Flexible Channel Liner Study at the TxDOT/TTI Hydraulics and Erosion Control Field Laboratory

Jett A. McFalls

Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Environmental Management Program is currently operating a full-scale, outdoor evaluation facility for the performance testing of selected erosion control materials. The overall purpose of the facility is to produce and maintain a defensible "Approved Products List" to be used on all Texas Department Of Transportation (TxDOT) construction and maintenance activities. TTI’s goal was to construct a facility which would simulate the highway environment to the greatest degree possible while providing the capability of collecting data on the critical performance factors of roll-type erosion control products. To achieve this goal the Hydraulics and Erosion Control Field Laboratory was constructed. The facility has the capability to conduct performance tests on erosion control products for embankment protection and for flexible channel liners.

Keywords: Erosion control, sediment control, liners, roadside channels, sediment loss, vegetation establishment, storm water management