Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/20286
Title: Evaluation of Rhizobium tropici-derived biopolymer for erosion control of protective berms : field study : Iowa Army Ammunition Plant
Authors: Larson, Steven L.
Lord, M. Elizabeth
Corcoran, Maureen K.
Nijak, Gary M.
Nestler, Catherine C.
Keywords: Soil erosion
Soil conservation
Rhizobium
Biopolymers
Optical radar
Revegetation.
Slopes (Soil mechanics)--Stability
Publisher: United States. Army. Corps of Engineers.
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Environmental Laboratory (U.S.)
Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (U.S.)
Iowa Ordnance Plant (Burlington, Iowa)
Series/Report no.: ERDC ; TR-16-5
Abstract: Abstract: A Rhizobium tropici produced biopolymer was applied to an explosion protection berm at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP) to stabilize the soil, prevent loss of berm height, reduce erosion, and increase the rate and extent of revegetation. The berm was recontoured, and a hydroseeder was used to apply biopolymer with grass seed. The control area received plain water and seed. Evaluated biopolymer application methods include single surface application, double surface application, and a double application at depth, with the first application 2-ft below ground surface (bgs), and the second on the surface. A LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey evaluated soil movement from the berm slope over three years. The double application of the biopolymer at depth was the most effective application method, as determined by calculating soil loss and surface roughness, followed closely by the double surface application. At 19 months post-treatment, a landslip was observed in the treated area that received the double surface application of the biopolymer. There was no evidence of soil cracking in any of the other treated areas. The slip appears to be due to an indentation in the crest of the berm that channeled runoff water into the area of the slip. Slope stabilization using biopolymer is approximately half the cost of construction and maintenance of traditional earthen berms over a 30-year period, due to lower installation and maintenance costs.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/20286
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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