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Improve Soil Health
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Improve Soil Health & Provide Cover
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Sediment Control
References
Brush Layering
What is This Treatment?
Brush layering work includes harvesting green cuttings from existing alder, cottonwood or willow stands and embedding these cuttings in horizontal layers perpendicular to the slope face.
When to Use This Treatment?
- Most commonly used to construct 2:1 (H:V) embankment (fill) slopes.Can be used with excavation (cut) slopes if combined with stepped slope techniques.
- For slopes steeper than 2:1 (H:V) a Geotechnical Design Report should be prepared by Caltrans Division of Engineering Services (DES) Office of Geotechnical Design. In addition, a preliminary evaluation may be required.
- Coordinate the use of this technique with Caltrans Division of Engineering Services (DES) Office of Geotechnical Design.
- This treatment is used to provide erosion protection, increase vegetative cover, and enhance habitat.
Note: This typical section is schematic only and can not be used in a contract document. The scale, key dimensions, and critical details have purposely been omitted.
Consider Using With:
Benefits:
- Provides immediate surface slope reinforcement from unrooted brush cuttings. As roots develop, slope stability and shear resistance improve.
- Creates slope breaks that shorten slope length and reduce runoff velocities.
- Creates vegetative filters that trap sediment.
- Promotes vegetation establishment, cover, and natural sucession.
Limitations:
- Requires accessible, local stand of cottonwoods or willows from which to harvest cuttings.
- Harvesting of cuttings may require a permit and establishing a project construction window.
- Not recommended for rocky slopes, slopes with extremely low soil moisture through the dry season, or slopes with limited equipment access.
- May require supplemental irrigation during establishment period, particularly during first dry season and on south-facing slopes.
Specification:
Details:
- Brush Layer With Soil Wrap Detail (Microstation Format)
- Brush Layer With Soil Wrap Over RSP Detail (Microstation Format)
- Brush Layer vs RSP Comparison (Microstation Format)
Estimate Information:
- Click here to view current awarded bid prices for Brush Layering.
- There is no standard BEES code for Brush Layering.
Guidance:
- Caltrans Erosion Control New Technology Report, Brush Layering, June 2003
External Links:
- David Steinfield, Scott Riley, Kim Wilkinson, Thomas D. Landis, Lee Riley, et al. 2007. "Roadside Revegetation, An Integrated Approach to Establishing Native Plants" Accessed 2009-07-16
- Gray D.H. and Leiser A.T. "Biotechnical Slope Protection and Erosion Control",
Van Nostrand and Reinhold Company Inc., New York 1982, pg. 26. - Hoek E. and Bray J.W. "Rock Slope Engineering", The Institution of Mining and metallurgy, London 1981 pg. 27
Updated 04-30-2013