Slope stabilization meshes: [Essential Guide]
Imagine you are driving along a highway with a steep hill on one side. As you look up the hill you see a great number of rocks, logs, and other debris all looking like they are about to fall on your car.
God forbid that ever happens, but what a mess.
But this is a serious safety problem. Because if these rocks were to start rolling down the hill, they could cause a great deal of damage to the highway and seriously injure or kill anyone in their way.
So what can be done to prevent this from happening?
One option is to install a slope stabilization mesh. This is a type of netting that is stretched across the hill, preventing any debris from rolling down. It prevents roadside slope failures and keeps rocks and logs from accumulating on the highway.
However, this is not the only purpose of slope stabilization meshes. They can also be used to prevent soil erosion on slopes. By preventing the soil from being washed away, the mesh helps to prevent landslides.
Soil erosion is a serious problem especially in sloped areas where the slope is large and there are a lot of smaller rocks and particles. The soil can be carried away by rain or water runoff, leaving the slope unprotected and susceptible to landslides.
A slope stabilization mesh is an excellent way to keep the soil in place. They are usually made to look like a fence consisting of anchoring stakes and horizontal wires or meshes. The mesh is installed across the slope, and the stakes are hammered into the ground to hold it in place.
Slope stabilization meshes come in many different sizes and types depending on the needs of the area. For smaller slopes, a simple mesh can be used. However, large-scale projects may require a stronger mesh.
There are different types of meshes that use either steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers in the mesh. This actually has the benefit of creating a stronger grip along the side of the slope, yet they are still very flexible making them easier to install.
What is a slope stabilization mesh?
A slope stabilization mesh is a fabric or wire netting that is installed in a retaining wall or slope to prevent erosion and stabilize the soil. The netting is typically made from steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and installed on the hill with anchors.
Slope stabilization meshes come in many different mesh sizes, depending on the project at hand. They can be used to stop soil erosion and landslides that result from heavy rain and water runoff.
Slope stabilization meshes are a cheap and efficient way to combat erosion and slope failures. They offer a safe and fast solution that works well on most types of slopes.
Slope stabilization meshes can be used as an alternative to more expensive and time-consuming soil erosion solutions. Since they are relatively cheap to install, take a short amount of time to set up, and can be used on virtually all slopes, they have become very popular.
Where are slope stabilization meshes used?
Slope stabilization meshes are used for many different reasons. But here are the most common applications:
Roadside safety
Slope stabilization meshes are typically used to prevent landslides from blocking a road. They can be installed in an area where there is a high amount of debris, or if there are unstable slopes above the road. The mesh acts as a fence, preventing anything from falling down the hill and onto the road.
Roads are constantly being exposed to many different types of weather, which can cause erosion or unstable slopes above them. A slope stabilization mesh is a good way to prevent this from happening.
Stabilize soil and slopes on construction sites
Slope stabilization meshes can also be used in construction projects to prevent soil erosion. They are typically installed in any area where large equipment is digging or heavy foot traffic will occur.
As a construction site is being built, the slope below it will be exposed to heavy rain and runoff. This increases the risk of soil erosion and landslides. Installing a slope stabilization mesh will help prevent this from happening, while also protecting any workers on the site.
Keep the soil in place and stabilize hillsides
Slope stabilization meshes can also be used to keep soil in place and prevent landslides on steep slopes. They are typically installed when building retaining walls, but can also be used when constructing ponds or lakes.
When water builds upon a steep slope, it can cause landslides known as a mudslide. Installing a slope stabilization mesh will keep the soil in place and prevent this from happening.
Retaining walls/Fences
Slope stabilization meshes are often used to construct retaining walls. This is because the mesh acts as a sturdy wall that will hold against pressure from the sides.
Retaining walls are often constructed in neighborhoods with hillsides that are prone to landslides during heavy rain. Installing a slope stabilization mesh in this type of situation will keep the soil from falling down and damaging anything below it.
Tunnel reinforcement
In some cases, slope stabilization meshes are used to reinforce a tunnel. This is important because a tunnel runs straight through a hill or mountain.
Slope stabilization meshes can be used to prevent landslides from blocking the entrance of the tunnel which would make traveling through it impossible. They can also be used to strengthen the walls and prevent rocks from falling onto the road.
Mining projects
Slope stabilization meshes can also be used in mining projects. They are typically installed near the mine entrance to prevent rocks from falling down and blocking it.
As a mine is being dug, there are often many large rocks and boulders that can roll down the hill and onto the entrance. Installing a mesh will keep these rocks in place and allow workers to safely travel through the area.
How are slope stabilization meshes installed?
Although installing a slope stabilization mesh is very simple, there are certain steps that should be followed to ensure it does its job properly. Here are the installation steps:
Step-1 Mark out the area
Once the area for the mesh has been identified, the first step is to mark out the measurements. This will help determine how much mesh is needed and where it should be placed around the hill.
Step-2 Install the anchors
Anchors are what hold the mesh in place, and should be installed at certain intervals uniformly. The required number of anchors and their placement will vary depending on a few factors including:
- The size and steepness of the slope
- Type and strength of mesh used
- Anchor material and strength,
- Anchor spacing
If there is a slight slope and the task is easier amount and placement of anchors can be defined following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
However, if there is a steep slope and the implementation is a critical job like road safety, then the anchors should be installed as per the recommendations of a civil engineer or similar authority.
Step-3 Place and secure mesh
Once the anchors have been installed, it is time to place and secure the mesh. Unroll the mesh, and attach it to the anchors at appropriate places. The number of meshes required for this job will depend on the length and width of the hill.
Once all the meshes are in place, they should be pinned together where they meet like stitching in a cloth. The final step is to remove any slack in the mesh by tightening it.
Important To Remember (Before installing the mesh)
If there are larger trees on the site, the mesh should be placed by considering their location. Tress especially larger ones hold the ground in place and serve as a natural slope stabilization measure. Therefore, they should be left undisturbed as possible.
If possible, the installation process for slope stabilization meshes doesn’t require digging at all. The mesh can be placed by simply pinning it to the ground with nails or using stakes.
Also, If there are larger rocks that are in the way, they must be removed since they can puncture the mesh and prevent the mesh from having a tight grip.
However, if it is absolutely necessary to dig around the area where the mesh will be installed, then the ground should be carefully examined before doing so. This is because digging will loosen the soil and make it more likely to fall during work.
Types of slope stabilization meshes
There are several types of slope stabilization meshes available, including:
Geotextile fabric mesh
This type of mesh is made of woven polypropylene and is effective at preventing erosion. It is a non-woven mesh that can be sewn into a cover if required, but it also comes in rolls. It is resistant to damage from chemicals and UV light.
Geotextile fabric mesh is effective at stabilizing loose soil and sediment, improving the strength of slopes, and reducing the risk of landslides. This type of mesh comes in varying sizes and strengths, so it is important to select the right mesh for the task.
Woven wire mesh
This type of mesh is made of steel wire that is woven together to form a mesh of strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant fences.
It is easy to install and does not require special tools, so it is a popular choice for people who need slope stabilization in the shortest time possible. With this type of mesh, there is also the choice to install the mesh in a straight line or with curves.
Gabion baskets
Gabion baskets are not typical slope stabilization meshes you would unroll to stabilize a hill. Instead, they are a type of individual wire baskets that are filled with rocks and then strategically placed on the site to improve stability. The baskets can be stacked on top of each other, allowing them to be used in a number of ways.
Gabion baskets are commonly used for slope-stabilization projects that involve strengthening a retaining wall, stabilizing the banks of rivers and streams, or holding back dirt.
Do mesh geometry and size matter?
Mesh geometry refers to the shape of the mesh, including its pattern and whether it is hexagonal, square, or diamond-shaped. It affects how the mesh will behave under load.
Mesh size refers to the area that the mesh pattern creates. Smaller this area, the better because it means that there will be more points in contact with the soil. This helps to distribute the load across a larger area and reduces the strain on any one part of the mesh.
What is the diameter of the wire used for slope stabilization mesh?
The diameter of the wire used for slope stabilization mesh typically ranges from 2mm to 15mm.
The diameter of the wire will depend on the required strength, type of work, and how steep the slope is. The meshes smaller the diameter is weaker compared to the ones larger in diameter.
Do slope stabilization meshes work?
Yes, If installed properly, slope stabilization meshes will help prevent rocks and soil from falling down the slope. The mesh will hold them in place, not letting them slip even when there is rain or wind.
Although installing a mesh alone is not enough to safeguard a certain area, it can be a good first step towards slope stabilization. This is because the mesh acts as a strong foundation for other measures to be installed.
