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    Gradient Terracing BMP 26: Description

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    sinnombrepues
    Gradient terracing is a technique that involves constructing earth ridges along slopes at regular intervals to reduce erosion. The ridges, known as gradient terraces, capture surface runoff and direct it slowly to a stable outlet to minimize erosion. Gradient terraces are typically used on long, steep slopes with water erosion problems, as they help reduce runoff velocity and increase the distance water flows overland. They hold moisture better than smooth slopes and limit sediment in runoff. Gradient terraces should be designed and installed according to an engineering plan, with outlets like grassed waterways to safely direct runoff away without causing erosion. Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to ensure gradient terraces function properly over time.

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    Gradient Terracing BMP 26: Description

    Uploaded by

    sinnombrepues
    28 views2 pages
    Gradient terracing is a technique that involves constructing earth ridges along slopes at regular intervals to reduce erosion. The ridges, known as gradient terraces, capture surface runoff and direct it slowly to a stable outlet to minimize erosion. Gradient terraces are typically used on long, steep slopes with water erosion problems, as they help reduce runoff velocity and increase the distance water flows overland. They hold moisture better than smooth slopes and limit sediment in runoff. Gradient terraces should be designed and installed according to an engineering plan, with outlets like grassed waterways to safely direct runoff away without causing erosion. Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to ensure gradient terraces function properly over time.

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    617539-26

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    617539-26

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    Gradient terracing is a technique that involves constructing earth ridges along slopes at regular intervals to reduce erosion. The ridges, known as gradient terraces, capture surface runoff and direct it slowly to a stable outlet to minimize erosion. Gradient terraces are typically used on long, steep slopes with water erosion problems, as they help reduce runoff velocity and increase the distance water flows overland. They hold moisture better than smooth slopes and limit sediment in runoff. Gradient terraces should be designed and installed according to an engineering plan, with outlets like grassed waterways to safely direct runoff away without causing erosion. Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to ensure gradient terraces function properly over time.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    28 views2 pages

    Gradient Terracing BMP 26: Description

    Uploaded by

    sinnombrepues
    Gradient terracing is a technique that involves constructing earth ridges along slopes at regular intervals to reduce erosion. The ridges, known as gradient terraces, capture surface runoff and direct it slowly to a stable outlet to minimize erosion. Gradient terraces are typically used on long, steep slopes with water erosion problems, as they help reduce runoff velocity and increase the distance water flows overland. They hold moisture better than smooth slopes and limit sediment in runoff. Gradient terraces should be designed and installed according to an engineering plan, with outlets like grassed waterways to safely direct runoff away without causing erosion. Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to ensure gradient terraces function properly over time.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    Gradient Terracing

    BMP 26

    Description

    Gradient terracing is a term used to describe an earth embankment or ridgeand-channel arrangement constructed along the face of a slope at regular
    intervals. Gradient terraces are constructed at a positive grade. They reduce
    erosion damage by capturing surface runoff and directing it to a stable outlet at
    a speed that minimizes erosion.

    Applications

    Gradient terraces are usually limited to use on long, steep slopes that have a
    water erosion problem or where it is anticipated that water erosion will be a
    problem. They are used for reducing runoff velocity and increasing the
    distance of overland runoff flow. They hold moisture better than do smooth
    slopes, and they minimize sediment loading of surface runoff.

    Limitations

    Drainage area 10 ac.


    Minimum bedrock depth 6 ft
    NRCS soil type - BCD
    Drainage/flood control yes

    Targeted
    Pollutants
    Design
    Parameters

    Maximum slope 50%


    Minimum water table 8 ft
    Freeze/thaw good

    Gradient terraces should not be constructed on excessively steep slopes or in


    areas with sandy or rocky soils. They will be effective only where suitable
    runoff outlets will be available. Gradient terraces may significantly increase
    cut and fill costs and cause sloughing if too much water infiltrates the soil.
    Sediment
    Gradient terraces should be designed and installed according to a plan
    determined by an engineering survey and layout. It is important that gradient
    terraces are designed with adequate outlets, such as a grassed waterway,
    vegetated area, or tile outlet. In all cases, the outlet should direct the runoff
    from the terrace system to a point where the outflow will not cause erosion or
    other damage. Vegetative cover should be used in the outlet where possible.
    The design elevation of the water surface of the terrace should not be lower
    than that at the junction of the outlet area when both are operating at design
    flow. Terraces can be constructed with linings to carry water to the outlet and
    can be used with a dike or similar measure above the terrace to divert runon
    from reaching the terraced slope.

    Construction
    Guidelines

    Construction of gradient terraces should be completed using equipment that is


    capable of meeting the specification established in the construction plans.

    Maintenance

    Inspect the gradient terraces regularly during project construction and inspect
    them after any major storm. If used as a permanent BMP, inspect at least once
    a year after project completion and after major storms. Evaluate whether the
    terrace is functioning effectively as a runoff collection and diversion device
    and note whether other stabilization measures (including vegetation) are
    performing effectively. Take prompt action as needed to ensure proper
    drainage and slope stability.

    IDEQ Storm Water Best Management Practices Catalog


    September 2005

    87

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