Preparing Pipelines for the Big Thaw: Fighting Erosion During the Spring

With the change of the weather, spring can offer shifting work conditions on your pipeline work site. Temporary erosion and sediment control measures installed during frozen conditions may not remain functional under thaw conditions. This means you may need a few more measures in place for snowmelt and extra rain during the warmer months.

When choosing ways to combat water erosion, it’s important to go with the strongest appropriate method. Options like mulch and synthetic blankets may not be enough. Articulating concrete revetment mats are a cost-effective, long-term solution that will stand up to winter conditions and changing weather. These mats consist of flexible concrete elements connected by ultraviolet stabilized copolymer extruded fiber rope.

The Submar revetment mattress is an articulating concrete mat that is commonly used as protective cover for pipelines in rivers and streams. The concrete mat will provide a long-term solution that can be removed and replaced for maintenance of the pipeline if necessary. On top of that, the concrete mats will articulate and self-adjust to survive freezing, thawing, and future snowmelt.

The mats also allow for natural vegetation to return to the area. The vegetation allows the mats to blend with the natural surroundings, creating wildlife habitats and increasing biodiversity within the stream.

After the job is complete, regular inspections should be made as the weather changes. Stockpiles of materials should be located within the project area to allow efficient repair and maintenance of erosion controls. Remember, certain areas of the right-of-way may not be accessible during thawing periods or during the spring melt due to soft soil conditions, making regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance difficult to complete. Crews should have the proper equipment available to allow access to the right-of-way under soft soil conditions, such as all-terrain vehicles with oversized tires, to prevent rutting, topsoil mixing, and damage to other temporary erosion controls.

If you want to learn more about our articulating concrete revetment mats, visit our products page.