(added a prelim. lit review) |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
<ref name="Morgan">Morgan, R.P.C., and R.J. Rickson. ''Slope stabilization and erosion control, a bioengineering approach''. London, New York: E & FN Spon, 1995.</ref> | <ref name="Morgan">Morgan, R.P.C., and R.J. Rickson. ''Slope stabilization and erosion control, a bioengineering approach''. London, New York: E & FN Spon, 1995.</ref> | ||
==References== | |||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Engr305]] | [[Category:Engr305]] | ||
Revision as of 07:07, 29 February 2008
CCAT Retaining Wall
Background
Moving the CCAT building to a new location has caused new problems related the topography of this new spot. A concrete retaining wall was supposed to be built but it never happened. So CCAT members decided to take the matter into their own hands by trying to resolve the problem using appropriate technologies.
Description of Opportunity
CCAT is in a pressing need to secure a portion of the hill from landslides North-East of the house. There is already a small concrete retaining wall close to the building but it is clearly not sufficient considering the slope and composition of the soil. With the kind of rainfall we are having, soil erosion or small landslides are a treat to some Redwood trees over that hill. In collaboration with Eghan working on rammed earth blocks, I am going to stabilize that slope by reshaping, planting vegetation and/or building a retaining wall with old car tires or another appropriate materials. This work should be done in a timely fashion since it is important to have a secure environment where we feel safe.
Criteria
The criteria used in a future decision matrix are the following (in no particular order):
- cost
- efficiency of construction
- ease of maintenance
- durability
- use of natural materials
- aesthetics
- multi-usage
- security
- ease of deconstruction.
Literature Review
Slope Erosion
Slope erosion is caused mainly by the effect of wind, ice and rain. In the Pacific Northwest, rainfall is the most important factor. [1]
Erosion can be controlled by reducing the runoff water going over the slope and by modifying site conditions. Those properties can include the soil type, the steepness and the size of the slope and the vegetal cover. [1]
The soil type of the hill cannot be modified, except superficially, so we are planning to concentrate our efforts on the profile of the slope, adding some plant cover and using some of the following techniques. The benefits of having a densely planted slop are numerous, the plant with its leaves, reduce the amount of rain touching the ground by absorption and evaporation. The roots help consolidate the hillside and keep soil particles together. [1]
Slope protection will have to be designed in function of the time variable. Some protection is going to be needed from the beginning and up to, hopefully, a long time to come. Using much in the beginning is interesting because its effect is instantaneous and it provide a cover for grass, which is the second element to offer protection. After a longer period shrubs and trees will have to develop new roots and consolidate the earth. [2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Myers, Ryan D., Myers Biodynamics, Washington (State). Dept. Of Ecology, and Washington (State). Shorelands & Coastal Zone Management Program. Slope stabilization and erosion control using vegetation : a manual of practice for coastal property owners . Olympia, Wash: The Program, 1993.
- ↑ Morgan, R.P.C., and R.J. Rickson. Slope stabilization and erosion control, a bioengineering approach. London, New York: E & FN Spon, 1995.