Commission,
Dr.
V.M.
& AS
New
(Retd.),
MoRT&H, New
Delhi
MoRT&H, New
Delhi
Delhi
& AS
(Retd.),
Mumbai
27.
Reddy,
Ex-Scientist, Central
Road Research
Institute,
New
Delhi
28.
Shukla. R.S.
Ex-Scientist, Central
Road Research
Institute,
New
Delhi
29.
Jain, R.K.
Chief Engineer
30.
Chandrasekhar,
Dr. T.S.
Dr.
BP.
Haryana PWD, Sonepat
(Field.)
Director (Tech.), National Rural
Roads Development Agency
(Ministry of Rural Development),
31.
Member
Singh, B.N.
New
(Tech.),
New
Delhi
Highways Authority
National
of
India,
Delhi
PW
Nashkar, S.S.
Chief Engineer (NH),
33.
Raju, Dr. G.V.S.
Chief Engineer (R&B), Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
34.
Alam, Parwez
35.
Gangopadhyay,
36.
Singh, Nirrnal
& SS
(Retd.),
MoRT&H, New
Delhi
37.
Sinha, V.K.
& SS
(Retd.),
MoRT&H, New
Delhi
38.
Jain, N.S.
Chief Engineer (Retd,),
MoRT&H, New
39.
Yadav,
Add!. Director General,
DGBR, New
40.
Chief Engineer (Pig.)
32.
Director, Central
Jit
Dr. V.K.
President,
Kolkata
Vice-President, Hindustan Constn. Co. Ltd.,

Dr. S.
Ministry of
EX-OfficIo
1.
(R),
Road Research
Institute,
Mumbai
New
Delhi
Delhi
Road Transport & Highways, New
Delhi
Members
(Liansanga), Engineer-in-Chief and Secretary,
IRC
Delhi
PWD
Mizoram, Aizawl
2.
3.
Director Genera! (RD)
&
(Sinha,
A.V.)
Ministry
Spl. Secretary
New
Secretary General
(Indoria, R.P.) Indian
of
Delhi
Roads Congress, New
Delhi
Corresponding Members
Justo, Dr. C.E.G.
Emeritus Fellow, Bangalore University, Bangalore
2.
Khattar, M.D.
Consultant, Runwal Centre,
3.
Agarwal, M.K. v
Engineer-in-Chief (Retd.), Haryana
4.
Borge, V.B.
1.
Secretary (Roads) (Retd.),
Mumbai
PWD
Maharashtra
PWD, Mumbai
IRC:56-2011
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR TREATMENT OF

EMBANKMENT AND ROADSIDE SLOPES FOR EROSION CONTROL
1
INTRODUCTION
Roads Congress (IRC) had published the Guidelines 'Recommended

Practice for Treatment of Embankment Slopes for Erosion Control' (IRC:56) in the
year 1974. During the last 36 years, sufficient amount of work has been carried out
the field of erosion control practices by various agencies and new
in
Indian
materials/improved techniques have been evolved. Keeping
in
view
'Embankment, Ground Improvement and Drainage Committee
this aspect, the
(H-4)' of the
IRC
decided to review these Guidelines. The Committee assigned the work of revising
the
same and
from CRRI,
preparing a
New
Committee during
Delhi.
8.10.2010 approved
draft to Shri U.K.
Guru
and Mr. Sudhir Mathur
Vittal
prepared by them was discussed by H-4
draft
several meetings and the suggestions/modifications proposed
its
were incorporated
new
The
in
the draft.
The H-4 Committee
the revised draft
in
meeting held on
their
and referred the same
to
HSS
Committee
of
IRC.
The HSS Committee approved
document with some modifications in its 4'^

meeting held on 22 October 2010. The Executive Committee of IRC approved the
modified document in its meeting held on 27 October 2010 and then the document
was placed before the IRC Council in its 19""^ meeting held on 1 1 November 2010 at
Nagpur for consideration. The Council approved the document for publication. The
composition of H-4 Committee is as given below:
the
Kumar, Mahesh
Convenor
Sharma, Arun Kumar
Co-Convenor
Member
Mathur, Sudhir
Secretary
Members
Chand, Faquir
Dhodapkar, A.N.
Gajria, Maj.
Gen. K.T.
Rao, Prof. G.V.

Rao, P.J.
Saha, D.C.
M.M
Gupta, Sanjay
Sangal,
Gupta, Dr. Pradeep
Sen, Samiran
Jain,
Naresh Chand
Singh, R.B.
IRC:56-2011
Jimmy
Jain, M.K.
Thomas,
Jalota, Dr. A.V.
Verma, Maj. V.C.
Kansal Khan, Ms. Shabana, R.K.
Chitra, R.
Korulla,
Koul,
Ms. Minimol
(Rep.
R.L
Dr.
CSMRS)
Dir.
Tiwai, Dr. A.R.
Kumar, Satander
(Rep.
Pradhan, B.C.
C.E.,
ofDGBR)
PWD, Meghalaya
Corresponding Members
Verma, M.S.
Members
Ex-Officio
President,
IRC
& SS, MoRTH
(A.V. Sinha)
(Liansanga)
Secretary General, IRC

(R.P. Indoria)
2
The impact
of
MECHANISM OF SURFACE EROSION
highway location on the environment
highway engineers and the
public.
The highways,
is
a major concern
designed, constructed or maintained, would be subjected to erosion and

times contribute sediments to the stream.
The
to the
they are not properly located,
if
control of soil
and water
is
may
at
essential
road structure and the conservation
efforts. Therefore, highway

and maintenance procedures must be continuously evaluated
minimise erosion and sedimentation problems. Lack of timely provision of erosion
for protection of the
design, construction
to
control
measures and/or inadequate workmanship accelerates the problems.
Erosion can be controlled to a considerable degree by geometric design, particularly
through aspects relating to cross
section. In
some
respects, the control
is
directly
associated with proper provision of drainage and landscape development. Thus,

effect of erosion
should be considered
in
the planning
and design stage
have been instances where many embankment slopes, irrespective

used
for their construction,
from
rain
and
runoff.
vegetative cover on
and
have suffered a high degree
Denudation
of vegetation
embankment slopes
is
from
of
soil
of the
road pavement structure.
When
There
of type of soil
damage due
to erosion
slopes or the lack
often responsible for formation of
rain-cuts, eventually leading to a surficial slide or to
edges
itself.
an undermining
of
rills
of the
vegetation grows on the slopes, there
IRC:56-2011
becomes
available an effective
dense network
of root
system, penetrating to a depth
down
of about 0.50 to 0.75m into the slope, which serves to anchor
and render
Although
some
is
standardisation of methods for minimising
comprehensive guidelines
possible,
general nature because of the wide variation

vegetation, water resources
country. Also,
competency
in
in
is
a natural
soil
erosion
for control of erosion
some
embankment slopes by
of the
different
There
is
methods such as use
is
essential
in
obtaining
control.
of organic mulch,
This
in
the
of
field
readymade
recent past, considerable
'Use of Geosynthetics' for erosion
also an emerging area of bioengineering techniques, which can

field
These aspects have been
engineers.
view while revising these guidelines. However,
in
of
techniques of establishing a vegetative cover on
also be adopted for erosion control by
kept
can be
evaluating the severity of erosion problem and the
turfs of grass, application of jute or coir nettings, etc. In the
research has been carried out
highway
different parts of the
in
economical and environmentally satisfactory methods of erosion

guideline highlights
in
phenomenon accelerated by man's
planning and design of preventive and corrective measures
control.
mantle
climate, topography, geology, soils,
and land use encountered
erosion process
technical
activity,
soil
resistant to erosion.
it
construction
the
provide details about other traditional methods which are
this
guideline does not
routine use such as the
in
provision of stone pitching, use of concrete blocks, etc. Additionally, this guideline
mainly covers the methods used to control/minimise erosion caused by water alone.
general classification of various methods of ground covers for erosion control
available to a
different
process
may sometimes
rockfall control
details
Art:
highway engineer are
about
lead to rock
fall
techniques applicable to
case
in
of
problems
hill
HRB
Annex-I. For further
to.
OBJECTIVE OF EROSION CONTROL
protect the road infrastructure so that
permitting uninterrupted flow of
in
Special Report - 15, 'State of the
objective of the erosion control practices should be,
To
Erosion
slopes. Brief details about
in hill
Landslide Correction Techniques' can be referred
2 to 7 which show
road embankments.
slopes are given
rockfall mitigation techniques,
3
The
illustrated in Fig. 1. Fig.
erosion patterns encountered
traffic at
to protect
and preserve the earthwork
especially
in hilly terrain,
in
order of
it
priority:
continues
its
in
fill
or road side cut slopes
ditches and drainage structures;
function of
design speed and safety;
IRC:56-2011
Gunite
Concrete Lining
'FabrI form' Blanl<ets
Articulated Blocl<s
Gabion
IVIattress
Gravel Layer
Stone pitching (Rip-rap)

Cellulose Fibres
Straw,
Hay and Wood
Chips
2 - D Meshes and Nets
(Polymeric
&
natural
Fibre)
3-D Mats and
cellular
Webs
Grasses and legumes
Deep Rooted Plants
Bitumen Cutback
Bitumen Emulsion
Fig.
Fig.
Classification of
2 Erosion Patterns -
Ground Covers
Rill
Erosion of
for Erosion Control
Embankment Side Slope
IRC:56-2011
IRC:56-2011
Fig.
5 Erosion Patterns - Severe Erosion of Approach Embankment by Flood
Waters
to prevent
damage
to land adjacent to the road structure (in fact quite
often, the neglect of control
problems
to
measures on adjacent land creates serious
of erosion within the road land);
reduce the
loss from the road
soil
embankment, which
silts
up
drainage channel, watenA/ays of cross drainage structures and pollute

rivers;
improvement
to contribute to the
to avoid accidental falling of debris.
4 SOIL
Erosion
of the aesthetics of the landscape;
may be
LOSS ANALYSIS
considered as detachment of
soil particles
the transportation of the detached particles to a
new
from the
soil
location. Erosion
the combined action of physical and chemical processes by which the

particles are loosened,
detached and transported from one place
impact of raindrops, running water, wind, moving

erodible than fine sands
In
and
ice,
etc.
Clayey
surface and
is
to
caused by
soil
or rock
another by
soils are less
silts.
the rain induced erosion process,
firstly,
raindrops
impact of the raindrops detaches the particles of
soil.
hit
the slope surface and
Additionally,
runoff water
IRC:56-2011
flowing on the slope surface also contributes towards
detachment
of soil particles.
The overland water flow (surface runoff) resulting from rainfall transports the
detached particles. The rate of detachment is a function of kinetic energy of the
falling raindrop. Comparing the kinetic energy dissipated by the impact of raindrop
with that of water flowing relatively slowly down the slope, the energy of impact
would be found
to
be much higher than the energy of flowing water. Thus, it may be

can be reduced in the first place by protecting the soil surface
inferred that erosion
from direct impact of
rain.
for erosion is given in
The equation
Table
to calculate
Table
Energy of Falling Raindrop
0.5-6.0
Raindrop Diameter
Velocity of
fall
energy of raindrops responsible
2-9
(Raindrop)
mm
m/sec
Rainfall Intensity
Gentle Storm
5 mm/hour
Extremely high intensity storm
00 mm/hour
Runoff
Sheet wash erosion
Laminar
Turbulent
greater
(Velocity
than
200
Gulley erosion
m/hour)
Kinetic
energy
of
rain
KE =
KE -
storm
(Joules/m^ of the area)
(11.9
+ 8.73 logiol)
energy (in
At
Kinetic
Joules/m^)
1
At
A method
to quantify erodibility of site is to
Rainfall intensity
- Time
measure the
in
(mm/hour)
hours
rate of soil loss per unit area
of site per unit time. Erodibility of site is the function of the erosivity of rain, the soil
and management. When applied to a single

be considered would be the slope length and its
steepness. Thus the soil loss can be estimated using the relationship, known as
universal soil loss equation (USLE), in t/km^/yr as given below;
properties, the topography, land cover
slope, the topographical factors to
A=RxKxLxSxCxP
where
Computed
soil loss (e.g.,
period of time interval
tons) per acre for a given storm
IRC:56-2011
Precipitation (Erosion potential of rainfall,
in
mm
per unit
time period)
K
L
Soil erodibility value
andS
Topographic factors
steepness factor)
C
P
soil
factor which
snow
was
given by Renard et
includes
and
rainfall
is
al., in
1997.
reservoir
Universal Soil Loss
principal modification
is in
runoff erosivity factor (runoff erosivity also
significant).
embankment
abutments close
to river
running along a river course or for protection
edge, bank protection measures are sometimes
required to be adopted. Riprap with properly designed apron

liner for
slope
Bank Erosion
For protection of a road

of bridge
was updated and 'Revised
loss equation
melt where runoff
River
4.1
and
factor
Erosion control practice factor
Equation (RUSLE)'
includes
length
Vegetation crop factor
This universal
(Slope
is
generally used as a
streams, rivers and channels subjected to high-velocity flow and for lake,
and channel banks subject
to
wave
action. Geotextiles are
economical alternative to conventional graded
filters
an
effective
and
which are placed under the
stone riprap. However, for aesthetic or economic reasons, articulated concrete

mattresses, gabions or precast cellular blocks or geotextile bags can also be used to
cover the geotextile. The velocity of the current, the height and frequency of waves
and the
erodibility
protection.
of
Extensive
important role
in
the
bank need
to
and watershed
conservation
soil
be considered while designing bank
management
measures, other than vegetation growth on slope, include compaction

provision of revetment protection such as using stone or bricks,
fascines, etc.
These are designed
to
of slope
Works
for
Road Bridges" may be
Provision of Kerb Drains and Chutes
The problem of erosion

embankments having steep
of
of
break up energy of flowing water and prevent
regarding river bank protection, IRC:89 "Guidelines for Design

River Training and Control
and
placement
migration of particles by reducing the threshold velocity of erosion. For
4.2
an
play
reducing sediment discharge from watersheds. Special construction
slopes
and
in
&
more
details
Construction of
referred.
Embankments
shoulders
when
is
most
severe
in
high
embankment has been

built with erodible soil, without proper longitudinal and cross drains. The erosion
problems in such embankments become acute when the side slopes are
longitudinal gradient,
the
IRC:56-2011
In such a case, water gains velocity and eventually when it leaves the
any random location, it may cause serious erosion of slopes manifesting
in the form of deep gulleys extending right upto carriageway. Sometimes such
problems may undermine road pavement also. The quantum of runoff water
unprotected.
roadway
at
becomes considerable
case
in
of four lane roads with
paved shoulders, especially
curved sections of the road, where unidirectional camber

result in
is
provided. This
accumulation of huge quantity of runoff water from both carriageways
towards one side

the erosion by
of the
many
embankment
times. Therefore
side slope, thereby increasing the severity of

in
such instances, a system of proper kerb,
channel and median drains coupled with chutes should be provided to drain
water from the road embankments. For more details
rain
"Guidelines on
may be
in this
off
the
regard, IRC:SP:42
Road Drainage' and 1RC:SP:50, "Guidelines on Urban Drainage"
referred to.
Fig.
6 Erosion of Road Embankment Adjacent
5 DIFFERENT
Road embankments as
to River
METHODS TO PREVENT SOIL EROSION
well
as
hill
side cuttings and stream/ river banks experience
a high degree of damage due to erosion from

soil
in
may
rain.
Denudation of vegetation from
slopes or the lack of vegetation cover on such slopes gradually progresses to
form
rills
and
gullies,
and
if
they remain unchecked,
it
leads to
surficial slide.
The
various options available to Highway engineers to mitigate erosion related problems
due
to water are explained in the following sections.
IRC:56-2011
Simple Vegetative Turfing
5.1
Erosion
is
slopes or
when
often a problem
in
there
long term erosion control. Vegetation
inexpensive
relatively
not
is
enough
protective cover on steep
drainage channels that have been designed to
to
establish
rely
ideal for erosion
is
and maintain and
it
on vegetation
control
because
for
it
is
presents aesthetically
by and large, the most

and embankments against
erosion. Obviously, this method should be adopted where the soil has enough
nutrients and the environmental conditions are conducive to promote vegetation
appealing
look.
Vegetative turfing has proved to be,
economical and simple means
growth.
The method consists
of protecting
slope of
of preparing the slope
hills
area
into
seedbeds by grading
the slope to the extent possible and subsequently broadcasting the seeds or
saplings/plant roots of promising types of locally available plants. In case the slope
has pockets
seeds
in
of
enriched and poor soils
in
relation to
promotion
isolated pockets of specially enriched soil should
should be treated with
rest of the slope
some
of vegetation, putting
encourage
plantation.
other techniques described
The
in this
guideline.
On
the basis of
field studies,
it
has been established that shallow
constitute a significant proportion of landslides
and with a
intensity
soil
surficial slides
the areas with moderate
in
cover of medium cohesive type. Most of these
landslides occur as a result of loss of vegetation cover on soil slopes
made
being
for
is
important corrective
the depth of erosion
measure.
to flowing water.
If
damage
increase, eventually resulting
in
slope area. Vegetative turfing represents one of the most
measures
in
such cases.
In
road construction, vegetative turfing
In
the case of freshly exposed cutting

is
the case of
it
prove to be effective only
The
may
due
every possibility that the
is
important, even as a preventive

deep seated slides, however, vegetative turfing is only one
several corrective measures which should be adopted and as such
can
for
of the
result of erosion
allowed to proceed unchecked, there
may spread laterally or

much larger damaged
made
a cut
to
road construction. Surficial slides extend to only a shallow depth
below the slope surface and originate as a

erosion
due
rainfall
surficial
joint action of trees,
when implemented along
with other corrective measures.
grass and other plant species for protection of
soil
from
water and wind erosion has been recognised from several documented studies. The
above ground biomass

to the falling rain
litter
of the trees
and plants provide adequate canopy
drops and saves the
soil
and Rhizomes act as speed breakers
10
interception
from splash erosion, while the mass of

for the
running water on the slope.
IRC:56-2011
Besides
soil
protection, grass plays a significant role
their fibrous root
mass increases
system. The root system
with the
age
of the plant.
in
binding the
The
protective
soil particles with
species varies and
of different plant
mechanism
its
of vegetation in
preventing surficial erosion can be summarised as given below:

a)
Interception: Foliage and plant residues absorb
prevent
b)
soil
Restraint:
detachment due
rainfall
energy and
to raindrop splash
Root systems physically bind or
while above ground part of the vegetation
restrain
filter
soil
particles
sediments from the
runoff.
c)
Retardation: Stems and foliage increase surface roughness and
slow down velocity of runoff

d)
Infiltration: Plants
and
permeability thereby
their residues help to maintain porosity
promoting
infiltration
and
and delaying onset
of
runoff
Deep rooted vegetation helps
to prevent shallow
mass movement
by:
Reinforcement of the soil by the root system

water depletion through transpiration and adsorption
Buttressing and soil arching action from embedded stems
Soil
Laboratory and analytical studies carried out concerning the role of vegetation in
improving the stability of slopes, have established that, the binding effect of roots
soil, cohesive strength of about 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes/sqm. Assuming an
depth of penetration of 0.5 m and increase in cohesive strength of
2.0 tonnes/sqm, analysis of slope with normal geometry has shown a significant
increase in the factor of safety for a slope height of about 6 m. Thus, by providing a
vegetative cover, not only the erosion of the soil is checked, but also the possibility
of shallow slope failure is prevented, due to the strengthening of the top 0.5 m depth
of the soil slope. Some typical deep-rooted species of grasses and shrubs suited to
different topographical areas of our country are given in Annex-ll. These species
can be adopted for turfing of denuded slopes.
impart to the
effective
However, there are certain

method. This method
1)
On
may
limits to
fail in
the successful application of vegetative turfing
the following situations:
highly erodible slopes
where seeding
washed down before they have had time
11
or sprigging
to take root.
is
liable to
be
IRC:56-2011
When seed
2)
broadcasting work
is
done immediately preceding
or
during very heavy downpour.

In
3)
places where no
artificial
supply of water
is
available for promoting
growth of vegetation or where adequate supply of moisture to the

slopes by
not available
light rain or drizzle is
beyond the monsoon
season.
At locations, where vegetation growth
4)
infertile
nature of
is
difficult to
achieve due to
soil.
The density of sowing is of great importance. In general, while sowing a mixture of

grass and legume plants, seed rate should be normally 15 gm/m^. Prior to sowing,
the soil surface should be adequately prepared. The sowing procedure is to place
with about 10 mm loose soil. In steeper
the seed within a shallow furrow and cover
it
slopes
(1
V:2.5
or less), broad casting
is
used, the object being to spread the seed
on the slopes as evenly as possible. Help from botanists/agronomists

sought
developing
for
vegetation
vegetation growth
in
binding (cohesion)
in
the
slope
soil
lack of cohesion, plant growth
system.
In
in
it
infertile
with
case
in
problems
of silty or
initial
slopes.
soil
like
advisable to go
Readymade
stage
in
of
initial
itself. In
of
such conditions,
its
mat
root
for special techniques,
such
Turfs of Grass
also possible to provide vegetative turfing by 'Sodding' which involves bodily
transplantation of blocks of turfs of grass (with 5-8

roots)
from the original
pegs or
nails could
site to
be used
cm
of soil covering the grass
the barren slopes to be treated.
to hold
down
the grass sods
in
the
method, vegetation cover on a barren slope can be ensured

duration. Watering
develop
Section
5.3
absence
sandy slopes. Because
requires a reinforcing material for

is
may be
Sometimes,
the succeeding paragraphs.
Transplantation of
5.2
is
recommended
met
often
inhibited in the
it
such circumstances,
as the ones
It
is
enable vegetation to grow,
to
is
especially
soil,
on
cover
would
be
and other care

similar
to
to
be taken
simple
for
vegetative
If
found necessary,
initial
in
stage.
By
this
a very short time
successful vegetation cover to

turfing
method described
in
5.1.
Application of Mulch
The term 'mulch' refers to any loose or soft organic material, e.g. straw with
cowdung or wood shavings mixed with cowdung or saw dust and dung mixture, etc
12
IRC:56-2011
down on
laid
the slopes to protect the roots of plants.
which are less than 3
high,
where the
approximate thickness
embankments
the case of
severity of the erosion problem
high order, the mulch application would be
covering the
In
not of a
is
The
very helpful for vegetation growth.
mulch cover should be 2.5 cm. The organic mulch
of
in place and made resistant to being washed

away by pegging them down with bamboos, at suitable
pattern and also laying bamboos horizontally connecting the pegs
slopes can be held
soil
downhill or being blown

intervals, in
a grid
and thus forming the
grid.
Vetiver
is
a special type of grass which can be grown
as clayey, sandy,
silty,
gravely types or
erodible soils. This type of grass

is
capable
to
of
growing
over 6000
mm
in
it
in
in
a wide variety of
soil
such
other words from least erodible to highly
does not require any special maintenance. Vetiver
wide range
of climates ranging
from 300
mm
annual
rainfall
more than 50C of soil

can withstand long and sustained drought for more than
annual
temperature. Moreover,
six
Chrysopogon Zizanioides)
Vetlver Grass (Botanical name:
5.4
rainfall
and from -14C
to
months.
The
stabilisation
and protection
of slope by vetiver
grass
effective, efficient
is
low cost vis-a-vis other traditional methods of erosion control
like
stone
and
rip-rap.
Vetiver grass penetrates vertically below to considerable depths into the sub-soil,
roots
at
have a
a depth
significant strength
of 0.5
divisions, or slips,
and thereby improve the shear strength
by as much as 40 percent. For best
should be planted
in
a double or
its
of sub-soil
result, the vetiver root
triple line to
form
parallel
hedges
across the erosion prone slope. Distance between consecutive hedge rows can be
kept between 30 to 50 cm.
season
to
vetiver slips
15
is
cm
The
ensure that they get

is
slips
full
should be planted at the beginning of the rainy
benefit of the soil moisture. Planting operations of
similar to planting of rice seedlings.
from the already planted
slip
along the
repeated upto required length to cover the
established at the slope, only care needed
is
13
The next
slip is
planted 10 to
same contour furrow and the process

entire area. Once the hedge has been
annual trimming,
if
required.
IRC:56-2011
Fig
Fig.
5.5
8 Protection
7 Erosion of River Banl<
of the River
Bank by Vetiver Grass
Hydroseeding/Hydro-Mulching
Straw or hay can be chopped and driven
into
a pre-seeded
soil
bed
to provide
mulching benefits during seed germination. The straw or hay fragments are
14
IRC:56-2011
sometimes secured to the ground surface by crimping, punching, tacking or netting,

but often mulch is not secured firmly to the ground. Hence integrity of these mulches
can be severely affected by rain, wind, surface runoff and animal/ human
trespassing. As a result, conventional mulches provide few weeks of protection to
the bare
shortfall,
often
soil,
making grading and reapplication necessary. To overcome such

(also known as Hydro-mulching) was
the technique of Hydroseeding
developed.
Hydroseeding
is
a process which can be considered as alternative
involves seed application
a water based
in
slurry via
hoses or a spray gun. The basic ingredients used

fertiliser,
to sodding.
in this
mulch, tackifier and bio-stimulant. Mulch can be
It
pump and
a high pressure
process are water, seeds,
made from
recycled paper
- wooden mulch breathes while paper mulch

forms a protective cover. Chopped straw cut to a length of 10 to 20 mm can also be
used as mulch. Tackifier is required to make this mulch and seed stick to the soil
or shredded
wood
surface to which
or
a mixture
it
is
of both
being applied. Mulch protects the slope
until
the seed
germinates and provides organic nutrients as the vegetation grows. These mixed
ingredients are stored
in
a tank and applied using a pressure pump, on barren land
surface on which vegetation
is
to
be promoted. Hydroseeding method can also be
used by adopting cellulose based fibrous mulches. Cellulose based fibrous mulches
are spray applied with the seed
that,
when sprayed on bare
soil.
Hydroseeding method
in this
is
method. The fibres are dispersed
in
a solution
t^auses the fibres to stick to each other and to the
soil,
specially suited for vertical or near vertical soil slopes
(steep slopes) on which 'simple vegetative turfing' or manual application of mulch
would not be successful. Hydroseeding job
some
inaccessible slopes,
is
specialised and expensive but for
offers the only practical
it
method.
Promotion of Vegetative Turfing by Using Jute Netting
5.6
Many
field
experiments have been successfully carried out
country under varying climatic conditions on
in different
parts of the
manmade embankments and
natural
slopes using jute netting (also known as open weave jute geotextile) for promotion of
vegetation and control of
firmly
soil
on the prepared slope
erosion.
after
The method
sowing seeds
involves laying the jute netting
of suitable vegetation.
Before laying jute netting, the slopes which are being treated are to be
demarcated, graded and

that
when
netting
is laid
fertilised.
it
may
The
levelling of the
initially
area must be carried out so
cover the entire area flush to the ground ensuring
15
IRC:56-2011
would flow over the
that the runoff
nettings. Before laying the netting,
broadcasting of locally available suitable type of grasses

netting of
in
cm
.25
to 2.5
cm
opening size
the direction of water flow.
overlapping of 5
about
.0
cm
apart.
fixed/anchored
in
The
is laid
netting
is
is
a dose of seed
done. Thereafter, jute
on the prepared slope surface
to 8 cm and stitched or pegged down with 15 cm long steel nails

The top and bottom ends of the fully stretched jute netting are
trenches of 30
cm
depth. Afterwards, another dose of seed
broadcasting or dibbling of locally available grasses 15 to 20
cm
apart, in
rows
carried out.
ItfiliiiiliiiiMiii^^
Fig.
Fig.
9 Application of Jute Netting on Denuded
Hill
Slope
10 Vegetation Growth after Application of Jute Netting and Sowing
16
i
firmly
secured against displacement by an
is
IRC:56-2011
The
jute net acts
as a series
dams, thus, absorbing the force
of miniature checi<
impact and dissipating the kinetic energy of surface runoff, and thereby reducing
erosion potential.
The
seed, grass root slips are held securely
soil particles,
of
its
in their
original locations without being dislodged, due to provision of jute nettings. Jute
absorbs water upto four times
netting
giving
full
benefit of moisture
for
dry weight and transfers
its
growth of vegetation. After the
seeded and sprigged vegetation soon
the
about
vegetation
to
2 years
in
netting. At the
adds nutrients
end
in
of jute netting's
life,
is
has been
for the jute
Slopes'
in
the process
this technique,
Rain Water Erosion
for Application of Jute Geotextile for

Hill
life
growth
decomposes and
the geogrid
have a
accomplished
vegetation
For more details and specifications of
known as
can be
'Coir Bhoovastra')
effectively
used
degrade much slower than
nettings
Once
the mission
to
promoting the growth of
may be
referred to.
of Coir Netting
Coir netting (also

material which
rainy season,
been observed
sufficient for fully
is
Road and Railway Embankments and
Use
5.7
which
monsoon seasons,
to the soil.
14986 'Guidelines
IS:
field,
cover on the denuded slopes.
established within two
Control
the
to soil, thereby,
envelops the entire surface thus,
protecting the slopes against erosion. Jute netting has

of
it
first
in
is
another type of biodegradable
a manner similar
jute nettings
(expected
to jute nettings. Coir
field life of
about 2
to
years) and thus provide protection to the slopes for a longer time than jute nettings.
Coir
is
also resistant to saline water
and provides an ecological niche
re-establishment of the vegetation cover. Coir resembles natural

to
absorb solar radiation. This means that there
happens sometimes
in
is
no
risk of
the case of synthetic nettings.
In
a rapid
for
soil in its
capacity
excessive heating as
a manner similar
it
to jute
nettings, coir netting also
breaks up runoff from heavy rains and dissipates the
energy
Coir also promotes the growth of
of
flowing water.
absorbing water and preventing the top

Jute nettings, drapability of coir netting
is
soil
is
1400 gm/m^ (higher density means a
vegetation by
from drying out. However, compared to
lesser
and
their
water absorption capability
also lower than jute nettings. Coir nettings are available
400
new
in
mesh and
densities varying from
less open area in the

The length of the rolls would be 50 m and width can be between 1 to 4 m.
For more details and specifications about use of coir nettings, IS: 15869 'Open
weave coir Bhoovastra-Specification' and iS 15872 'Application of Coir Geotextiles
(coir woven Bhoovastra) for Rain Water Erosion Control in Roads, Railway
Embankments and Hill Slopes-Guidelines' may be referred to.
to
netting).
17
tighter
IRC:56-2011
Erosion Control Using
5.8
Two Dimensional
(2-D) Synthetic Geogrids/
Netting
With the provision of polymer geogrid
mesh
for root reinforcement,
extremely high
density of grass growth can be achieved. Geogrid reinforced slope protection has
been shown
is
to provide erosion protection equivalent to
250
successful vegetation growth and
conditions,
seasonal
rainfall
and hence longer
of reinforcing material
life
Most ordinary
velocity of surface runoff.
may
fail
to provide erosion prevention in
climate, prolonged drought
permanent protection as
of
its
is
longer
life
particular.
Use
weather
would be required
mesh towards
for
reduction
as well as agro based nettings
When compared
fibres,
unfailing
in
polymer geogrid mesh provides a
of
not biodegradable.
and almost
erratic
areas which experience repetitive change
concepts by using natural
root reinforcing
because
it
in
turfing
Under
maintenance depends on un-
its
ensuring vegetation growth apart from contribution from the

in
mm thick revetment and
treated as an attractive cost-effective alternative solution.
it
with such similar
compares very favourably,
success rate
growth
for vegetation
year after year.
The peak
tensile strength or tensile strength at
of the polymeric geogrid to
kN/m when
direction).
tested as per
be used
ASTM D
10 percent
for erosion control
strain,
5035 (minimum average
Geogrid mesh shall be stabilised against
whichever
is
lower,
should not be less than 4

roll
value
ultraviolet ray
in
machine
degradation for
continuous exposure of about 10 years (defined as retaining 75 percent of

original strength after 10 years of exposure) using
D 4355 - 500 hour

would be similar
Fig
1 1
Use
exposure).
The
installation
finely divided
carbon black
and seed broadcasting procedures
to jute nettings.
of Synthetic
Geogrids
to
Promote Vegetation on Barren

18
its
(ASTM
Hill
Slope
IRC:56-2011
Three Dimensional
Products
5.9
Erosion
Relying upon vegetation growth alone
as
unreliable
may be
it
extremely
Control
may be sometimes
difficult
to
Erosion
Mat/Rolled
Control
very unpredictable and
100 percent vegetation
achieve
coverage, leaving exposed areas vulnerable to erosion. Furthermore, vegetation
may sometimes
Reinforced
for
become
dry up or
diseased, reducing
enhancing slope
been employed
stability
and
its
erosion control capability.
a better method that
vegetation (or reinforced grass) is
erosion control.
The
mesh being an extruded net

was explained in section 5.8.
dimensional polymeric meshes, a

allow grass growth. This product
being practiced
They can be two
reinforced grass technique have two forms.
in
is
synthetic materials that have
with apertures to
Alternatively, they
can be three dimensional mats, these being multi-filamented materials having
Such materials are also known as Rolled Erosion Control
specified thickness.
made using biodegradable natural

wood shavings (used individually or in combination)
Products (RECPs). 3-D Mats/RECPs can also be

fibres
such as straw,
jute, coir or
stuffed into polymeric or organic nettings
Obviously
structure.
when mats
on either side
made
are
to
form a mat or blanket
biodegradable also, but they don't provide everlasting protection.
RECPs
are used
combination with seed beds to enhance the establishment of vegetation.

geosynthetic mattings (3-D Mats) are
they
consist
of
UV
stabilised
made
synthetic
involves levelling
and preparation
mat
in
of the
in
When
exclusively from polymeric substances,

fibres
and filaments processed
permanent, high strength, three dimensional (3-D) matrices,
fastening the geosynthetic
like
using natural fibres, they would be
installation
surface to be treated,
into
procedure
rolling
intimate contact with the soil sufface, then
out and
in-filling
and a prescribed seed mix. Seed can be applied to the surface either
after the mat is installed and the vegetation will develop unhindered by the
with fine soil
before or
matrix.
geosynthetic
mat
installed
in
this
manner
Reinforcement Mat (TRM)'. Polymeric mats are used

products are required to last a long time. Other
deployment
natural
of the material
sedimentation
development
of
process
to
in-fill
mat,
called
as
'Turf
where these
of installation involves direct

soil
surface. This allows the
allowing
more
gradual
mesh
sometimes included
in these mats optionally where these mats

more strength against erosive forces, like steeper slopes or
heavy rainfall areas. The three dimensional mats shall be anchored to the surface
be protected using staples or pins. The 3-D mat increases the soil's resistance to
Steel wire
in
the
also
situations
a reinforced vegetation cover.
is
are required to possess
to
way
over a freshly seeded
is
in
19
IRC:56-2011
erosion by providing an environment that enhances the growth of vegetation through
the mat.
Initially
mat works
the
vegetation has a chance to
mat
the roots anchor the
capable
The
from washing out before the
Then as the vegetation matures,
volumes
mat solutions
of runoff
water and higher flow velocities.
protect the soil surface by:
Providing immediate protection of exposed areas from direct effects

of
established.
to the soil to provide superior soil reinforcement strength,
of handling greater
three dimensional
to shield the soil
become
wind and
Protecting
rainfall
seeded
impact
topsoil from
washing out before vegetation has
established
Creating an environment that enhances the growth of vegetation

through the mat
Reinforcing the root system of plants, further binding the
and increasing shear resistance of the surface

Reducing the velocity and volume of runoff flow by increasing water
The
percolation into the

steel wire
particles
surface
soil
mesh
(optional) helps in the retention of gravel sized
and also acts as an
3-D mats having a wide ranging variety

for
soil
additional reinforcement.
of strength are available.
The
material used
manufacturing these mats also varies. Hence following general specifications are
given for guidance:
3-D Mat Property
Specified
Test
l\/lethod
value*
Minimum Tensile Strength
2 kN/m
ASTM D
80 percent
ASTM D355
5035/1505081
UV
Stability
(Min percent tensile
(500
hour exposure)
strength retention)
Minimum thickness
6.5
mm
ASTM D
6525/150
9863
Mass per
unit
250 gm/ m^
area (Minimum)
ASTM D
3776/50
9864
*
Minimum Average
Field conditions like
Roll Values,
machine
direction only for tensile strength test
harsh areas/high survivability requirements
3-D mats with tensile strength
of
35 kN/m
or more.
20
may
warrant use of
IRC:56-2011
Fig.
13 Vegetation Growth after Application
on Denuded Road Side Slope
21
of
3-D Mats
IRC:56-2011
Preformed Polymer Geocells or Webs
5.10
Often, steep slopes are to be constructed

to establish.
likely to
may
It
in
areas where vegetation
may be
difficult
also be not possible to mitigate potential erosive forces that are
overcome the strength
system.
of the root
such cases 'Geocells' can be
In
combed
structures. They are usually

They can be expanded or
collapsed. When expanded, they present a unique cellular arrangement. These web
form containment cells come in a jointed lay-flat condition and opens into a
adopted. Geocells are 3-dimensional honey
made by
honeycomb
like
150 mm.
very steep slopes exceeding
In
placement
prevent the
of top soil in
these
cells
enables retention
of soil
in
mm
to
waterfront,
veneer. The geocells
one over another can also be adopted. Geocells placed on
secured
adjoining
to
arrangement and these expanded

staples (typically
mm
300
at
cell
suitable
cells are filled with soil,
and decrease the
intervals
by using a
clip
should be secured to the slope using steel
cells
long and 9.5
mm
diameter). This process
essential to maintain integrity of geocells especially
forces are
height of 75
gradient, particularly
1:1
from slippages and thereby encourage vegetation growth. Multiple
soil
are
slope
web
container cellular structure with the
layers of geocells placed
the
process.
continuous extrusion
single
they physically confine the
in
steep slopes.
The
soil.
cell
Geocell placement
of
the
cell
walls
extremely
these
walls confine the
velocity of water passing across the surface.
generated by the resistance
is
When
soil
The confinement
and by the passive
resistance of the
soil.
an alternative
revetment protection. Geocells can be used where heavy runoff or
to
channel scouring
is
anticipated. Geocells
in
the waterfronts can also be designed as
filled
with concrete
can be used
to protect
bridge aprons, guide bunds and pier areas, abutting waterfront as revetment as an
alternative
to
conventional
IRC: SP:59 can be adopted
stone/boulder
in
Thereby geocells can replace expensive

Geocells
being
relatively
new
type
of
Geotextile
pitching.
such situations as
rip-rap
filter
or
materials,
conforming
media behind
concrete slope protection.
field
engineers
may
published literature/ product brochures regarding specifications and usage at

5.1
to
geocells.
consult
site.
Erosion Control by Armour Systems
River/Stream bank erosion often creates concern for road agencies because
it
generally leads to toe erosion and disturb the stability of slopes. Some degree of
erosion is natural. However, erosion can be accelerated or decelerated by certain
actions. For
example, clearing shoreline vegetation
22
will
accelerate the process while
IRC:56-2011
Fig.
Fig.
14 Application
of
Geocells on
Embankment Side Slope
15 Growth of Turfing on Embankment Side Slope after Application of Geocells
controlling runoff to the shore will slow
it
down. Depending upon the degree
of
erosion and the slope of the bank, adding vegetation, physical erosion control
structures, channelizing runoff or
appropriate. Soil banks or slopes

or
some combination
exposed
to constant
waves cannot support vegetation and thus need
systems.
23
to
of
these methods
may be
concentrated flows, currents,
be protected by hard armour
IRC:56-2011
The erosion
control structures for
Rip-rap
1)
bank protection are as
- Comprises
follows:
of stone of different sizes
specified gradation) placed against the river
(conforming to
bank
to deflect the
banks. Stone pitching refers to

placement of approximately single sized rocks along the slope to
serve the same purpose.
force of the water hitting the
2)
Retaining walls, toe-walls or break walls and sheet piles that are
placed in such a way to form a barrier between the shore and the
water front.
3)
Gabion baskets/revet mattresses that are

specified size and provided on slopes
Bags - Bags made from
Geotextile
4)
with sand/suitable type of soil
filled
filled
with
stones of
geotextile material, which are
and are kept on the slopes
in
place of stone pitching
When
a hard armour system
slope, but the force of water
is in
is
place, water
gradually carry soil particles along with

to
be
some
lost after
shifting,
include placing a
Traditional
filter
The
it.
time. This process
or other instability
rolling,
layer
filter
layers
can seep
resisted by the armour.
in
is
in
and out
of the
resulting voids
must be
called 'piping' which
between the bank
properly construct such aggregate
become
On a
filter
.standard
soil
and the armour
can culminate
filter
manufactured with specific hydraulic and

protection. Also, they
Specifications
and other
can be
details
to prevent piping.
steep slope,
it
can be very
layers for hard
in
costly
filter
layer
difficult to
armour systems because
soil retention
installed with
filters.
These are
properties to suit the
soil that
ease on slopes, even under water.
about provision of geotextile layer below such
armour protection system can be obtained from IRC SP:59, 'Guidelines

Geotextiles
in
layers.
they overcome the drawbacks of graded sand and aggregate
needs
can
the hard armour system. Typical solutions
have been graded sand and aggregate which are very
a controlled thickness.
Geotextiles have
it
cause armour support
because they are constructed from select graded materials. Also, the
of
bank or
As the water seeps,
Road Pavements and Associated Works'.
for
Use
Details about river
of
bank
erosion control techniques can be obtained from 'IRC:89, Guidelines for Design and
Construction of River Training and Control
MoRTH
Road and Bridge Works.

Annex, ill.
Specifications for
mattresses are given
in
Works
24
for
Road
Brief details
Bridges'
and from
about gabions/revet
IRC:56-2011
BIOENGINEERING EROSION CONTROL
Stream bank and embankment side slope erosion can be severe, in cases wliere
sliorelines are composed of easily erodible soil and where the road runs along the
stream. Traditional methods of controlling stream flow and wave induced erosion
have relied on structural practices like rip-rap, retaining walls and sheet piles. In
many cases these methods are expensive or may be ineffective. An alternative
approach is bioengineering, a method of construction using live plants alone or
combined with dead or inorganic materials, to produce living, functioning systems to
prevent erosion, control sediment and provide habitat. Bioengineering involves the
use of live plants to add structural strength to soil.
Advantages
of bioengineering solutions are:

1)
Low
cost and lower long-term maintenance cost than traditional
methods
2)
Low maintenance requirement
of
plants
live
after
they
are
established
3)
Environmental
benefits
of
habitat,
wildlife
water
quality
improvement and aesthetics

4)
Improved strength over time as root systems develop and increase

structural stability
5)
Compatibility
with
environmentally
sensitive
sites
with
limited
access.
Limitations of bioengineering
1)
methods
season
access is
Installation
when
site
include:
is
2)
The
3)
Labour needs are intensive and

not be available
4)
availability of locally
Installers
may
dormant seasons,
often restricted to plant
limited
adapted plants
may be
limited
experienced labour
may
not be familiar with bioengineering principles
and
skilled,
designs (untrained)
in a variety of ways to control erosion. There are
which bioengineering solutions can be implemented for protection
against erosion as explained in following sections.
Plants that root quickly are used
several
6.1
One
is
ways
in
Contour Wattling
bioengineering technique that has been successfully used
a bundle of dormant stem cuttings tied together.
bank along a contour, they sprout a continuous
25
When
is
called 'wattling'.
the wattles are planted
line of roots
in
It
and shoots (resembling
IRC:56-2011
a retaining wall
of plants)
and quickly
a few years, the "sprouts" look

This method
is
used
like
stabilises the soil than individual plants. Within
a tree lining/continuous row
to control surface erosion
by breaking long slopes
slopes. Bundles of branches (wattles) are placed

or stream
bank contour
that depth of the trench
(Fig. 16).
is
road embankments, wide

the cut or
fill
in
into shorter
shallow trenches along the slope
Trenches are excavated by hand
in
such a way
equal to half of the diameter of wattle and branches are
secured with a twine. After the wattle

only the top of the bundle
of shrubs.
is
is
staked
in
place, the trench
exposed. Wattles can be used
gullies, or
slump areas.
for
hill
is
Installations start at the
and proceeds upslope.
Prepare Wattling: Tube Shaped Bundles of live brush with ends alternating.
20 - 25 cm diameter, tied at a spacing of 30 - 37.5 cm
Fig. 16(b)
Contour Wattling
26
backfilled until
slope restoration,
bottom of
IRC:56-2011
Brush Layering
6.2
This method
is
used
to
alternating layers of live
restore slopes by constructing a fill-slope consisting of
branches and
soil,
creating a series of reinforced benches.
Large quantities of dormant branches of suitable plant species are often used. While
about 75 to 80 percent of the branch
The
place
and
is
buried, the tips are
layers of branches help reinforce the
new
fill
or repair old
fill
stabilise loose soil slopes.
fill
exposed
(Fig. 17).
areas, restore shallow slumps, repair narrow gullies
The
angle depends on slope angle.
vertical
Plan View
Cross Section
Fig.
left
area. Brush layering can be used to
17
(a)
Fig.
Brush Layering Process
17
(b)
Brush Layering
27
IRC:56-2011
6.3
Coir Fascines
Coir fascines are wattles
denser than water so

readily available
restoration
it
made from
will
not float
the fibrous outer husk of coconuts. Coir
and
is
manufactured product and are popular
where a
natural look
is
is
very slow to decay. Coir fascines are a

for
stream bank and wetland
desired. Coir fascines are placed with their tops at
the water surface. Live plants can be placed into coir fascines to create a natural
look.
The coconut
fibre
accumulates sediment and biodegrades as plant roots
develop and become a stabilising system Fig. 18.
Fig.
18 Coir Fascines - Before and After Application of Coir Fascines
28
IRC:56-2011
Pre- Vegetated Mats
6.4
P re-vegetated mats are live plants grown on a movable mat of organic material.
P re-vegetated mats are made of coir or other slowly degradable material and can
use many types of plants. They come in many sizes and materials and are moved
and installed in one piece. They are generally 1.2 m by 2.4 m in size for easy
handling. Vegetated mats are grown in nurseries for upto a year or more to provide
a good plant stand. Thin mats can be rolled up and shipped without special packing.
Thick mats are handled with heavy equipment because of their weight. Mats are
usually used
wetland or lakeshore environments, so wetland plants are the most
in
common.
Interplanting Rip-Rap
6.5
Rip-rap
is
often
interplanted
rap
will
more
used
improve
soil
stream banks and lakeshores. Live cuttings can be
to protect
provide additional slope
in rip-rap to
strength
and
live
stability.
vegetation
will
Root growth below the
rip-
hide the rocks, presenting a
natural look.
Staking
6.6
Staking
is
used extensively
Live staking
is
often
done
bioengineering practice. Stakes can be
in
place. Manufactured timber stakes, 0.6 to 1.0
and
coir fascines.
cut,
making
it
Timber stakes
easier to
install.
or dry.
for
long, are
used
to
in
secure wattles
upland application need to have a bias, or angle
For wetland or streamside applications, stakes need
straight parallel sides to prevent
Live cuttings should
live
with willows to stabilise soil or to stake other materials
be soaked
heaving from water pressure.
in
cold water for at least
24 hours before they are
used. This not only provides the cuttings with needed moisture but also improves
rooting. Live potted plants are often used.
planting
is critical
for
Care
of live plants before
and during
success. Live plants raised indoors need to be acclimatised to
the outdoor environment before planting.
6.7
Effectiveness of Bioengineering Techniques
Bioengineering can be effective

erosion situations, but
it
will
in
many stream
not solve
all soil
29
bank, lakeshore and
hill
slope
erosion or slope failure problems.
The
IRC:56-2011
success
proper
a project hinges on
of
installation,
evaluation
animal damage. Site
like
adequate
is
sunlight, soil type
quality to support vigorous plant growth. Bioengineering solutions
be successful
submerged areas
in
ideal for high stress
may
or
may
where flow
of
not
geologically unstable sites. Nor are they
in
areas with severe wave action, rapid or long-term water
fluctuations or at locations
tips that
factors including proper design, plant selection,
important to determine whether there
is
and water
many
weather conditions and outside factors
water
very
is
fast.
The
following
list
level
includes
help ensure a successful bioengineering project.
Bioengineering solutions are not to be attempted
a)
There
b)
The stream bottom
c)
Locations where
is
severe
situations where:
in
or water contamination
soil
degrading
is
human
or animal
at
traffic
the site cannot be
controlled; or
There
d)
Further,
is
too
much shade
should be noted
it
that,
in
for selected plant
case
bioengineering techniques, water elevation

installation.
Records
available at
any
these
rapidly
of normal, high
bank
river
the most
must
occur
element
and low water elevations

also
in
while using
for successful
for the site
must be
water elevation and how
known.
be
thrive.
protection,
critical
The seasonal changes
particular site.
changes
of
is
species to
Before
implementing
bioengineering measures, one must be sure to fence out animals and people,
needed.
If
awareness
there.
the plants are

of flood or
Severe weather
various practices
locations.
in
the
first
There
is
is
damaged, supplemental
planting
may be
if
necessary. An
drought conditions that could impact installation must be

will
found
a need
year, to assure
reduce seedling survival. Sometimes a combination

to
be very
and has been adopted
effective
to provide regular monitoring
adequate plant
of
many
and maintenance, especially
There
survival.
at
is
also need to involve the
proper design professionals and botanical/agronomy experts to provide information
on hydrology, plantings and structural design.
multi-disciplinary
approach
will
assure success.
7
In
SLOPES
a purely cohesionless
soil,
it
IN
is
COHESIONLESS SOILS
rather
difficult to
establish vegetation.
were possible, the sand grains in-between the network

susceptible of being 'piped our or
washed
30
out',
Even
of root-system are
if
it
most
since the distant roots can hardly
IRC:56-2011
afford resistance to the
movement
starts,
it
movement
of individual grains at tine surface.
can become progressively unconfined and
The remedial treatment
is
therefore to provide 25
cm
to
is
most
Once
30 cm thick clayey soil

embankment, tamp
not heavy clays) as a blanket covering the slopes of the
on
the
and
slopes
recommended
subsequently
geocells can also be used
in
case
SLOPES
8
Invariably, there
provide
of
simple
the
soil
cohesionless
to
be any need
method
treatment against
for special
slopes, since this type of soil promotes natural growth of
shrinkage cracks. Therefore,
to
treatment
3-D mats or
like
soils.
seems
grass and other types of vegetation. The main problem
happens
vegetative
(but
well
BLACK COTTON SOILS
IN
does not appear
erosion on black cotton
with the simple
it
Section 5.1. Alternatively, root mat systems
in
the
liable to 'flow'.
is
it
recommended
of providing vegetative turfing
be inadequate.
Artificial
to
be the formation
that these slopes
watering can
if
the natural growth of grass
be resorted
to
if
there are
economic means
of procuring water, in the eventuality of the rainfall proving to
very scanty and
in
monsoon season.
of
may be managed
be
the event of the work having to be carried out beyond the
method can also be taken
Vetiver planting and any other suitable
up on these slopes.
SELECTION OF EROSION CONTROL METHOD
The following suggestions may be generally kept

method of erosion control for soil slopes:
a)
in
view for adopting suitable
Developing vegetation cover would be the best method to prevent

soil
erosion.
This
may be attempted by
Method'. At locations where turfing
is
to
using
'Simple
time period, transplantation of readymade turfs can be

b)
Organic mulch application
can
be
adopted
to
(either
aid
tried.
manually or by using hydroseeding)
simple
vegetative
hydroseeding method, inaccessible and near

successfully vegetated and hydroseeding
combination with nettings/ mats to

c)
Turfing
be achieved within a short
turfing.
vertical
By
using
slopes can be
method can be used
make them even more
in
effective.
At locations where simple turfing method cannot ensure vegetation

cover,
natural
fibre
vegetation growth.
and
it
is difficult
based
When
netting
the site
to sustain
is
can
located
be adopted
in
to
support
a drought prone area
green cover throughout the year, synthetic
geogrids can be adopted to provide long term protection.
31
/'
'
IRC:56-2011
Where
d)
vegetation cover alone
be protected
in
insufficient
is
and
soil
the absence of vegetation cover
in
surface needs to
certain patches,
systems (3-D mats or geocells) can be

used. Depending upon the duration for which protection needed
root reinforcing geosynthetic
(short term
- 2
to
3 years or
for longer term), either natural fibre
based or polymer based 3-D mats can be adopted. For slope heights
more than 5 m, root reinforcing systems would be better suited.
For slopes
e)
in
the waterfront having velocity of flow
m/sec or having wave

flooding for
many
soil,
excess
of
days, slope protection system as indicated
Section 5.11 shall be resorted

type of
in
For floodable slope with
to.
having inundation or continuous
uplift effect,
siity
in
clay
may be used upto

portion geogrid may be
combination of rip-rap and geogrids
high flood level and for the remaining slope
used. Should occasional flooding
is
envisaged
in
slope
laid
with
geogrid, appropriate plant species which can survive under short
term submergence shall be chosen.

In
general, suggestions which
methodology
may be
kept
for erosion control are given in
view while selecting the appropriate
in
Table
2.
Table 2 Suggestions for Selection of Erosion Control Technique

Height of
Situation
Rainfall/ Velocity of
Bank/ Cutting
Bank/cutting
made
Less than 6
in
cohesive soil/ fine

grained soil (CL, CI, CH,
ML, Ml, MH)
Bank/cutting
made
rainfall
cohesionless soil
(Sandy/gravely soil)
Bank
/cutting
types of
made
(Flow velocity 3
m/sec or
Less than 6
in
water
Low or moderate
Low
or
rainfall
in all
More than 6
moderate
High
less)
rainfall
velocity
soil
System
Vegetation (shallow
rooted or deep rooted)
less)
(Flow velocity 3
m/sec or
Erosion Control
(Flow
more than
Vegetation grown on
0.25 m to 0.3 m thick
clayey soil as a cover
over cohesionless fill
Reinforced vegetation
or reinforced protection
3 m/sec)
Bank/cutting
made
and
submerged/ effect
type of
wave
in
any
height
High
rainfall
velocity
soil
uplift/
Any
of
3 m/sec)
continuous
(Flow
more than
Boulder pitching with

appropriate type of
geosynthetic
application
flooding
32
IRC:56-2011
Annex-
(Clause 2)
Rockfail Protectiori IVIeasures
Applications
Wieasyres
Site Conditions
SL
No.
1)
Falling rocks
Trenches and
and boulders
Protection of road
wall at
running at the bottom of
foot of slope
Rock fencing
with high
energy dissipation
manmade
cuttings.
Road and
building at the
foot of natural building.
capacity
Interception of falling
Rockfail protection
barriers
made on
site.
rocks path
in
rocky
/STEM
slope.
Serating, Benching
Against loose weathered

rock, Vegetation is
expected, no
accumulation of water on
benches.
and Vegetations
2)
Controlling Rockfail, guiding

falling
debris to collect
accumulate
and
at foot of slope.
Simple Drapery
Protection of road
System-(R0ck fall
netting or mesh),
and
Protective blankets
and
S'
PASSIVE
cliffs
building, also in
combination with
trenches or wall.
Geotextiles
3)
4)
Consolidating the slope's
Surficial strength
Protection of road cut
surface and preventing

possible rock detachment
(Gonite and
and
Shotcretirsg)
Global stabilisation of slope
Soil Nailing
buildings,
STEM
Management
of slope
cuts.
5)
Stabilisation of
huge rocks
individual or in
groups which
are prone to seismic

6)
Water
fall
Natural
UJ
cliffs
and slope
ACTIV
cuts.
shift.
Drainage holes,
dewatering wells and
drainage galleries.
control
Mote: The rock
Deep Consolidation
with nails and ties.
protection
measures given above are
33
>-
for
general guidance only.
IRC:56-2011
Annex-
II
(Clause 5.1)
The
following types of vegetation are
recommended
irrespective of the types of soil. Altitude
I.
PLAINS:
(including altitudes upto
of
is
1500
for
use on
soil
slopes
course a more significant
above sea
in India,
factor.
level)
Grasses and Shrubs

1 )
HORTICULTURE
2)
Cynodon plectostycum
3)
Chloris
4)
Saccharum spontaneum
5)
Sachharum munja
6)
Ipomea carnea (Bacharum
7)
Lantana species
8)
Agave americana
9)
Erythrina indica
Prosopis species
0)
11)
1
II.
2)
Grass Cynodon dactylon
gayana
Tall Pernicious
Deep
rooted Perennial
Booti)
Casuarina species
Goat
foot creepers
HILLS:
Grasses and Shrubs
(Kumaon -
1)
Eragrostis curvula Love Grass
2)
Eragrostis superva (Locally known as Babia

Himalayas)
Central Himalaya)
in
Kumaon -
3)
Chrysopogon mountanus - Central Himalayas
4)
Pennisctum orientale - Central Himalayas
5)
Lolium perenne (Rai Grass - H.P.
6)
Poa
7)
Imperata cylindrica
8)
Robinia pseudoaccadia Cuttings as well as plants
9)
Kudzu vine
10)
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)
& Kumaon)
pratensis (above 1800 m)
all
over upto 2400
34
(Pueraria thungbergia)
Central
IRC:56-2011
11)
Jatropha curcas
12)
Ficus carica
13)
Philendus cuttings
14)
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon
flexudosus) for use
in
elevations around
1900 m)
Guidance
Name
for Selecting the
Species of Vegetation (As per IS 15869)
of the Species
Avicennia
officinalis
Suited for
Shrub suited
for
marshy place
Rhizophora mucrunata
-do-
Cyperus exaltatus
Grass suited
for
road embankments/ road side slopes
Acrostichum aureum
Shrub suited
for
dam
Adiantum species
-do-
Cyanodon dactylon
For sandy soils
Cenchurs
Can be used
ciliaris
Eragrostis curuvia
for
sites
most types
of soils
For protecting terraces and channels
Dichanthium annulatum
For
Pennisetum pedicellatum
Sandy loam
alluvial soils
soils
Rochola glabra
Lateritic
Stylosanthis gracilis
Alluvial soils
Pueraria hirsuta
Suited to alluvial soils and for
Pennisetum purpureum
For
Pueraria hirsuta
Alluvial soils
hill
semi
arid soil
having less moisture
slopes
35
hills in
humid climate
IRC:56-2011
AooeX" ill
(ClaoseSJI)
Slope Erosion Protection Using Gabions and Mattresses
With mechanically woven double twisted steel wire
it
is
mesh products such as Gabions,
possible to construct flexible structures that effectively sustain the eroding slope
and also preserve their natural look, thus providing eco~compatible solutions. The
hexagonal shape of the mesh provides a better distribution of the working tensions
along the wires that form the mesh. Double twist avoids spreading of the
caused by the accidental breaking

zinc
coated or zinc plus
corrosion. Steel wire
A 975
PVC
of
any
coated
wire.
The
steel wire shall either
provide adequate
to
damage
be heavily
protection
mesh Gabions and Revet Mattresses should conform
against
to
ASTM
ISO 7989 and ISO 22034. Gabion baskets are also made
using welding process. While such welded wire mesh gabions do not possess
flexibility as compared to woven wire mesh gabions, welded wire mesh gabions can
be made to any convenient size and also their protective coating thickness can be
specification
or
easily varied.
The products
that
of
Mechanically
can be used
Woven Double
for protecting the slope
a)
Gabions
b)
Gabion mattresses
twisted hexagonal steel wire
meshes
from erosion are
(revet mattresses)
Gabions
Gabions are rectangular wire mesh baskets
filled
with rock at the project site to form
permeable, monolithic structures. They are
flexible,
made
of
hexagonal shaped
double twisted steel woven wire mesh, with high mechanical characteristics. The
gabion
is
divided into cells by
means
of
diaphragms positioned
at
approximately
The steel wire used in the manufacture of the gabion shall be coated with
and polymeric coated for protection from corrosion. In order to reinforce
structure, all mesh panel edges are selvedged with a wire having a greater
centres.
zinc or zinc
the
diameter. With 30 per cent voids, gabion structures offer free drainage providing
higher bank stability
when used
for river
bank
36
protection.
IRC:56-2011
A- Gabion Box
Fig.
Gabions are provided on the eroding slopes

from moving
down
construction of protection structures
purposes
slope,
if
of protecting the slope
the slope
at suitable locations to prevent the soil
the slope and thus protecting the slope. Gabions can be used for
is
like
toe walls or breast walls.
They serve both
from being eroded and provide
stability to
the
unstable.
Gabion Mattress
Gabion mattress also known revet mattresses,
large plan area/thickness ratio.
It
is
is
a special form of gabion with a
fabricated from a similar but smaller double-twist
hexagonal mesh to that used to manufacture the gabions. Diaphragms are spaced
usually at
.00
centres,
and the end walls

panel's
and a continuous panel
of the unit to obtain the
edges are selvedged
mesh, so as
of
mesh forms
the base, the side
open-topped multicellular container.
with a wire of larger diameter than that
used
All
for the
to strengthen the structure.
These are used as mattresses on the slope to protect the bank from erosion. Gabion
mattresses can be sealed by hot poured sand asphalt mastic, in order to provide an
impermeable revetment. These are mainly used for riveting the slopes and thus
prevent erosion of the slope.
3^
IRC:56-2011
Fig.
Gabions made from Polymeric
Gabion Mattress Unit
IVIaterials
Gabions and revet mattresses can be made using polymeric materials

materials can be easily used
may
in
saline waters also.
However, such type
not be able to retain the intended shape as effectively as
wire gabions.
38
also.
Such
of
gabions
compared
to steel
(The Official amendments to

the
IRC
in
its
periodical,
this
document would be published by

Highways'
which shall be
'Indian
considered as effective and as part of the code/guidelines/manual,

etc. from the date specified therein)

Irc Gov in 056 2011

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Irc Gov in 056 2011

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IRC:

& postage charges

No part of this publication

Delhi -11 0041

Objective of Erosion Control

Bioengineering Erosion Control

Black Cotton Soils

Selection of Erosion Control

Prevent Soil Erosion

Digitized by the Internet Arch!ive

PERSONNEL OF THE HIGHWAYS SPECIFICATIONS AND

& Spl. Secretary,

Director General (RD)

Addl. Director General, Ministry of

Chief Engineer (R)

Road Transport &

Road Transport &

Executive Director, Consulting Engg. Services

Chief Engineer (Retd.), Haryana

Addl. Chief Transportation Engineer,

Chief Executive, L.R. Kadiyali

CIDCO, Navi Mumbai

Professor & Coordinator, Centre of Transportation Engg.,

Jain, Dr. S.S.

Engineer-in-Chief (R&B) Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad

Chief Engineer (Retd.),

Chief Engineer (NH) Assam, Guwahati

Chief Engineer (NH), Govt, of Orissa,

Chief Engineer (NH),

Road Transport & Highways,

Road Transport & Highways,

Chief Engineer, (Retd.), Ministry of

Road Transport &

Chief Engineer, (NH), UP,

Director General (RD)

Director General (RD)

Former Member, Maharashtra Public Service Commission,

Haryana PWD, Sonepat

Director (Tech.), National Rural

Roads Development Agency

(Ministry of Rural Development),

Chief Engineer (NH),

Raju, Dr. G.V.S.

Chief Engineer (R&B), Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad

Director General (RD)

Director General (RD)

Chief Engineer (Retd,),

Add!. Director General,

Chief Engineer (Pig.)

Vice-President, Hindustan Constn. Co. Ltd.,

Road Transport & Highways, New

(Liansanga), Engineer-in-Chief and Secretary,

Director Genera! (RD)

(Indoria, R.P.) Indian

Road Transport & Highways,

Roads Congress, New

Emeritus Fellow, Bangalore University, Bangalore

Consultant, Runwal Centre,

Engineer-in-Chief (Retd.), Haryana

Secretary (Roads) (Retd.),

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR TREATMENT OF

Roads Congress (IRC) had published the Guidelines 'Recommended

materials/improved techniques have been evolved. Keeping