Erosion Control Using Rip Rap
Rip rap or riprap is the term used in American English to describe rock armor placed along the foundations of bridges, shorelines, and steep slopes to protect them against scour and wave erosion, water erosion, and ice erosion. It helps dissipate the energy from rapidly flowing water and waves.
These rocks typically vary in size between 4 inches and more than 2 feet. The size of the rock required for a specific project depends, among other things, on how rapidly the water is moving and how steep the slope is.
Riprap erosion control is a long-lasting treatment with a totally natural appearance. The only downside is that animals might find it difficult to traverse the rocky material. Fortunately, this issue can be addressed by using smaller rocks or soil to fill the empty spaces between the rocks.
Riprap Erosion Control Options
Rip rap is often the best solution where a shoreline or structure is exposed to moving water on an ongoing basis. Erosion has the ability to cause severe damage to property (including bridges) and it can also wash out nearby roadways. Not only can rip rap help to limit this type of erosion damage, but it can also help to keep members of the public safe.
Examples of where rip rap can play a positive role include the following:
- On the opposite bank where there is a bend in a river. In this case, it helps to reduce the water’s force against the riverbank.
- Along the shoreline of a lake where it can help to reduce the erosion damage caused by wave action.
- Next to supporting structures in channels and other types of waterways
- Along river embankments, particularly in the vicinity of bridges
Construction Riprap
Rip rap can also be used to help stabilize those parts of a construction site where there is a high risk of erosion. Examples of these include storm pipe and culvert outlets and inlets, drains, bridges, storm drains, and similar areas where there is a very real danger of concentrated runoff.
The reason why rip rap is so effective under these circumstances is that it increases surface roughness and reduces the speed of runoff.
Riprap Rock Available in Southern California
Lynx Cat Mountain Quarry, located just outside Barstow offers various sizes of rip rap. Our crushed aggregate products, dirt and sand, and railroad ballast are high quality granite from our Southern California rock quarry.
