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For many years, techniques improving weak soils by means of additional elements incorporated into their structures have been applying in geotechnical structures (earth structures). An example of such a procedure is the use of geosynthetics enabling to solve geotechnical problems related to anti-erosion protection, as well as filtration and draining. In addition to geosynthetics, randomly distributed fibers are used. Fibers mixed with soil perform a function similar to the function of the root system of protective vegetation and enable the creation of flexible and easy to green construction. During the research, the influence of the type of fibers and their amount on erosion of slope located in the suburbs of Bielsko-Biala (Poland) was determined. Soil parameters and fiber properties were determined before their placement. Research on the physical properties of the soils and fibers morphological structure and strength was carried out in accordance with applicable standards. Subsequently, the slope stability was assessed during many months of exploitation. During the research, 2 m wide plots were created on the slope, covered with soil mixed with various amount of fibers. Fibers mixed with soil form a spatial grid retaining soil particles washed out by streams of surface water flowing down, limit the negative impact of erosion and increase slope stability. Natural fibers store excess water in soil, which promotes the development of protective vegetation.

Changes in climatic conditions in the world often affect the variability of water relations and soil erosion. Observed phenomena lead to removal of the most valuable soil surface layer from slopes, washout of minerals, deterioration of slope structure and also destruction of protective vegetation. Geotextiles are used to protect slopes from effects of erosion. Depending on the type of used raw material as well as production technology, geotextiles are used for long-term or temporary protection (biodegradable). Biodegradable geotextiles under influence of atmospheric factors undergo gradual decomposition. The substances released as a result of decomposition cause soil fertilization, which promotes development of protective vegetation. The aim of the research is to assess impact of exploitation time on selected physical, mechanical and hydraulic properties of innovative geotextiles in form of meandrically arranged Kemafil ropes made of wool and recycled fibers installed on slope in Jasienica Economic Zone in Międzyrzecze. The research was carried out in the Laboratory of Geosynthetics and Textile Products of the University of Bielsko-Biala in accordance with the applicable European standards. Nonwovens used for production of geotextiles were tested before installation, as well as after 6 and 12 months from their installation. Geotextiles reduce speed of rainwater flowing down from the surface of slope and store its excess. Waste raw materials used for production of geotextiles enable products effectively protecting slope against water erosion.

Paper deals with application of geotextile ropes in erosion protection of slope of gravel pit in Nieboczowy, Poland. For protection of the slope the segments formed from thick ropes were applied. The ropes with the diameter of 120 mm were produced by the Kemafil technology. Ropes were made from strips of stitch-bonded nonwoven produced from a mixture of recycled natural and synthetic fibres and strips of wool needle-punched nonwoven. The protected slope had the length of 4 to 6 m, slope inclination from 1:1 to 1:1.8 and total area of approximately 150 m2. It will be shown that installed ropes restrain soil so there is no slope failure in protected section even in case of low soil shear strength parameters and unfavourable hydraulic conditions. Generally slope surface in protected section is without rills and gullies. This case also shows that plants are very good anti-erosion measure. Thanks ropes installed on the slope, favourable conditions for plants growth are created and maintained.