Erosion protection at mining sites using a concrete-enhanced synthetic turf system

Abstract

Many mining sites are facing water erosion challenges due to changing weather patterns and more frequent extreme weather conditions. A concrete-reinforced engineered turf system has been developed for erosion protection and used in mining applications recently. This system consists of an impermeable geomembrane that does not allow the stormwater runoff to be in contact with the subgrade and hence, eliminating potential erosion of subgrade. This presentation provides an overview of conventional erosion protection methods and the concrete-reinforced engineered turf system, followed by an evaluation of the hydraulic performance of the concrete-reinforced engineered turf system, including the steady state overtopping flume testing, heavy debris load testing, and intentional damage testing. Case studies are provided to demonstrate installation and field performance of the erosion protection system for stormwater channels, downchutes, spillways, and slopes at mining sites.