Laboratory evaluation of geotextile performance in silt fence applications using a subsoil of glacial origin

• Main Author: Crebbin, Cory
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/23283

This study tested the filter performance of four different geotextiles. A flume apparatus was constructed and used to simulate a silt fence installation. The apparatus and procedures were based on a previous study performed by the Virginia Highway Transportation and Research Council. Water and sediment was filtered through a fabric sample and the ratio of the sediment concentration in the influent compared to the concentration in the effluent determined and expressed as a percent. Two physical properties of the fabrics were examined as predictors of fabric filter efficiency. The apparent opening size was not a reliable predictor of fabric performance for the samples tested. The flow rate through the fabric indicated that fabrics with a lower flow rate will probably exhibit higher filtration efficiencies, but an inadequate number of tests were performed for conclusive evidence. The effect of sediment particles larger than the U.S. Standard No. 30 sieve on fabric clogging and binding was briefly examined. These large particles did not contribute significantly to blinding. Keywords; Glacial deposits; Soil erosion; Soil filter efficiency; Theses. (EDC)