1. Erosion And Runoff Control Using Bulldozer Imprints On Surface-Mine Spoil
- Author
-
V. T. Ricca, J. V. Bonta, and T. A. Van Echo
- Subjects
Hydrology ,Engineering ,Severe weather ,Erosion control ,business.industry ,Storm ,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous) ,Surface mining ,Simulated rainfall ,Erosion ,Geotechnical engineering ,Surface runoff ,business ,Track Marks - Abstract
Bare surface-mined areas are susceptible to severe erosion and erosion-control practices are required, especially when vegetative cover is being established. A study using simulated rainfall was conducted to evaluate the effects of three erosion-control treatments which manipulate microtopography and can be easily applied with a track-type bulldozer. Treatments were evaluated in which spoil was backbladed, and track cleat marks were imprinted in spoil parallel and perpendicular to the slope (corresponding to bulldozer movement perpendicular and parallel to the slope direction, respectively). Tracks imprinted along the contour of the slope were effective in controlling erosion during a series of three severe storms, but runoff control diminished as the storms were applied. Backbladed plots yielded the highest runoff and soil losses. Operating bulldozers to imprint track marks along the contour on long slopes (bulldozer movement up and down the slope) should be done with a supporting practice, such as diversions.
- Published
- 1991