Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance and Shale Gas Developement

© 2011 PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads www.dirtandgravelroads.org

1: Introduction – page 1

Penn State UniversityCenter for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance and Shale Gas Development

© Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies 2011

A SHORTHISTORY

Dirt and Gravel Road

Maintenance Program

Why are we heretoday?

Section 9106 of Pa. Motor Vehicle Code,In a nutshell…

“To reduce sediment and dust pollution to the waters of the Commonwealth through effective and common sense

maintenance practices on unpaved public roads”.

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org D&G Program History

- Began in 1997- Over 8,000 people ESM trained- Completed over 2,000 Worksites- Run by County Conservation Districts- Local road owning entities (majority are

municipalities) work with District to plan and complete projects

- Cooperative effort to reduce long term maintenance costs and stream pollution from unpaved roads

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org D&G Program History

• Your Goal - Better roads through proper practices and procedures

• Program‟s Goal – Better environment through proper practices and procedures

13 Years has Proven!“improved maintenance techniques will benefit both roads and the environment”

DIRT AND GRAVEL PROGRAM is a Win-Win

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org D&G Program History Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program

www.dirtandgravelroads.org Center @ Penn State

• Conduct Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance Trainings (PA and beyond)

• Technical Assistance for PA DGRP, State and Local DOTs, Private Sector and Non-profits

• Maintain PA DGRP GIS Database• Develop Technical Bulletins on Specific Road

Maintenance Practices• Website and Seasonal Newsletter.• Research Road Maintenance Practices

www.dirtandgravelroads.org

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Center @ Penn State Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program

www.dirtandgravelroads.org Center @ Penn State Common Ground

If we want to reduce this

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org

http://www.dirtandgravelroads.org/









As well as this

Common GroundDirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org

While trying to keep this here

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Common Ground

With the ultimate goal of reducing this


And this

Common GroundDirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Common GroundDirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program


We’re going to need a Different Approach…


than this…


or this…


Or this…


If we want both this…













and this…

A Common Enemy

No matter who you are, a business professional, a municipal

official, or a conservationist,

ACCELERATED EROSION IS THE COMMON ENEMY

that strains the roads, the budget and the environment

A Common Sense Solution

Environmentally Sensitive Road

Maintenance

(ESM)

ENVIRONMENTALLYSENSITIVE (road)MAINTENANCE

ESM

A practical and effective approach to road maintenance that differs from traditional road maintenance techniques.

ENVIRONMENTALLYSENSITIVEMAINTENANCEPRACTICES

ESMP

ESMP: Maintenance practices or techniques that works with natural systems to create a better road, and a better environment.

ESMPs

1. Avoid Concentrating Drainage

2. Minimize Flow Volumes

3. Reduce Effects of Concentrated Drainage

4. Prevent Surface Erosion

5. Reduce Cost and Frequency of Road Maintenance (lengthen maintenance cycles)

ESMP PRINCIPLES:

Practices that address individual interests and our common enemy

BENEFITS:– Reduces loss of road surface aggregate and

damage to ditches and outlets– Reduces road base saturation and instability– Encourages infiltration, recharges

groundwater and lowers flood flows

– Reduces Pollution!– Less Maintenance and Saves Money!

ESMPs“Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance”

for Dirt & Gravel Roads

The principles that are presented in this training apply

to

ALL ROADS,

including unpaved public roads, access roads

and even paved roads…

TODAY‟S SCHEDULE

INTRODUCTION (Roads and Water)

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

A DIFFERENT APPROACH (why)

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE

MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

(alternatives to traditional maintenance)




INTRODUCTIONImportance of Roads and Water

Importance of Pennsylvania‟s Dirt RoadsProviding Vital Service to 3.6+ Million Residents

and Pennsylvania‟s 4 major industries:

Mining

Forestry

Agriculture

Tourism

Rural Roads - Providing Vital Service to an Emerging Giant

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Introduction

Pennsylvania

No Stranger to Oil & Gas

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Introduction HISTORICAL ASPECTS

• Early settlements were built along streams

• Footpaths connecting settlements followed the streams

• These footpaths became our roads adjacent to streams

AND ROADSPENNSYLVANIA„S STREAMS

Why certain regulations apply to

road maintenance/construction?

“We need not only to keep the

stream out of the road, but also

to keep the road out of the

stream!”

FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR ROAD

What Can You Control?

ROADS

Traffic Loads

WATER

Subgrade Quality

Road StructureEnvironment (Climate)

Quality of Road Materials

Maintenance Practices

Vegetation

THE CONNECTION

Roads Drainage

Roads interfere with natural drainage and concentrate flows.

Concentrated flow accelerates erosion and causes a host of problems.





Natural Drainage PatternsSURFACE

DRAINAGE PATTERNS

SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE PATTERNS

Road Intercepts Drainage


SURFACE DRAINAGE PATTERNS

2 crosspipes

EFFECTS OF ROADS

• Interrupt natural drainage patterns and concentrate flows

• Unstable roads and concentrated runoff lead to accelerated erosion

• Erosion strips road material which costs money and increases pollution

EFFECTS OF ROADS

pipe outlet

IntroductionDirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org

Reduce accelerated erosion and we can…


reduce this…


As well as this…

Williamsport, PA

“When we try to pick out anything

by itself, we find it hitched to

everything else in the universe.”

This applies to road construction

and maintenance as well…

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Introduction Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program

www.dirtandgravelroads.org Shale Gas DevelopmentWhen the well density looks like this (August 2010),

Introduction

it may not be a big deal.








Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Programwww.dirtandgravelroads.org Shale Gas Development

But, once the map looks like this, we will have a real impact!

Introduction end of INTRODUCTION


next

Key Considerations


02_OnG_key_considerations.pptx

2: Key Considerations – page 1


Goal

Provide a snapshot of issues particular to shale gas development and heavy hauling

1. Construction vs maintenance2. Preemptive road improvements3. Road structure4. New challenges of wider roads 5. Winter maintenance6. Timing of hauling activities7. Site planning for access roads

KEY CONSIDERATIONSCenter for Dirt and Gravel Road Studieswww.dirtandgravelroads.org



Filling the road profile = maintenancevs

Expanding the road cross-section = construction

Construction –vs- MaintenanceKey Considerations

See handout in bookDetails of maintenance –vs- construction with examples

Construction –vs- MaintenanceKey Considerations

Construction –vs- MaintenanceKey Considerations Construction –vs- MaintenanceKey Considerations Construction –vs- MaintenanceKey Considerations





Preemptive Road ImprovementsKey ConsiderationsPrepare road for anticipated hauling• Site assessment

• Utilize knowledge of road owner• Indentify historic problem areas

• Develop site-specific plan• Implement plan BEFORE hauling

1. Construction vs maintenance2. Preemptive road improvements3. Road structure

1. Base stability2. Road height issues


Road Structure: Base StabilityKey Considerations

Several approaches to base stability• Break it, then fix it• “Pinchot” roads• Geo-reinforced roads• Full depth reclamation




Free-draining Imported

Base Course

Sub-Base

“Pinchot” Roads

Existing sub-grade load capacity Highly variable• Seasonally• Along road


“Pinchot” Roads: Imported Sub-Base of large “bridge” rock


“Pinchot” Roads: Imported Sub-Base of large “bridge” rock


Base Course of free draining “fist sized” stone

Topped with free draining aggregate base

“Pinchot” Roads:



Base “Keying”Key Considerations

Limit of road “cross-section”

Existing RoadwayBase “Keying”Key Considerations


cartway

Putting base on existing road raises height issuesBase “Keying”Key Considerations


Existing Roadway



Cutting “Keys”

key key



Road Fill

Finished RoadRoad Structure: Base StabilityKey Considerations



Geo-GRID-“snowshoe”- spreads load- strong support

ROUGH GUIDE:The structural support added by geo-grid typically can produce a 40% reduction in fill height for the same strength.*

*Rule of thumb only: depends on fill material, kind of grid, moisture, etc.

Road Structure: Base StabilityKey ConsiderationsROUGH GUIDE:The structural support added by one layer of geo-grid can produce a 40% reduction in fill height for the same strength(and can lower the cost of imported road material by ~75%)

Imported Base

Course

Imported Sub-Base

GEO-GRID





Without Fabric With

Fabric

Fabric

Separation Fabric- separates- spreads load- some support

Key Considerations Road Structure: Base Stability

Keeps support stone on top and soils from “pumping” to surface


Separation:Fabric keeps sub-base and sub-grade separate(keeps mud below and stone on top)

Imported Base

Course

Imported Sub-Base

FABRIC




“Stabilized Road”

Correct drainage first!

1. Construction vs maintenance2. Preemptive road improvements3. Road structure

1. Base stability2. Road height issues


Road Structure: Height IssuesKey Considerations

Road Height Issues


Road Height Issues:• Liability costs (risk management)

• Traffic safety• Backwater potential

• Regulatory costs• Permit fees• Permit time delays• Professional fees for permits

and compliance• Violations and down time

• Additional material costs• Drainage structures


Road Height Issues1. Construction vs maintenance2. Preemptive road improvements3. Road structure4. New challenges of wider roads 5. Winter maintenance6. Timing of hauling activities7. Site planning for access roads




Challenges of Wider RoadsKey Considerations Challenges of Wider RoadsKey Considerations

Wider roads• Keeping Crown• More maintenance

• More re-graveling• More grading• More plowing

• Increases site lines = faster speed• More dust • Faster surface degradation• Liability issues?



Winter MaintenanceKey Considerations

Winter maintenance• Don’t plow aggregate off road

(protect crown and drainage features)• Use shoes on plows• Carbide blade for ice• No salt (use anti-skid)• Leave insulating snow layer

Avoid lowering crown and plowing aggregate to ditch


Winter maintenanceUse Plows with Shoes


Winter maintenance• Carbide Grader Blade for Pack Ice


Winter maintenance• Use Anti-skid and Avoid Salt (chlorides)• Salts increase freeze-thaw frequency


Winter maintenance• Use Anti-skid and Avoid Salt (chlorides)• Leave insulating snow layer





Timing of Hauling ActivitiesKey Considerations Timing of Hauling ActivitiesKey Considerations

• Avoid heavy hauling during thaw(1 day can be worse than the other 364)

• Implement upgrades prior to breakup

• Utilize pipelines, flow back recycling and central impoundments to minimize hauling.



Access Road Site PlanningKey Considerations Access Road Site PlanningKey Considerations

Site planning for access roads

• Grades and Contours• Soil types (ref soil website)• Distance to stream channels, wetlands, springs, dry channels• Land use concerns• Use local resources• Use latest site planning tools / technology available• Follow regulatory requirements• Field Investigation

A chance to use knowledge gained and avoid many of the mistakes made on public roads

Site Planning - GradesKey ConsiderationsSite planning for access roads• Grades and Contours

• “straight line” roads often not best choice• Follow contours where possible• Limit lengths of sections > 10%

Site Planning - GradesKey Considerations Site Planning - SoilsKey Considerations

Soil types (ref soil survey)

• Know your soil characteristics• Avoid problem areas where possible



Site Planning - SoilsKey Considerations Site Planning – Water SourcesKey Considerations

Distance to water sources

• Follow existing regulations• Avoid dry channels and ephemeral flows• Avoid springs and seeps• Avoid wetlands, ponds and pools

Site Planning – Water SourcesKey Considerations

Site Planning – Land UseKey Considerations

Surrounding land use concerns(forested, agricultural, residential, etc.)

• Impact to road• Impact of road• Landowner input

Site Planning – Local ResourcesKey Considerations

Use Local Resources

• Townships • Residents• County Conservation District• PSU Cooperative Extension• County Planning Office• District DOT• etc.

Site Planning – RegulationsKey Considerations

Follow Regulatory Requirements

• Permits• PNDI

Site Planning – Best ToolsKey Considerations

Use latest and best tools

• Mapping

• Aerial Images

• Lidar

Site Planning – Best ToolsKey Considerations

Field Investigation“Boots on the ground”

Site Planning –Use ESMsKey Considerations

Maximize the use of Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance Practices

Reduce Concentrated drainage and promote sheet flow.

more to come on these…



end of KEY CONSIDERATIONS


next

A Different Approach

03_OnG_different_approach.pptx

3: A Different Approach – page 1


• NEW MODULE BEGINS

A DIFFERENT APPROACH (to traditional road maintenance)

A DIFFERENT APPROACH (to traditional road maintenance)A DIFFERENT APPROACH (to traditional road maintenance)

OBJECTIVES

3

DIFFERENT APPROACH

- Look at some basic principles of geology, soils, hydrology and climate

- Provide a better understanding of how these principles affect road maintenance and road impacts

- Understanding of how working WITH natural systems will reduce costs, maintenance time, and erosion

- Our overall goal is to provide you with “the WHY” in order to empower you to make your own decisions

I thought this was a road class?

OBJECTIVESDIFFERENT APPROACH

Geology

Soils

Hydrology

Climate

GEOLOGYDIFFERENT APPROACH

6

what do you have to work with?


77

Glacier Boundary

Physiographic Provinces


8

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

SOFT--------------------HARD

SHALE

SANDSTONE

LIMESTONE

GEOLOGYDIFFERENT APPROACH GEOLOGYDIFFERENT APPROACH



1010

Glacier Boundary

Area with poor sub-grades and highly variable material quality

Better sub-grades with variable material quality

Good road material with no shale gas


1111

Glacier Boundary

Tioga Bradford Susquehanna Wayne

Glacier BoundaryGlacier BoundaryGlacier Boundary


1212

In Summary Regional Geology will affect:• Sub-grade stability • Road bank stability • Stability of ditches and stream crossings • Quality of local road material• Potential cost of road upgrades and maintenance


Geology

Soils

Hydrology

Climate


14

SOILSRocks break down into soils with different

characteristics:

•Sand - Large

•Silt - Small

•Clay – Extremely small14

SOILSDIFFERENT APPROACH

15

Soils are a mixture of :

Sand Silt

Clay


16

Soils have different characteristics for:

• Traffic Support

• Drainage Capacity

• Slope Stability


17

Major concerns are:

• Sub-base drainage capacity and stability during freeze/thaw and wet periods

• Road materials with high clay and silt contents: both imported and native

How do you know what you are dealing with?


18

SOILSErode Growth Road Drainage

Sand Unstable Inert Won’t Pack

Open Drain

Silt Medium Rich Soft Medium

Clay Stable Holds Nutrients

Soft, Slippery

Holds Water

18

In other words:“What makes a good road makes a poor garden.”“What makes a good garden makes a poor road.”




• Road materials containing a lot of soil may act more like a garden than a road

• Truck traffic or turnips?

SOILSDIFFERENT APPROACH SOILSDIFFERENT APPROACH

http://websurvey.nrcs.usda.gov


Geology

Soils

Hydrology

Climate


Where land meets water we often have WETLANDS

Why is it important to know about WETLANDS?

HYDROLOGYDIFFERENT APPROACH

24

OBJECTIVE OF DISCUSSINGWETLANDS

Provide an understanding of how wetlands affect roads, and how

roads affect wetlands.

HYDROLOGY - wetlandsDIFFERENT APPROACH

25

WETLAND: An area that is wet enough to saturate the soil and grow plants that are adapted to wet conditions.


“you don’t have to see water for

it to be a wetland”

26

Value of wetlands: STORE & FILTER WATER

“One acre of wetland can store 1-1.5 million

gallons of water” -EPA

Less flooding during stormsRecharges groundwaterFilters out pollutants


27


“One acre of wetland can store 1-1.5 million gallons of water”

-EPA

more stable

more floods

and droughts




28


“One acre of wetland can store

1-1.5 million gallons of water”

-EPA

Lock Haven, PA –vs- Charles River, MA

HYDROLOGY - wetlandsDIFFERENT APPROACHA Wetland doesn’t have to be at the low point and

look like this…


30

It could be on a wooded hillside and look like this…HYDROLOGY - wetlandsDIFFERENT APPROACH

Shallow Roots

31

Aside from Cattails, Wetland Indicators

Surface RootsButtress Roots are just a few of many

indicators


• Roads built in or around wetlands often experience perpetual base saturation and increased cyclical maintenance requirements

• Sediment impacts wetlands similar to streams and slowly destroys wetland habitat

• Regulations

KEEP WETLANDS OUT OF THE ROAD AND ROADS OUT OF WETLANDS!

32

HYDROLOGY - wetlandsDIFFERENT APPROACH HYDROLOGYDIFFERENT APPROACH

34

Water runs downhill, right?Sort of...

Primary movement is downhill by gravity.

BUT……

Underground water can move sideways, and even UP!

(remember this when planning road drainage)


Water moves on the surface and underground


36

How can water enter your road?

Water Table

Through Permeable Surface

Capillary Rise

Seepage from High Ground

Lateral Flow from Roadside

Water Table




CAPILLARY RISE: Movement of water due to the forces of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension


Soil Type Height of rise (ft)Small Gravel < 0.4Coarse Sand 0.5-1Fine Sand 1-3Silt 3-30Clay 30-90

Height of Capillary RiseHYDROLOGY - wetlandsDIFFERENT APPROACH

Geology

Soils

Hydrology

Climate


Hydrology and Climate

We are #1 in freeze - thaw cycles nationally!

CLIMATEDIFFERENT APPROACHResults of Freeze/Thaw:• Frost Heave• Base De-stabilization• Loss of Surface Material• Loss of Functional Drainage• Potholes, Rutting, etc.

CLIMATEDIFFERENT APPROACH

Effect of freeze/thaw on your roads

Water Table

RoadSnow


Water Table

Road

SnowPlowed to ditch

COLD AIR COLD AIR

COLD AIR

Ice Lenses


Effect of freeze/thaw on your roadsRoad freezes from top and draws water up

Frost Table

Water Table

Road

Snowinsulates ditchCOLD AIR COLD AIR

COLD AIR

Frost Heave

Ice Lenses


Effect of freeze/thaw on your roadsRoad freezes from top and draws water up

Frost Table

Water Table

RoadSnow

Plugs ditch

WARM AIR WARM AIRWARM AIR

Ice Lenses


Effect of freeze/thaw on your roadsRoad thaws from top and has no place to drain




Why a Different

Approach?

The cost is: Time, Money

and Accelerated Erosion

WHY?DIFFERENT APPROACH

ESMPsESMPs

Traditional stormwater management:

• Collection

• Armoring

Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance (ESM):

• Dispersal

• Sheet Flow

• Infiltration

ESMP PRINCIPLES:

Natural Drainage PatternsSURFACE

DRAINAGE PATTERNS


Road Intercepts Drainage



2 crosspipes

More Pipes to Mimic Natural Drainage



5 crosspipes

field

field

Drohan et al. (2011)

field

field


DRY WET

field

field





DRY WET



DRY WET


DRY WET

Lidar Data Reference

• Dr. Patrick DrohanAssistant Professor of Pedology, APSS/APSCDepartment of Crop and Soil SciencesThe Pennsylvania State University452 ASI Building University Park, PA 16802-3504

• [email protected]• http://cropsoil.psu.edu/directory/pjd7

814-863-4246 (Phone)814-863-7043 (Fax)

ESMPs

1. Avoid Concentrating Drainage

2. Minimize Flow Volumes

3. Reduce Effects of Concentrated Drainage

4. Prevent Surface Erosion

5. Reduce Cost of Road Maintenance through Longer Maintenance Cycles

ESMP PRINCIPLES:

Practices that address individual

interests and our common enemy

ESMPs

1. Promote Sheet Flow

2. Encourage Infiltration

3. Reduce Sedimentation of Surface Waters

4. Reduce effects of Sub-surface water on Roads

5. Reduce Occurrence and Severity of Floods

6. Reduce Costly Road Maintenance

ESMP GOALS:

Practices that address individual

interests and our common enemy

ESMPs

ESMP GOALS:SHEET FLOW:An overland flow or downslopemovement of water taking the form of a thin, continuous film over relatively smooth soil or rock surfaces and not concentrated in to channels larger than rills.

Should be the aim of our surface drainage strategy

Sheet FlowConcentrated Flow

mailto:[email protected]

http://cropsoil.psu.edu/directory/pjd7



end of A DIFFERENT APPROACH


next

Roadside Influences

04_OnG_roadside_influence.pptx

4: Roadside Influences – page 1


ROADSIDE INFLUENCES

•Run-on Flow•Vegetation•Road Banks

MAIN ROADSIDE INFLUENCES

Examples…

Roadside Influences RUN-ON FLOW

•Driveways•Access Roads (farm, camp, etc.)

•Pipe-lines•ATV trails•Field Outlets and Tile Drains•Wet-weather channels•Other waterways (ag swales, etc.)

•Overland Flows (parking lots, yards, etc.)

TYPES OF RUN-ON INFLUENCES

Centre

Access Roads and DrivewaysTYPES OF RUN-ON INFLUENCES

Armstrong

Pipelines + ATV trailsIMPACTS OF RUN-ON INFLUENCES

• Brings EXCESS WATER to road area–Saturates road base–Creates potholes– Increases erosion in road ditches

• Brings excess SEDIMENT to road area

• Lack of smooth vehicle transitions at accesses can cause damage to roadway

1. Diversion Swales2. Through-Drains3. Addressing Access Drainage

ESMPs Run-on Influences

Wider is better!Franklin

ESMPs Diversion Swales



Pi ct ur es : r ed r ose

Huntingdon

ESMPs Diversion Swales

Provide stable outlet 1. Diversion Swales2. Through-Drains3. Addressing Access Drainage


HOW

CROSSPIPES

SPRING

ERODED OUTLET

NEEDTHRU-PIPE

HOW:

ESMPs Through-Drains

CROSSPIPES

SPRINGHOW:

THROUGH DRAIN

ESMPs Through-Drains Through-Drains

Excellent location for a Through-Drain

Benefits:– Reduces amount of water in road drainage system: more

stable ditches and outlets– Reduces ditch flow in storm events and possibility of

overtopping onto road– Keeps clean water clean

Considerations:– Requires stable outlet downstream of road

ESMPs Through-Drains

1. Diversion Swales2. Through-Drains3. Addressing Side Road

Drainage


Handling Intersection Drainage

• Existing side roads and driveways often create the largest sources of run-on flow.

• What can you do to handle this water?– Conveyor Belt Diversions– Standard crosspipe– Shallow (drivable) ditch

Side Road Drainage

“conveyor belt” diversion

Side Road Drainage




Side Road Drainage


Side Road Drainage


What can you do to handle this water?–Standard crosspipe–Shallow (drivable) ditch

Side Road Drainage

Water diverted off access into road ditch

STANDARD CROSSPIPE

Side Road Drainage

1/2

BEFORE

1/2Huntingdon

Side Road Drainage

AFTER

2/22/2Huntingdon

Side Road Drainage


What can you do to handle this water?–Standard crosspipe–Shallow (drivable) ditch

Side Road Drainage

SHALLOW DITCH

Shallow ditch at end of access carries water

Recommendre-enforcement

Side Road DrainageSHALLOW DITCH

Side Road Drainage



1. Diversion Swales2. Through-Drains3. Addressing Side Road Drainage

ESMPs Run-on InfluencesPut these in your tool box…


MAIN ROADSIDE INFLUENCES

Roadside Influences VEGETATION

Provide a basic understanding of:- the difference between “good” and

“bad” roadside vegetation.- ESM Practices for roadside

vegetation management.

Clearing, Daylighting and Grass

these should not be the only words you use when it comes to vegetation management.

-Factors affecting plants-Value of plants-Effect of plants on roads

-Succession-Native vs. invasive species

But, to gain a better understanding of how proper management of roadside plants can benefit you,

Let’s look at:

Remember these…

- SOIL– Hydrology– Climate

- Topsoil and Subsoil- Type and Texture- Nutrients

Vegetation Management UPLANDSFactors Affecting Plants

Sand Silt

Clay

– Soil– HYDROLOGY– ClimateMost limiting Factor

in Plant Growth!

Different plants use water at different rates.

Why are hemlocks found near streams?


– Soil– Hydrology– CLIMATE

- Precipitation- Sunlight- Temperature- Humidity- Altitude- Growing seasons


These are all be affected by this

Topography



Topography


Topography


What does well here,

may not do well here

– Soil– Hydrology– Climate

What else could possibly affect vegetation?


You don’t have to look very far…

The same acorn could grow into any of these trees!


Let’s Look at…-Factors affecting plants-Value of plants-Effect of plants on roads


EROSION PREVENTION

GROUND COVER- Reduce Impact Erosion- Slows Flow of Water- Trap Sediment

Vegetation Management UPLANDSValue of Plants

57

ROOTS PROVIDE SOIL STABILITY- Mother Nature’s Rebar- Use Water and Dry Soils

EROSION PREVENTION


Plants soak up water-Used by plant-Transpiration

Vegetation Management UPLANDSValue of Plants Vegetation Management UPLANDSTranspiration



Transpiration rates of treesare highly variable:

50-500 gallons per day!50-100 Cherry100-120 Oak

150-200 Maple

“Redwood trees can give off 500+ gal/day and

actually generate their own fog” - USGS

Depending on:Tree species & sizeAvailable waterSeason (foliage)SunlightTemp & Humidity


61

Produce ShadeTranspiration cooling


Let’s look at…-Factors affecting plants-Value of plants-Effect of plants on roads


POSITIVE:Erosion Control, Bank Stabilization,Shade* (dust control)

NEGATIVE:Sight Issues, Cartway Encroachment, Storm Debris, Shade* (mud season)

Effects of roadside vegetation on road maintenance:

Most people recognize the value of plants for erosion control and bank stabilization, but let’s take a closer look at:

DAYLIGHTING

Effects of roadside vegetation on road maintenance:

Pictures of bad banks/ practices

Vegetation Management UPLANDSEffect of Plants on Roads

Needs Light!

Armstrong


Needs Shade!


Looks Right!

Let’s look at… -Factors affecting plants-Value of plants-Effect of plants on roads




A natural progression of disturbed land from bare earth to mature forest.

1 23

Vegetation Management UPLANDSSuccession

EXAMPLEYEAR0 Land is disturbed to bear earth.1-50 Fast growing grasses and weeds1-50 Small colonizer trees and shrubs25-100 Mid-successional tree species75+ Mature or climax species

*Times are highly variable

Succession: A natural progression of disturbed land from bare earth to mature forest.


When it comes to road maintenance, what type of

vegetation is best?

Grass has its place, but not everywhere…and not all trees are created equal


Select Grasses: • Initial stabilization • Where sight distance is critical

Generally the goal should be to propagate, protect and maintain

Climax Species


1

NO MAINTENANCE!

Climax Species• Structurally strong and long-lived• Long term for seed production • Slow-growing• Shade tolerant

EXAMPLES:OakHickoryHard mapleDogwoodRedbudServiceberry

YES!

Vegetation Management UPLANDSSuccessionColonizer or Pioneer Species

• Structurally weak and short-lived• Fast growing• Early maturity• Shade intolerant

1

EXAMPLES:SumacMultaflora roseAspenBirchLocust

CONSTANT MAINTENANCE!

NO!


“Every time we disturb vegetation, we restart the

clock on succession”

“Maintenance causes the need for more maintenance!”


Let’s look at…-Factors affecting plants-Value of plants-Effect of plants on roads


What are native, exotic, and invasive species?

77

A species that occurs naturally in a given areaNATIVE SPECIES GOOD

A species that is NOT native to a given areaEXOTIC SPECIES

NO-GOOD

77

A species NOT native to a given area that outcompetes and displaces native species

INVASIVE SPECIES BAD!

D:/animals_a_l/dogs/big_headed_tiny_dog_c_a_lc.gif



78

LARGE TREESRed Maple

Sugar MapleBlack BirchWhite AshSycamore

many OaksWhite PineHemlocks

TREES / SHRUBSServiceberry

RedbudMany Dogwoods

Witch-hazelMountain Laurel

ElderberryVirginia Creeper

Vegetation Management UPLANDSNative –vs- Invasive

A species that is adapted to and occurs naturally in a given area

NATIVE SPECIES GOOD

For road maintenance desirable species include:

What are native, exotic, and invasive species?

79

WORST OFFENDERSJapanese KnotweedPurple LoosestrifeJapanese StiltgrassMultaflora RoseTree-of-heaven

KudzuHogweed

TAKE ACTION TO AVOID!



Vegetation ManagementINVASIVE SPECIES VERY

BAD!What are native, exotic, and invasive species?

80



Vegetation ManagementINVASIVE SPECIES VERY

BAD!

An important reason for quickly re-vegetating a site with native species.

81

Informational resources:


http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Forestry/invasivetutorial/list.htm

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/unitedstates/pa.shtml

http://vm.cas.psu.edu/index.html

Available free

US!Now let’s look at the impacts we have on roadside vegetation, and how we can make plants work for us…


Over use of

and/or

Doing nothing (after doing something)

DAYLIGHTING

Practices to avoid:

DAYLIGHTING

Excessive Clearing and Daylighting?DAYLIGHTING DAYLIGHTING

Problems with Excess Daylighting • Unstable forest edge• Promotes colonizer species• Increased soil erosion• Excessive drying of soil and road

Creates Dust!• Can de-stabilize banks



Over use of Daylighting(clear to allowable limit)

and/or

Doing nothing (after doing something)

Practices to avoid:

DOING NOTHING

What does “doing nothing” mean?

No attempt to seed or stabilize bare soil after maintenance activities, including:• Bank cutting• Ditch cleaning• Road widening• New road/shoulder construction• and more

DOING NOTHING DOING NOTHING

What does “doing nothing” look like?

PROBLEMS• Ero$ion and $edimentation• Unstable banks and ditches• Open door for unwanted species• Aesthetics and public relations

DOING NOTHING

And then there are some things that are just wrong…

What do the trees think when we charge in without a good plan?

In Summary…….

1. Selective thinning2. Alternative vegetation3. Proper seeding

SELECTIVE THINNING HOW:Choose individual trees to be removed:-Remove weak and undesirable species-Remove dead, diseased, and dying trees- Leave strong and long-lived species

Selective Thinning



REMOVE COLONIZER SPECIES• Multiflora Rose• Sumac• Aspen• Birch• Locust• StripedMaple

Selective Thinning

HUNTINGDON COUNTY 1/2

BEFORE

Selective ThinningAFTER

Selective Thinning

HUNTINGDON COUNTY 2/2

Benefits:• Leaves desirable species for road/bank stability!• Promotes strong and stable tree growth• Less debris issues from snow, ice or wind• Lets you utilize shade for dust control• Less mowing/cyclical maintenance (trees vs. grass)• More aesthetically pleasing than “slash and burn”Considerations:• Requires informed decision maker • May require professional tree contractor• Landowner interactions

Selective Thinning


ALTERNATIVE VEGETATION

THE PLAN:Use low-maintenance plants:

• Replace high-maintenance grasses with low-maintenance plants• Pick plants based on existing soil and hydrology• Use native plants when possible• Partner with interested organizations (conservation groups, sportsman clubs, landowner...)

Alternative Vegetation


Clover, Goldenrod, Asterand Trefoil work well on this site and no need to mow

Low-maintenanceplants:

Vining plants:• Virginia creeper• American

Bittersweet

- low to ground- easy to manage- used by property owners - don’t mow


Cameron

Here Virginia Creeper provides protection and holds this steep road bank

…and no need to mow


Wet rooted plants• Jewel weed• Lilies• Rhododendron

- grow in wet, poor soils- easy to manage- mowing not required


Potter

Here Jewelweed provides long term stabilization of this wet and shaded bank

…and no need to mow




Vining plants:• Virginia creeper• American

Bittersweet

- low to ground- easy to manage- used by property owners - don’t mow

Alternative VegetationCooperative Management• Landowners• Sportsmen's Groups• Conservation Organizations

Warning! – Use tasty legume mixes cautiously on public roads

1. Selective thinning2. Alternative vegetation3. Proper seedingPROPER SEEDING

Proper seeding techniques should be used to re-establish vegetation on:

Road BanksStream BanksBermsDitchesDitch OutletsAny Disturbed area!

Proper Seeding

Proper Seeding

Seeding mixtures MulchTimingReferences

Match seed mix to site conditions:i.e. moisture, sun, shade…

Use a mix with Perennial Grass, Legumes and aNurse Crop (Annual Rye, Winter Wheat, Buckwheat)

Proper Seeding


Proper Seeding

Potter


Seed and mulch bare soil as soon as possible!

CONSIDERATIONS: - Moisture is essential to seed germination- Spring and fall offer best conditions for growth

Proper Seeding


Penn State Agronomy Guide

PennDOT 408 Specification

County Conservation Districts (soil test)

Natural Resource Conservation Service

Proper Seeding

Wholesale clearing and grass alone may cost you more time and

money in the long run.





MAIN ROADSIDE INFLUENCES Factors Affecting BanksWhat makes a stable bank?

A combination of:- Bank Material- Slope- Hydrology- Vegetation

PIC

• pi cs

West Virginia

ROAD BANKS Bank Material SLOPE

Cameron

ROAD BANKS Slope

Armstrong

ROAD BANKS Hydrology

- Leaves reduce impact erosion from rain

- Roots stabilize soil, reducing erosion

- Slows flow of surface water

- Reduces soil moisture by using water

ROAD BANKS Vegetation

• Tie into vegetation

Mother Nature’s Rebar

ROAD BANKS Vegetation



BANK S: ALTERNATIVE ENVIRO NMENTALLY SENSITIVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

1. Avoid the Banks 2. Organic Topsoil and Seeding3. Naturalize Bank Shape4. Slope Reinforcement

Avoid the Banks How:–Do not gouge bank–Do not lay banks back–Do not remove vegetation

When:–Wherever possible

Avoid the Banks

BANK GOUGING:

Unstable vertical bank will collapse

STABLE PROFILE

LEAVE BANK AT NATURAL SLOPE !

Huntingdon

Avoid the Banks

AGGREGATE PLACED WITHOUT

CUTTING BANK

Luzerne - Lehman

Avoid the Banks

• How TOO:– Picture

ROAD IS GRADED WITHOUT

CUTTING BANK

Centre – Bale Eagle SF

Avoid the BanksBANK S: ALTERNATIVE ENVIRO NMENTALLY SENSITIVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

1. Avoid the Banks2. Organic Topsoil and Seeding3. Naturalize Bank Shape4. Slope Reinforcement

Organic Topsoil and Seeding

SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

Add Organic Topsoil

SAVE TOPSOIL AND REPLACE !

SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

ADDED TOPSOIL

ADD SEED & MULCH!

Add Organic Topsoil

Huntingdon

Add Organic Topsoil




1. Avoid the Banks2. Organic Topsoil and Seeding3. Naturalize Bank Shape4. Slope Reinforcement

Naturalize Bank Shape

How:

ROAD ROAD

SMOOTH NATURAL

Organic Debris


Use existing material!


TRACKING


NO YES


1. Avoid the Banks2. Organic Topsoil and Seeding3. Naturalize Bank Shape4. Slope Reinforcement Slope Reinforcement

DOWNSLOPE STABILIZATIONHow:

–Use stabilization material and techniques on lower bank to avoid destabilizing upper bank

When:–Where road is to narrow or downhill

supporting bank is failing–Where you need to shift or widen the road

llo Slope Reinforcement

DOWNSLOPE STABILIZATION

PROBLEM:Unstable road edge

TYPICAL RESPONSE:Cut into opposite bank

Slope ReinforcementDOWNSLOPE STABILIZATION



Slope Reinforcement

ROADWAYSUB-SOIL



ESMP ALTERNATIVEStabilize lower bank(downslope)

TYPICAL RESPONSE:

DOWNSLOPE STABILIZATIONSlope Reinforcement



Slope Reinforcement

ROADWAY

DOWNSLOPE STABILIZATION

6” underdrain

Original Slope

Added Soil Layers

Avoid the Banks

SUB-SOILROADWAY


Slope Reinforcement

PICTURES

Added Soil Layer

Reinforcing Geo-grid

UnderdrainLocation

DOWNSLOPE STABILIZATIONAvoid the Banks


Slope Reinforcement

How:Add material to slope:

–Vegetation–Rock –Geo-synthetic products–Soil Nails - when alternatives are ruled out, and road

retirement is not an option

Slope Reinforcement

• Example: red rose PLACING DEBRIS

Slope Reinforcement

• Example: red rose

SEEDED AND COVERED

Slope Reinforcement

• Example: red roseFINISHED SLOPE

Slope Reinforcement

• Example: elk county

BEFORE

Slope Reinforcement

• Example: elk county

Slope ReinforcementREINFORCED SLOPE

• picture

Slope ReinforcementGeo-CELL- 3-dimensional- holds material - max support



Slope Reinforcement end of ROADSIDE INFLUENCES


next

Geo-Synthetics

05_OnG_geosynthetics.pptx

5: Geo-synthetics – page 1


GEO-SYNTHETICS:

literally means “Man-made earth”

GEO-SYNTHETICS GEO-SYNTHETICS

Separation FABRIC

Geo-GRID

Geo-CELL

GEO-SYNTHETICS

Separation FABRIC

Geo-GRID

Geo-CELL

NOTE: - These are permanent, non-biodegradable plastic support products intended to be buried

- These are different from biodegradable surface products such as “jute matting”

GEO-SYNTHETICS

Separation FABRIC

Geo-GRID

Geo-CELL

GEO-SYNTHETICS Separation FABRIC

Separation Fabric: Plastic “cloth” used to separate different materials in soil or road.


Separation Fabric Uses:• Separates two types of material

•Adds some strength•Distributes loads over larger area•Prevent clogging of underdrains

No Separation FabricSeparation Fabric

stone

sand

stone

sand


Considerations:

• Allows water to pass through• Not biodegradable• Should be buried 1 foot minimum• Many types, sizes, thicknesses, and uses• Some typical rolls: (600 sqyd) - $400

•12.5’ wide x 432’ length•15’ wide x 360’ length•17.5’ wide x 309’ length


Types:• Two major classifications:• Woven

•separation•Support•4-10 gpm/sqft

• Non-woven•separation•filtering•95-140 gpm/sqft


Types:The “Classification” of the fabric needed varies upon use:

• PennDOT Class 2-A Woven• Separation of materials/soils• Base support for road• French Mattress

• PennDOT Class 1 Non-Woven• Sub-surface drainage - Underdrain

• Consult manufacturer for intended use



Common UsesUses will be detailed throughout training

GEO-SYNTHETICS Separation FABRIC GEO-SYNTHETICS

Separation FABRIC

Geo-GRID

Geo-CELL

GEO-SYNTHETICS Geo-Grid

GEO-GRID: Plastic grid used to stabilize and strengthen soil.

GEO-SYNTHETICSGeo-Grid Uses:• Strengthen soil• Spreads weight (snowshoe effect)

Geo-Grid GEO-SYNTHETICSConsiderations:• Does not separate material like fabric• Adds more strength than fabric• Spreads weight better than fabric• Reduces depth of fill required.• Should be buried 1 foot minimum• Many types, sizes, patterns, and uses• Typical roll: 600 sqyd, $1,000

Geo-GridCommon Uses

Uses will be detailed throughout training

GEO-SYNTHETICS Geo-Grid

GEO-SYNTHETICS

Separation FABRIC

Geo-GRID

Geo-CELL

GEO-CELL: 3 dimensional plastic grid that can be filled with material to stabilize surfaces

GEO-SYNTHETICS Geo-Cell GEO-SYNTHETICSGeo-Cell Uses:• Provides maximum structural support• “Cellular Confinement”

Geo-Cell



GEO-SYNTHETICS Geo-CellConsiderations:• Can fill with variety of materials

• Stone for support & drainage• Soil to support vegetation

• Holds fill material in place• Typically available in 6” or 9” depths• Many types, sizes, patterns, and uses• Comes folded flat for transport• Typical sheet: 8’X20’, $350

Common UsesUses will be detailed throughout training

GEO-SYNTHETICS Geo-Cell GEO-SYNTHETICSFABRIC

GRID

CELL

- SEPARATE, some structural support

- Structural Support

- Maximum Structural Support, cellular confinement


GEO-SYNTHETICS


Geo-CELL- 3-dimensional- holds material - max support

Specific uses discussed

throughout rest of training.

Look for these reminder blocks.

end of GEO-SYNTHETICS


next

Road / Stream Interface

06_OnG _Road Stream interface.pptx

6: Road Stream Interface – page 1


We are talking about anywhere where roads and streams meet!

BRIDGESSTREAM PIPESROADSIDE STREAMS

This section deals with STREAMS, not road drainage.

Drainage Culvert Stream Culvert

Streams can be ANY SIZEStreams can be

ANY SIZE

EVEN DRY!

Any sediment that gets into this channeleventually travels to a larger stream!

Road and Stream Interactions May Require…

• All necessary permits must be obtained prior to working within the defined stream corridor.

• Policy and enforcement varies across Pennsylvania.

• Your regional DEP office and your local CONSERVATION DISTRICT are your best resources for permit information.

1. High-water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better Pipes4. Streambank Stabilization5. Improved Stream Crossings

High Water Bypass

TECHNICAL BULLETININ YOUR TAKE-

HOME BOOK

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_p.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_e.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_r.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_s.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_m.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_i.htm

D:/alphabets_a_e/clouds/vp_t.htm



High-Water Bypass

low flow

path of high

flow

stream crossingHighHigh Water

Close-up of bank armor

High Water Bypass: A flat, low-lyingsection of road that serves as anoverflow to allow water to cross theroad with minimal damage duringextreme flow events.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN IN YOUR TAKE-HOME BOOK

High Water Bypass

Considerations:•Make bypass wide and flat.•Reinforce the overflow area.•Can be constructed over stream crossing.•Only designed to handle large events.

Where to use a high-water bypass•Stream historically overtops the road.•Road pipes or bridges are too small.


High Water Bypass

Demo 1/7

Excavate bypass area

High Water Bypass

Demo 2/7

Place fabric

High Water Bypass


Demo 3/7

Stretch out geo-cell

High Water Bypass


Demo 4/7

Pin geo-cell in place

High Water Bypass


Demo 5/7

Fill with clean stone

High Water Bypass

Demo 6/7

Cover bypass

High Water Bypass

Demo 7/7

1 year later TECHNICAL BULLETIN IN YOUR TAKE-HOME BOOK

High Water Bypass



Bypass on a slope: Prevent water from following road.

Low flow – no bypass

High Water Bypass

High flow – no bypass

Stream attacks road

High Water BypassBypass on a slope: Prevent water from following road.

Low flow – no bypass


Low flow – with bypass

ReinforcedBypassAdded Material


High flow – with bypass


low flow

reinforcedlow point

SIDE VIEW Low flow


High Water Bypass

low flow

reinforcedlow point


SIDE VIEW

high flow

High flow

High Water BypassBenefits:• Easier than installing a larger pipe or bridge.• YOU determine the overflow location.• Flooding impact on the road is minimized.

•Less loss of road material.•Reduces chance of washouts.

Considerations:• Is designed to allow water to cross the road.

(like it would anyways!)

High Water Bypass

1. High Water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better Pipes4. Streambank Stabilization5. Improved Stream Crossings

Corman Clearwater Crossing

TECHNICAL BULLETINSAVAILABLE



Corman Clearwater Crossing: The practice of re-profiling road ditches to drain away from a stream

crossing and into a vegetative filter area.

lowflow

stream

“Typical” stream crossing

road surface

ditches drain into stream

road surface

ditch flow

stream ditch flow

added material

added material

“Corman Clearwater Crossing”ditches drain away from stream

added material

EXAMPLE:


BEFORE AFTER

Ditch is filled and planted with native species

new culvert

Corman Clearwater Crossing: The practice of re-profiling road ditches to drain away from a stream

crossing and into a vegetative filter area.


Considerations:• Additional drainage outlets must be provided

away from the stream. This may require additional landowner considerations.

• Fill may be required to establish flow away from stream crossing.

• Establish native vegetation at outlets

Where to use the CCC• Anywhere the road crosses a stream.

(pipes, bridges, and fords)



1. High Water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better Pipes Headwalls and Endwalls

Placement of Pipes Over-sizing Pipes BottomlessMultiple Pipes

Headwalls and EndwallsBetter Pipes

We are talking about stream pipes, not crosspipes

Better Stream Pipesheadwalls and endwalls

pipe

Headwall Endwall

road surface

Headwall: A wall built around a pipe opening to support the road and prevent erosion.

road surfacepipe

Low FlowNo Headwall

pipe

High FlowWith Headwall

pipe

erosion

erosionerosion

erosion

High FlowNo Headwall


Considerations:• Materials• Keying into bank• Size of stone• Headwall Shape• Overlapping joints

Where to use Headwalls and Endwalls• On every pipe!


Considerations:Materials







Considerations:Size of stone


Too small

Considerations:Size of stone


Benefits:• Increases pipe capacity.• Prevents erosion around pipe.• Protects and supports your road.• Visually identifies ditch and pipe.

Considerations:• Requires work, maybe even….hand work!


1. High Water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better PipesBetter Pipes Headwalls and Endwalls


Placement of Pipes

AlignmentSlopeElevationCover

road surface

NO

Pipe Alignment

YES

bank erosion

bank erosion

bank erosion

Better Stream Pipesplacement of pipes

road surface

bank erosion

bank erosion

Pipe Alignment

Don’t forget headwall and

endwall!


Pipe Elevation

Inlet elevation should be based on stream, not road.

Inlet too low!


Pipe Cover

Required cover is based on pipe size and material.






Over-sizing Pipes

WHY?• Required by DEP.• Better for stream life.• Extra weight helps to hold pipe in place.

Instead of a small pipe that flushes clean, consider a larger pipe that is embedded in stream channel.

Stream material onbottom of pipe

Better Stream Pipesover-sizing pipes


Placement of Pipes Over-sizing Pipes BottomlessMultiple PipesBottomless Pipes

Not this kind of bottomless pipe!

A pipe that is INTENTIONALLY bottomless.

Better Stream Pipesbottomless pipes

Why consider a bottomless pipe?

• Higher capacity for same depth.• Less stream impact.• Less maintenance. (gravel bars etc)• Less cover required.• Natural stream bottom.

Better Stream Pipesbottomless pipes


Placement of Pipes Over-sizing Pipes BottomlessMultiple PipesMultiple Pipes

Better Stream Pipesmultiple pipes


Considerations:

Staggered inlets prevent blockages.

Different elevations handle low and high flow.

pipepipe pipe




Why use multiple pipes?• Less cover is required –vs- a single pipe.• Less stream impact with proper design.


2’

3’

But be careful, which can carry more water?

2’

Two 2’ pipes One 3’ pipe

Opening = 3.14 + 3.14 = 6.3 square feet Opening = 7.1 square feet

THIS ONE!


1. High Water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better Pipes4. Streambanks5. Improved Stream Crossings

Streambank Stabilization

Why is Streambank Stabilization important?• Saves your road!• Makes stream more stable and healthy.• Reduced sediment buildup around bridges.

Streambank Stabilization

Bioengineering:• Live Stakes• Live Fascines• Brushlayers• Branch packing• Joint Planting

Streambank StabilizationBioengineering

• Willows• Shrub Dogwoods

Once roots are established, vegetation

can be mowed


AND IT IS …….

Benefits:• Stabilizes stream and road!• Cheap and effective.• Long term solution.• Maintainable.

Considerations:• Requires hand work.


Bioengineering Rip-RapStabilizes stream YES YESCheap and effective YES NOLong term solution YES ?Maintainable YES NO

BIOENGINEERING IS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN RIP RAP!


1. High Water Bypass2. Corman Clearwater Crossing3. Better Pipes4. Streambank Stabilization5. Improved Stream CrossingsImproved Stream Crossings



Better Bridges• On flat bridges, gradually eliminate crown as road

approaches bridge.

• Keep bridge decks clean and free draining.

• Road approaches to bridge may need more frequent attention.

Improved Stream CrossingsBridges

Better Bridges: keep bridge decks high and dry.


Better Bridges: grade road to match bridge deck


Better Bridges: special attention needed!



A good location for:

• Raise road over stream crossing.

• Drain road and ditches away from stream.

New Road Profile

Existing Cross Culvert


water flowwater flow

water flow water flow

NO

YES

Improved Stream CrossingsPipes

Better Stream Pipes

Small crosspipes can be added to road fill to accommodate high water.


New Flood Relief Pipes

New Road Profilewater flow


Berks County 1/3

Before: Saturated road base


Berks County 2/3

During: French Mattress installation with pipes



Berks County 3/3

After




end of ROAD STREM INTERFACE


next

Roadside Ditches

07_OnG_Ditches.pptx

7: Ditches – page 1


ROAD DITCHES

OBJECTIVE

To provide a better understanding of road ditches:(we’re talking parallel ditches)

- Definition of a road ditch and why we have them- Characteristics of a good and bad ditch - How to determine if a ditch is really needed, and

how to eliminate unnecessary ditches- Proper ditch maintenance- How to “read a ditch” to determine outlet needs

What are road ditchesRoad ditch: A waterway constructed parallel to a road

to collect and transport road runoff.

Why do we have ditches?

• Collect water from roadway

• Keep water off roadway

• To have a ditch (perceived need)

Why do we have ditches? Ditches come in all formsFrom Small…….to Enormous

Ditches come in all formsFrom Stable…….to Unstable

Ditches come in all formsFrom Functional…to Dysfunctional

Ditches come in all formsFrom Cheap….to Expensive



Are all ditches really necessary?

1. Draining Ditches to Stream

2. Unnecessary Ditches

3. Scheduled Maintenance vs. Required Maintenance

4. Lack of Ditch Outlets

5. Ditch Armoring (rock lining)

Draining Ditchesto Streams

Stream Pipe

Road Ditch

Artificial Berms

Unnecessary Ditches

Lower ground exists for +200’

Grass berm traps water on road!

Drains directly to stream

Scheduled Maintenance

A lack of ditch outlets concentrates

water

Lack of Ditch Outlets

No outlets!

Stream

Ditch ArmoringDitch Armoring:trying reduce erosion by hardening the ditch

Rip-Rap

1/3

1. Draining Ditches to Stream

2. Unnecessary Ditches

3. Scheduled Maintenance

4. Lack of Ditch Outlets

5. Ditch Armoring (rock lining)

Common ditch practices are often “Band Aid” solutions that focus on symptoms and don’t address the problem



ESM Ps

1. Avoid Concentrating Drainage2. Minimize Flow Volumes3. Reduce Effects of Concentrated

Drainage4. Prevent Surface Erosion5. Reduce Cost and Frequency of

Road Maintenance

ESMP PRINCIPLES:REMEMBER THESE?

Especially important for DITCHES:

– Eliminate ditches when possible– Reduce ditch flow with frequent outlets– Water Volume X Velocity = Erosion!

Unlike urban storm sewers that “connect” drainage to streams, we want to “disconnect”

the rural drainage system.

ESM Ps

ESM Practices

1. Ditch Elimination2. Fill Road Cross-section 3. Low Maintenance Ditches4. Alternative Cleaning Methods5. Re-vegetation6. Underdrains7. Through-drains 8. Ditch Outlet Frequency

ESM Ps

Ditch Elimination

2 TECHNICAL BULLETINSAVAILABLE

Ditch EliminationBerm RemovalOutslope the RoadFill Road Cross-section

Ditch EliminationBerm RemovalOutslope the RoadFill Road Cross-section

Berm RemovalOutslope the RoadFill Road Cross-section

No Ditch!

No Ditch!

Ditch Elimination

Berm RemovalOutslope the RoadFill Road Cross-section

No Ditch!

Ditch

TECHNICAL BULLETINAVAILABLE

Ditch Elimination

When:

–Where banks are higher on both sides of the road

–When you want to shift the road up-slope

–When you want to add road width

–When pipes and turn-outs pose a problem (fewer landowner issues with less outlets)

2 TECHNICAL BULLETINSAVAILABLE

Filling the Road Cross Section

SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

IDEAL CROSS-SECTION

How: Where banks are higher on both sides of the road

2 TECHNICAL BULLETINS




SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

ELIMINATED BANK

REDUCED BANK HEIGHT

FILL



SHEET FLOW

SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

How: When you want to shift the road up-slope



SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

FILL

REDUCED BANK HEIGHT



SUB-SOIL

ROADWAY

WIDER CARTWAY

FILL



How: When you want to add road widthBEFORE

IDEALELEVATION


ADDING SHALE

IDEALELEVATION


ADDING SHALE

IDEALELEVATION


FINISHED SHALEIDEAL

ELEVATIONACHIEVED!


PLACING AGGREGATE




BEFORE

AFTER


Partial Fill Option


Remember our discussion on “keying” bases and construction –vs- maintenance.

ESM Practices


ESM Ps

Low Maintenance Ditches

Creating Low Maintenance Ditches

Good Ditch ShapeGood Ditch Depth

Unstable “V” Shaped Ditch

Unstable “V” Ditch

Compared to…Compared to….

Stable Rounded Ditch

Stable Rounded Ditch

Ditch depth affects pipe and turnout elevation and locationDeep ditch concentrates water more

Good Ditch ShapeGood Ditch Depth





Proper Rock-lined Ditch Design and installation

If this is your only choiceESM Practices

1. Ditch Elimination2. Fill Road Cross-section 3. Low Maintenance Ditches4. Alternative Cleaning Methods

ESM Ps

Alternative Cleaning Methods

When to CleanWhere to Clean(skip critical sections)Leaf Blowers



Ditches need to be cleaned when:• Flow path is blocked• Ditch elevation too high to drain road

When to CleanWhere to CleanLeaf Blowers

Alternative DitchCleaning Strategies

Ditches need to be cleaned when:• Flow path is blocked• Ditch elevation too high to drain road



Ditches need to be cleaned where:• Skip critical areas• Avoid stable/functioning ditches



Leaf blowers:• Simple, cheap, and effective.• Removes debris, not soil



ESM Practices


ESM Ps

Re-vegetation

Vegetation is a cheap, natural, and

maintainable reinforcement for ditches compared to other options

Re-vegetation

Re-vegetationAfter cleaning or creating a ditch, re-vegetate as soon as possible ESM Practices

1. Ditch Elimination 2. Fill Road Cross-section 3. Low Maintenance Ditches4. Alternative Cleaning Methods5. Re-vegetation6. Underdrains7. Through-drains 8. Ditch Outlet Frequency

ESM Ps

Underdrains

UnderdrainsUnderdrain : A buried drainpipe that collects subsurface water and directs it to a stable outlet before it surfaces in the ditch or road.

- Lowers volume of water in ditch

- Promotes road edge and base stability



Where TO USE:

• Perpetually wet ditches and banks

• Saturated road bases

ANY CONSISTENTLYWET AREAS!

Saturated road bases

ditches and banks

Saturated road basesSaturated road bases

Underdrains

PRE-FAB CONSTRUCTED

Underdrains

PRO• Cheaper• Quicker and easier

to install

CON• Clogs easier• Not for clay soils• Less surface area

to collect water

PRO• Customized size• Can carry more water• Less likely to clog• Can be used in clay soil

CON• More construction

cost and time

PRE-FAB CONSTRUCTED(preferred)

Underdrains

Pre-fab Underdrain:

- Perforated pipe pre-wrapped in fabric

- Road fill placed directly on top

UnderdrainsConstructed Stone Underdrain:

1 2 3

4 5 6

Excavate Place Fabric Bedding & Pipe

Filter Material Wrap Fabric Compact Fill

Underdrains Underdrains

Early Spring – good time to ID sub-surface water problems

To fix later on

UnderdrainsConstructed Stone

Underdrain

UnderdrainsConstructed Stone

Underdrain

Underdrains

Separation Fabric-Separates andfilters

- spreads load- some support



Constructed Stone Underdrain

Underdrains

Separation Fabric-Separates andfilters

- spreads load- some support

Constructed Stone Underdrain

Underdrains

Econo Anchors

CONSIDERATIONS:- Any stone used must be clean (no fines)- Fabric will keep underdrain flowing longer

(non-woven in most applications) - Outlet clean underdrain water separate from

road drainage when possible- Provide at least 12” of cover overtop- Provide minimum 1% slope just like pipe

Underdrains

ESM Practices


ESM Ps

Through-drainsCovered

in“Run-on”

Through Drain: A pipe that collects concentrated water coming to the road, and conveys it under the road separate from road drainage.

Through-Drains

Coveredin

“Run-on”

- Redirects concentrated overland flows away from road ditches

- Keeps clean spring flow separate from road drainage

- Lowers overall volume of water in ditch

Through-Drains

ESM Practices


ESM Ps

Ditch Outlet Frequency

What is a “Ditch Outlet”?

Crosspipe:

CulvertSluice PipeCrossdrain

Tile

Crosspipe: A pipe placed under the roadway tooutlet water from the upslope road ditch.


Turnout:

BleederCutout

Wing ditch

Turnout: An opening in the road bank or bermto outlet drainage from the downslope ditch.




Proper “Ditch Outlet Frequency”is achieved when there are sufficient

ditch outlets to maintain a stable ditch.

More details of good crosspipes and turnouts are discussed in the next chapter.

Ditch Outlet Frequency Standards for culvert spacing

What do we recommend……………

Strict Standards rarely fit the real world.

Let’s take a look at some factors to determine outlet frequency and try to

“Read the Ditch”

Ditch Outlet FrequencyFactors in determining

outlet frequency:What is

“READING THE DITCH”?

Reading the Ditch: Using ditch characteristics, not standard tables, to determine the need for outlets.

Water VolumeOff-ROW WaterSubsurface WaterRd Surf Drainage

Road GeometryRoad SlopeGrade ChangesCurves

Native SoilAvailable Outlets


Water VolumeOff-ROW WaterSubsurface WaterRd Surface Drainage



Factors in determiningoutlet frequency:


Water VolumeOff-ROW WaterSubsurface WaterRd surface Drainage


Native SoilAvailable outlets















Water VolumeOff-ROW waterSubsurface WaterRd Surface Drainage






Road geometryRoad SlopeGrade ChangesCurves











Native SoilAvailable Outlets(often the most challenging)Let the ditch tell you, and do the best that you can



The ultimate goal of proper “Ditch Outlet Frequency”

is to mimic natural sheet flow patterns.


(to beat the common enemy and minimize impact on the road and the environment)

end of Roadside Ditches


next

Ditch Outlets

08_OnG_Ditch Outlets.pptx

8: Ditch Outlets– page 1


What are ditch outlets?.....

This section deals with DRAINAGE, not streams.Drainage Culvert Stream Culvert

Objectives- Encourage stable, low maintenance outlets.- Minimize drainage impacts on streams and surrounding land uses

Drainage culverts vary by size and material Drainage culverts vary by size and materialDiameter Plastic Corrugated Metal Concrete Ductile Iron*

Estimated Life Expectancy - 30 years

30 years (Steel), 75+ years

(Aluminum)75-100 years 30 years

Required Cover

Thickness

15" 12" 12" 12" 30" (2.5')

48" 12" 12" 12" 30" (2.5')

Cost/foot (approximate)

15" $6.25 $8.41 $12.50 $39 48" $50.00 $26.22 $82.52 $297

Weight(lbs per foot)

15" 4.6 10.78 127 50*48" 31.25 33.64 867 260

Corrosion Resistance(acid mine

drainage, etc)

- Non corrosive

Steel-subject to corrosion,

Aluminum- non corrosive

Non corrosive Non Corrosive

Full Flow Capacity (cfs)

15" 10 5 8 12*48" 230 106 177 221

Pipe Sizing:

•More crosspipes = less flow in each pipe = smaller diameter pipes can be used.

•Generally, we use 15” smooth bore plasticcrosspipes (for drainage, not streams!).

1. Poor outlet location (low point/streams)

2. Lack of pipe headwalls/endwalls3. Pipe inlet/outlet too far off road4. Poor pipe alignment (angle)5. Inadequate compaction or cover6. Too few ditch outlets!

Poor Outlet Location



Lack of Headwalls Pipe Inlet/Outlet too far off road Poor Pipe Alignment

Inadequate Compactionor Cover Too Few Ditch Outlets!

ESMPs

1. Selecting a Good Outlet Location2. Creating Low Maintenance Turnouts 3. Proper Pipe Alignment4. Proper Pipe Installation5. Shallow Pipe Installation6. “Through-the-Bank” Pipes7. French Mattresses

Selecting a Good Outlet Location

ROAD SURFACE

Avoid discharging pipes directly to streamDischarge into vegetated buffer when possible

DITCH

Selecting a GoodOutlet Location

DITCH

YES

YES

NO

NO

Benefits:• Keeps road out of stream• Vegetative filters provide outlet protection• In many cases, it is ILLEGAL to discharge water

directly into the stream

Considerations:• May require more and/or longer crosspipes• Landowner issues concerning outlets




Outlet turnouts and crosspipes separately

CrosspipeTurnout


ESMPs


Creating Low Maintenance Turnouts

Properties of effective turnouts:

• Wide level turnouts better

• Turnouts must have fall

• Shallow turnout elevation• Turnouts should be

vegetated• Insure water does not

return to road


Properties of effective turnouts:• Wide and flat• Must have fall • Shallow elevation• Vegetated• Gets water away from road


Properties of effective turnouts:• Wide and flat• Must have fall • Shallow elevation• Vegetated• Gets water away from road


ESMPs


Proper Pipe Alignment

Undersized Pipes

road surfaceNO

bank erosion

bank erosion

ditch flow


YES

Install pipes in direction of flow

road surface

ditch flow

Don’t forget headwall and

endwall!


road surface


Reduces concentrated axle weight and crushing




Luzerne

Benefits:• Less erosion at inlet and outlet• Pipe will carry more water• Reduces effect of traffic load• Allows more flexibility of inlet and outlet placement

Considerations:• Requires longer pipe

Proper Pipe Alignment ESMPs

1. Selecting a Good Outlet Location2. Creating Low Maintenance Turnouts 3. Proper Pipe Alignment4. Proper Pipe InstallationProper Pipe Installation

1.Excavate Pipe Trench2.Place Pipe in Trench3.Fill and Compaction4.Inlet & Outlet Protection

1. Excavate Pipe Trench

Excavate Pipe TrenchEquipment:• Backhoe, trackhoe,

or gradall

• Compaction equipment

Proper Crosspipe Installation

Trench Width:

• Wide enough to fit compaction equipment on both sides of pipe

typically pipe width + ~16” for jumping jack

Excavate Pipe Trench


Excavate Pipe TrenchTrench Depth:• Pipe inlet elevation

should be even with existing ditchline if possible

• Pipe outlet elevation should be even with ground elevation when possible

Lots More to come on this in “Shallow Crosspipe Installations”


Excavate Pipe TrenchTrench Fall:• Minimum 2% slope (1/4

inch per foot)

• Use level to determine slope

Too little slope = deposition in pipe

Too much slope = more velocity and deeper outlet elevation

Proper Crosspipe Installation ESMPs


1.Excavate Pipe Trench2.Place Pipe in Trench3.Fill and Compaction4.Inlet & Outlet Protection

2. Place Pipe in Trench

Place Pipe in TrenchPipe bedding?- If pipe trench is uneven, pipe bedding may be required

If Necessary:- Place 2-3” of suitable bedding material in bottom of trench and level off

- Compact prior to pipe placement




Place Pipe in TrenchPlacement:Inlet should be located in existing ditch line:

- Too close to road makes a traffic hazard

- Too far off road makes it difficult for water to enter and causes bank erosion


Place Pipe in TrenchPlacement:• Place pipe sections in trench

• Join together with glue or collars

• Check for proper fall

• Check for uniform pipe support.

• Fill any gaps under pipe with additional bedding



1.Excavate Pipe Trench2.Place Pipe in Trench3.Fill and Compaction4.Inlet & Outlet Protection3. Fill and Compaction

Fill and Compaction

Pipe Fill: Material used to fill and compact trench around a pipe.


Ideal Material:- Use excavated material

when possible- If excavated material is

too course, fill material should be imported

- Typical fill materials include bankrun gravel, shale, and 2RC

Fill and CompactionProper Crosspipe Installation

Fill and CompactionFill:

• While holding pipe in place, add 8-12” of pipe fill on each side of pipe

• Place by machine, spread by hand


Fill and CompactionCompaction:

Typically done using a “Jumping Jack”

Jumping Jack: (tamper, whacker) device that uses a rapidly vibrating foot to compact soil.


Compaction:

Sometimes done using a “Vibratory Plate”

Vibratory Plate: LARGEdevice that uses a rapidly vibrating foot to compact soil.

Fill and CompactionProper Crosspipe Installation

Fill and CompactionCompact:Compaction of first lift is crucial to support bottom of pipe!

uncompacted compacted

pipe




Fill and CompactionCompact:

• Continue to fill and compact in 8-12” lifts

• Thicker lifts will not compact properly

• Compaction is crucial to avoid pipe flex

• Use moist fill material for better compaction


Fill and CompactionCompact:

• Continue to fill and compact in 8-12” lifts over pipe

• Insure adequate compacted cover over pipe

• Need 12”+ in most casesnot including aggregate!


Fill and CompactionConsider Geo-grid over crosspipes:

Why: reduces the impact of traffic on the pipe

When: • Heavy hauling• Poor subbase• Inadequate cover


Fill and CompactionConsider Geo-grid over crosspipes:

Depth: Keep one foot of cover over geo-grid

Length: Geo-grid should extend at least one vehicle length on both sides of the pipe



1.Excavate Pipe Trench2.Place Pipe in Trench3.Fill and Compaction4.Inlet & Outlet Protection4. Inlet & Outlet Protection

Inlet & Outlet ProtectionEvery Pipe must have inlet and outlet protection!

• Headwalls and Endwalls• Increase pipe capacity• Prevent erosion around pipe• Protect inlet/outlet from crushing • Support road shoulder at inlet/outlet• Visually identifies ditch and pipe

Pipe

backfill

X fe

et

X feet


Inlet & Outlet Protection

Headwalls can be installed:

Before pipe fill is complete

-or-

After pipe placement is complete


Headwalls can be custom built

-or-

Pre-fabricated


Inlet & Outlet Protection Inlet & Outlet ProtectionOutlet Aprons:Only where necessary: Large flows Steep banks Poor soils


YESNO



Inlet & Outlet ProtectionOutlet Aprons:

Use placed natural stone where possible

Use large rocks that will not move during storms

Apron size depends on volume of water


Inlet & Outlet ProtectionProper Crosspipe Installation

Outlet Aprons

“Big Chunky Rock”



Supports pipe and dissipates flow

“Brush Piles” Inlet & Outlet ProtectionProper Crosspipe Installation ESMPs


Shallow Pipe Installation

Shallow Pipe Installation: Installing a crosspipe to outlet at natural ground elevation. This typically involves a shallower trench and additional fill when compared to a traditional installation.

Let’s compare…

SHALLOW Crosspipe Installation

Traditional “Deep” Installation

Road

31”

>12”

31”

CompactedPipeFill

31”31”31”31”31”

19”15” inside diameter 19”

15” inside diameter

Outlet TrenchRequired!

Natural Ground Elevation


Traditional “Deep” Installation

Natural Ground Elevation Outlet Trench

Required!




Shallow Pipe InstallationSHALLOW Crosspipe Installation

Excavate trench


CompactedPipeFill 31”>12”

Pipe bottom is at natural ground elevation: No outlet trench!

19”15” inside diameter



>12”Compacted

PipeFill

31”

>12”CompactedPipe Fill

Road

Roadbed

old road

Roadbed

TraditionalCover obtained by digging Cover obtained by filling

Shallow

15” inside diameter

15” inside diameterdiameter

new road


Outlet TrenchRequired!


TraditionalCover obtained by digging Cover obtained by filling

ShallowSHALLOW Crosspipe Installation

Why Shallow Pipes?

Outlet water to natural ground instead of into a hole!

•Reduce maintenance

•Encourage infiltration

•Reduce problems associated with deep pipes

•Reduce stream connectivity


The Bottom Line:Don’t use road surface elevation to determine pipe elevation!Use ground elevation at outlet to determine pipe elevation!

SHALLOW Crosspipe Installation SHALLOW Crosspipe Installation SHALLOW Crosspipe Installation



Adams County 3/4


Adams County 4/4

SHALLOW Crosspipe Installation ESMPs


“Through-the-bank” Pipes

Actual “Through-the-bank”VenangoVenangoVenangoVenango

“Through-the-Bank” Pipes: A pipe placed through the down-slope road bank to carry ditch drainage through the bank and away from the road.


Not This!

Actual “Through-the-bank”VenangoVenangoVenangoVenango

“Through-the-Bank” Pipes: A pipe placed through the down-slope road bank to carry ditch drainage through the bank and away from the road.


When to use a “through-the-bank” pipe

•To “punch a hole” through a bank on the downnhill side of the road to outlet water

•To outlet water from entrenched roads as an alternative to costly road fill

•Can be used in conjunction with other drainage practices (i.e. – with broad-based dips or grade breaks)



Potential “Through-the-bank” pipe location


Centre

Potential “Through-the-bank” pipe location


Actual “Through-the-bank”

inlet

outlet




Actual “Through-the-bank”


With broad-based dip

ESMPs

1. Selecting a Good Outlet Location2. Creating Low Maintenance Turnouts 3. Proper Pipe Alignment4. Proper Pipe Installation5. Shallow Pipe Installation6. “Through-the-Bank” Pipes7. French MattressesFrench Mattresses French Mattress: A drainage structure under a

road consisting of coarse rock wrapped in fabric through which water can freely pass.

RoadRoad

STONEFABRIC

WATER FLOW

French Mattress

When to use a French Mattress•To reconnect wetland hydrology divided by road

•Very effective in:• sloped and lowland wetlands

• areas with wet banks

• areas with saturated road base• floodplains

TECHNICAL BULLETININ YOUR TAKE-

HOME BOOK

French MattressJefferson County 1/5

STONE

French Mattress


Separation Fabric

FABRIC

Jefferson County 2/5

STONE

French Mattress


STONE

In this situation, small stone was used to protect fabric from large stone

FABRIC

French MattressJefferson County 4/5

FABRIC

French Mattress

ROAD SURFACE


STONE

SHALE FILL

WATER FLOW

French Mattress



Huntingdon County 1/6

French MattressHuntingdon County 2/6


French Mattress

Huntingdon County 4/6



French Mattress

Benefits:• Provide excellent stable road base• Allow water to move either way• No concentrated outlet like a pipe• Less permit restrictions• Fools the beavers

Considerations:• Cannot be used for concentrated overland flow (not a replacement for every crosspipe) why?..

French Mattress

IMPORTANT:

A French Mattresscannot be used for

concentrated overland flow (not a replacement

for every crosspipe)

French Mattress end of DITCH OUTLETS


next

Surface Aggregate

09_OnG_DSA.pptx

9: Driving Surface Aggregate (DSA) – page 1


RIVING

U R F A C E

G G R E G A T E

• Surface aggregate is the most visible and expensive aspect of road maintenance.

• How often do you apply aggregate to your roads?

• Where does the aggregate go?

AGGREGATES

The goal of good surface aggregate is to:

– Provide a durable driving surface for vehicles

– Resist wear and erosion to save money

– Resist wear and erosion to reduce pollution

AGGREGATES

TYPICAL ROAD AGGREGATE MATERIALS• Limestone• Sandstone• Slag (by-product of steel production)

TraditionalAggregates

LIMESTONE

SLAG

SANDSTONE

2A- Very few “fine”

particles

- Designed as base for pavement(designed for drainage, not

compaction)


2RC- More “fine”

particles

- Fines can be clay or soil

- Very broad specification range


Bankrun Gravel- Varies in top size

- Unless crushed, it is ROUND!

- Does not compact well

- Quality and usefulness varies greatly


Most road aggregates used today were created for use in

drainage under pavements, and were NOT intended to be

used as a driving surface.THIS IS WHY WE HAVE CREATED A

DRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE!




Problems with Tailgating• Difficult to get even coverage on road• Grader separates aggregate by size• Placement depends on grader operator

TraditionalPlacement DRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE

DSA is the ONLY approved surface materialin the Dirt and Gravel Road Program

* Note that surface material is not required for every site

An aggregate specification created by the Dirt and Gravel Road Program for use as a wearing course on

unpaved roads

DRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE


DSA is now appoved for Liquid Fuels spending by PennDOT!

PennDOT Publication 447 (MS-0450-0004)


RESOURCES:

DSA CERTIFICATION / SPECIFICATION: 2 page aggregate and placement spec and certification

DSA TECHNICAL BULLETIN: More in depth DSA explanation

DSA QUARRY LIST: List of known DSA producers statewide.

PennDOT Publication 447 (MS-0450-0004)


Driving Surface Aggregate Development

DSA was developed in the late 1990’s to address Municipal concerns with existing aggregates.

Initial specification for DSA was developed by an informal group comprised of:

Aggregate Producers, Materials ScientistsCenter & Program Staff, PA Fish and Boat Commission

The Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads has an advisory board with those same entities for ongoing DSA concerns.


- What is DSA?

- Details of DSA specification

- Purchasing DSA

- DSA placement

What is DSA?WHAT IS DSA?

- Similar to PennDOT’s “2A”, but:- Smaller top size and more fine material for

better compaction- More strict specifications ( size, hardness, moisture, etc)

WHAT IS DSA?

Advantages of DSA:- Better compaction- More durable- Tighter specification (narrower gradation, more

fines, hardness spec, clay limitations)- Readily available

What is DSA?




- What is DSA?

- Details of DSA specification- Size or Gradation- Hardness- Moisture- pH

Passing Sieve

Lower % Higher %

1½ inch 100 -3/4 inch 65 95

#4 (1/4 ") 30 65#16 (1/16 ") 15 30

#200(1/200 ") 10 15

% passing by weight

SpecificationDetailsDSA

20%

12.5%25% 10%

32.5%

“Midline” DSA specification makeup

Percent by weight

DSA Fines:Remember we said:

“FINES” ARE THE GLUE THAT HOLDS DSA TOGETHER!

98% of the “Fines” in DSA must be crushed rock!

Crushed rock fines from other sources that meet DSA standards can be added.- Limestone fines can be added to sandstone aggregate (and reverse).- Up to 50% of fines can be made up of Lime/Cement Kiln Dust.


Tighter specification with more fine material allows for better compaction than

traditional aggregates.

DSA: 10-15% crushed rock fines2A: 0-10% ??? fines

Better compaction leads to a better, harder, longer lasting road.

DSA Size Gradation in a nutshell:


- What is DSA?



DSA SPEC: LA abrasion of less than 40%

“The harder an aggregate is, the less likely it is to break down under traffic and erosion”

DSA Hardness:


- What is DSA?



“Aggregate MUST be delivered at optimum moisture”

WHY?-Reduces segregation during transport and placement

- Allows for maximum compaction

DSA Moisture:Specification DetailsDSA



Moisture Test

7.4%

138.9

Standard Proctor Analysis- Standard and accepted test to determine optimum

moisture for an aggregate

- Determine optimum moisture pre-project for maximum compaction. (estimated cost $135)

- Use gauge in field during placement to determine:- actual moisture compared to optimum moisture- the highest compaction (estimated cost $35/hr)

OPTIONAL Moisture Test

- Use nuclear density gauge in field during placement to determine:

- actual moisture compared to optimum moisture

- Determines number of roller passes for maximum compaction

Moisture Test

DSA Moisture field “test”

TOO DRYUnable to make ball. Aggregate falls apart.

JUST RIGHT!

Aggregate forms tight ball that stays together.

TOO WETAggregate forms wet, mushy unstable ball.

Cover the trucks!

DSA moisture:

Aggregate trucks MUST be covered to avoid excessive drying of aggregate.

Placed with a paver! More to come on that in a minute.


- What is DSA?



Proper pH

pH:

• DSA SPEC: pH between 6 and 12.45

• Traditional Aggregates: No spec



- What is DSA?


- Purchasing DSA

- DSA placement


Aggregate thickness (both specifications)

Minimum un-compacted depth = 6”

Maximum un-compacted depth = 8”



How much do I order?DRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE

Purchasing DSA:

Road Width

(ft)

Road Length

(ft)0.038

DSA needed(tons)

X X =

Based on placement at 8”, compacted to 6”

Road Width

(ft)

Road Length

(ft)0.029

DSA needed(tons)

X X =

Based on placement at 6”, compacted to 4½”


Purchasing DSA:- DSA can be placed at a depth of either 6 or 8 inches

Certification


Purchasing DSA:

-A certification is required for each day aggregate is delivered, or anytime the source material changes

FRONT

This certification is to be used on all D&G projects:

Specification


Purchasing DSA:

On back of certification sheet

BACK


- What is DSA?


- Purchasing DSA

- DSA placement PlacementCompaction

- Crown the base- Cut a key

DSA Preparation:This road was graded in

preparation for DSA placement

noticecrown

notice edge “key”

SUB-SOILROADWAY

ROADWAY

NO

YES

PlacementDSA

Aggregate placed over crowned base.

noticecrown

notice minimal

berm

PlacementDSA- Crown the base- Cut a key

DSA Preparation:

SUB-SOILROADWAY

ROADWAY

NO

YES


DSA Placement :

DSA should be placed using a paver:*

- Paver keeps aggregate uniform (remember that tailgating separates aggregate by size)

- Paver places aggregate in a uniform, controled lift

- Crown can be set with the paver

With exceptions

3 movies

DSA Placement considerations:

Can be placed directly on separation fabric in

wet areas.

Separation Fabric



Separation Fabric

Use separation fabric in wet,

unstable, or rutting sections of road.

Considerations:• Use type 2-A (woven or non-

woven)

• Keep at least 2’ from edge of aggregate

• Comes in various widths (12½’, 15’, 18’)

• Overlap all seams 1’

Separation FabricDRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE


Check for proper crown

½” to ¾” per foot (2”-3” in four feet)

Notice slope of each side of paver to establish crown

CROWN is your road’s first line of defense!



Don’t let paver run empty:

-Stop paver and wait for next truck before box is empty

-Running the paver dry will cause lines of loose aggregate on the road


- What is DSA?


- Purchasing DSA

- DSA placement PlacementCompaction


DSA Compaction :DSA is designed for maximum compaction


DSA Compaction :DSA is designed for maximum compaction


DSA Compaction :Compact the berm to avoid edge failure

Remember to cut keys and you will not have this problem!


DSA Compaction :Stop compaction when:

No further compaction is achieved

Surface rocks start to break apart




DSA Compaction :

Compaction considerations:- Begin at supported edge (uphill bank) if one exists.- If material sticks to roller drum, allow to dry first.- Roll up to, but not directly on crown.- Use minimum 10 ton static roller or equivalent.- Turn vibration off for first pass or two.- Never vibrate when going down steep grades.


- Crowfield Road Aggregate Study


Aggregate Comparison :

DSA and 2A placed with a paver (~6” compacted)

Placed November 2002

DSA 2APicture taken just after aggregate placement and compaction.

DSA 2APicture taken just after aggregate placement and compaction

DSA 2APicture taken 2½ years after aggregates were placed with a paver

DSA 2APicture taken 2½ years after aggregates were placed with a paver


- Aggregate Problems

Most common problems:- Moisture (too much or too little)- Aggregate segregation

DSA Moisture: Too wet

Avoiding Aggregate Problems




DSA Moisture:Too dry


Add moisture and mix if pile is to dry

sprinkler


Aggregate separation on a pile is normal. The pile should be cut and

mixed to avoid inconsistencies.

Coarse material on outside

Finer material inside


Aggregate separation on a pile is normal. The pile should be cut and

mixed to avoid inconsistencies.


2RC

Can contain soil and clay

Clay makes poor road material…

end of DRIVING SURFACE AGGREGATE


next

Surface Maintenance

10_OnG_surface_maintenance.pptx

10: Surface Maintenance – page 1


1

Road Surface Maintenance

Surface MaintenanceCreate a good hard surface with a

proper cross slope (crown)

Basic Road MaintenanceBlading or smoothing

Grading or reshapingAdding new material

Transitions

4

Basic Road MaintenanceGrading should be done when

moisture is present in the road (after a rainfall or wet period)Need moisture for proper

compactionAvoids dust

Blade with rotating carbide teeth66

Maintenance Grading Of DSAWhat are we really doing when

we grade?Re-establish proper crown/cross

slopeFill holesCreate a smooth/tight surface

with minimal loose stones

77When is Maintenance Required? Crown is lost Excessive Dust Loose stone in windrows

along the edges or middle of the road

Secondary ditches on road Ruts/potholes/washbording

8

Road Needs Attention9

Road is starting to come apart



10Carbide Tipped Blade Systems

Essential for quality aggregateBlade cuts deeper into road

(same principle as grading bucket vs trenching bucket)Leaves irregular surface for better

aggregate adhesion (better binds graded or new material to the road)

1111

Benefits Of Carbide Tipped Blade Systems

Tolerates coarse rock conditionsOutlasts traditional blades by as

much as 20:1Works well under wet conditionsWill cut deeper per pass Increases grader productivity Eliminates raking

12

Frequently Raised Concerns

Blade system will be damaged by rock outcrops/ledge/bedrock

Blade will pull up lots of rocksCost to purchaseSuitability for ditch and

shoulder work

13

BFR! Shattered

14

What’s Going To Happen Here?

15

16

Blade Shatters Surface Rock

17

First Pass Over Coarse Rock Base

18

One Pass Over Shale



19

First Pass On Limestone

Aggregate Over Shale

20

First Pass On Thin Layer of Aggregate Over Shale

21

First Pass On Good Aggregate

22

After First Pass

23

Compare Separated Aggregate On Road To Material Coming Off Blade

24

Common Failure With Traditional Blade

25 26

Shoulder work done with blade

27

Bank Run Gravel Road After Spreading The Center



28

Grooming For Final Road Profile

Pothole Elimination

Scratch base in two directions

Cut deep enough to eliminate bottom of pothole in base

Adding New MaterialScarify existing surfaceSpread new materialBlend old and new material

& establish cross slopeCompact

31Grading Sequence with a Carbide-Tipped Grader Blade

Essential for quality aggregate

TECHNICAL BULLETIN AVAILABLE

end of SURFACE MAINTENANCE


next

Surface Drainage

11_OnG_surface_drainage.pptx

11: Surface Drainage – page 1


ROAD SURFACE DRAINAGEROAD SURFACE DRAINAGE

The objective:Keep water off of the road!

- Less erosion- Less maintenance - Less headaches

ROAD SURFACE DRAINAGE

1. Establish Proper Cross-slopeA. CrownB. In-slopeC. Out-slope

2. Transitional Drainage3. Berm Removal4. Gradebreaks5. Broad-based Dips

Establish Proper Cross-slopeCrown


SUB-SOILROADWAY

Crown: Cross-slope of a roadway that sheds water either way from the centerline of the road

Centerline

CROWN IS YOUR ROAD’S FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!


Unpaved roads require more crown than asphalt roads. A closer look…

PAVEMENT AGGREGATE

than

AGGREGATE

Approx. 2% 4% to 6%

SUB-SOILROADWAY

How Much Crown?Unpaved roads require more crown than asphalt roads.

½ to ¾ inch per foot

4-6 inches of fall for an 8 foot lane

1 foot ½ - ¾ inch

this means….

Centerline


How do you know?Measure!

½ to ¾ inch per foot

2-3 inches of fallusing a 4 foot level

this means….

4 feet2-3

inches



On unpaved roads, crown is driven out by traffic

2A aggregate

NEW AGGREGATE

2A aggregate


1 year later

2A aggregate

2 years later


Crown is especially important on steep grades

1. Establish Proper Cross-slopeA. CrownB. In-slopingC. Out-slope


Establish Proper Cross-slope

In-slope TECHNICAL BULLETIN AVAILABLE

No Ditch!

Centerline

In-slope: Cross-slope of a roadway that sheds water from the entire road surface towards the uphill bank

ROADWAY

Collects all water in uphill ditch

use same cross-slope as with crown 1 foot ½ - ¾

inch

½ to ¾ inch fall per foot

Centerline

ROADWAY

No Ditch!

In-slope is common where steep downhill banks exist

More crosspipes are required!

1. Establish Proper Cross-slopeA. CrownB. In-slopeC. Out-sloping


Establish Proper Cross-slope

Out-slope



NO DITCHES!!!!

Centerline

ROADWAY


Out-slope: Cross-slope of a roadway that sheds water from the entire road surface towards the downhill side 1 foot

½ - ¾ inch

½ to ¾ inch fall per foot

Centerline

ROADWAY


use same cross-slope as with crown

Before: Entrenched road with two ditches and few outlets

After: Road is elevated and free draining with no ditches!

Use out-sloping on low use/low speed roads without a steep downhill bank



Transitional Drainage

CurvesBridgesRR XingsIntersections

CurvesCenterline

ROADWAY (avoid leaving grader lip)

Super-elevated Roadway(banked for traffic support)

TOP VIEW

keep same slope as crown½ to ¾ inch fall per foot

Transitional DrainageCURVES




CurvesBridgesRR XingsIntersections

Bridges

Bridges• b

Bridge Interface: grade road to match bridge deck elevation and shape

Bridge Interface: pay close attention to differences in density and height

Transitional DrainageBRIDGES

Consider Geo-grid or Geo-cell

Avoid pulling material onto bridge




CurvesBridgesRR XingsIntersectionsRR Xings



Railroad Crossings: use same approach as with bridges

Transitional DrainageRAILROADS

Keep aggregate off of tracks!




CurvesBridgesRR XingsIntersectionsIntersections

Gradually eliminate crown 50 to 100 feet from intersection.

Intersection shouldbe raised above adjoining roads

Transitional DrainageINTERSECTIONS

Be sure to elevate intersection for positive drainage

Intersection should be raised and matched to adjoining road


Gradually eliminate crown 50 to 100 feet from intersection.


Intersection should be raised and matched to adjoining road


Driveways and access roads create intersections too and should be handled in the same way

1. Establish Proper Cross-slopeA. CrownB. In-slopingC. Out-sloping


Berm Removal

Artificial Berm

Lower ground Remember the Objective:Keep water off the road!

Berm Removal

Berm stops surface drainage from reaching road ditch

Berm prevents water from sheet flowing to lower ground

Berm Removal

If you can’t remove the entire berm, remove as much as possible!





Gradebreaks


Gradebreak: A small increase in road elevation on a downhill slope, which forces water off the road.downhill slope, which forces water off the road.


Gradebreaks

without gradebreak with gradebreak

Gradebreaks prevent water from running down the road.


Gradebreaks

Water flow

Gradebreak: A small increase in road elevation on a downhill slope, which forces water off the road.

Gradebreaks

Example: Road fill, crosspipe installation, and gradebreak construction 1/5

Gradebreaks


Gradebreaks


Gradebreaks


Gradebreaks


Gradebreaks



Why use a gradebreak?• To keep water off the road surface.

– Reduce erosion.– Reduce maintenance intervals.

• To provide cover for shallow crosspipes.

When to use a gradebreak?• Where water tends to run down roadway.• Before road features such as crosspipes, stream

crossings and changes in grade.


GradebreaksBenefits:• Traffic calming feature.• Keeps water off road surface.• Cheap and effective.

Considerations:• Requires road material.• Easy to grade or plow out if not careful.• Slope limitations.


Gradebreaks


2. Transitional Drainage3. Berm Removal4. Gradebreaks5. Broad-based DipsBroad-based Dips

Broad-based Dip: A small increase in road elevation that conveys water from the uphill ditch across the road

surface to a discharge area.

Broad-Based Dip

without BB-dip with BB-dip

BB-dips prevent water from running down the road.

Broad-Based DipBroad-based Dip: A small increase in road elevation that conveys water from

the uphill ditch across the road surface to a discharge area.

Broad-Based Dip

Broad-based Dip: A small increase in road elevation that conveys water from the uphill ditch across the road surface to a discharge area.

Broad-Based DipWhen to use a BB Dip:

• Lower volume (low use) roads where water on the road is not a big deal.

• Locations where crosspipes are not practical. (bedrock exists, not enough slope, etc)

• To transport road drainage across road; not designed as mini-fords for streams.

Broad-Based DipBenefits:• Prevents water from running down road.• Cheap and effective.

Considerations:• Requires road material.• Easy to grade or plow out if not careful.• Water crosses road surface.

Broad-Based Dip



-VS-GRADE BREAK

Straight across road

Think of as “elongatedspeed bumps”

Designed to get water off of road surface

BROAD-BASED DIP

Across road at angle.

Reinforce base?

Designed to carry water across road surface

end of SURFACE DRAINAGE


next

Surface Stabilization

12_OnG_surface_stabilization.pptx

12: Surface Stabilization – page 1


1SurfaceStabilization

Photo courtesy: Cutting Edge Reclamation, LLC

2RoadStabilization

Dust controlReclamation

3

Understand road dust - its origin, effects, and problems Introduce dust control materials &

methods Introduce road reclamation

techniques and materials

Dust Control Objectives

4

Do you do dust control?SectionsTotal Roads

Why? What do you

use? How Often? Times

Dust Control Discussion 5

“One car making one pass on one mile of a dirt or gravel road one time each day for one year creates oneton of dust”

1

Dust Control General Rule 6

Dust is part of your road - moving vehicles grind the road fines into dust which then becomes air borne

Dust represents the loss of road fines which are necessary to bind the road aggregates into place and keep them there

Dust Control Discussion

7

Dust means the road is deteriorating Dust, left uncontrolled, increases

environmental pollution and road maintenance costs

Dust Control Discussion 8Dust Control Discussion 9

Limit traffic volume (rarely feasible) Limit traffic weight Limit traffic speed

Use a surface dust suppressant

Use stabilization and/or geotextiles

Use DSA!

Dust Control Options



10

Considerations:»compatibility with environment ease of application effectiveness longevitycost final road surface condition

Dust Control Dust Suppressants 11

Handling - MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet ) Toxicity - Clean Streams Law -

mammals, fish & other aquatic life Effects on vegetation


Common Dust Suppressants1. Water2. Chlorides: Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium3. Brines 4. Asphalt emulsions & cutbacks (oils)5. Resins

Dust Control Dust Suppressants

13

1. WaterAttributes Safe for the environment (caution!) Readily availableLimitations Evaporates readily, short term control Need for repeated applications

(possibly multiple times daily)


2. ChloridesAttributes Absorb water out of air Lowers freezing point of water Slows evaporation rateLimitations Toxic to plants and animals Causes corrosion of metal Absorbs water all year

Dust Control Dust Suppressants 15Dust Control Dust Suppressants

3. Brines Need DEP approval Natural or semi-processed Combination of chlorides NOT environmentally sound contain heavy metals contain oil contain drilling wastes


4. Asphalt Emulsions & CutbacksAttributes Binds soil & aggregate by adhesive action Serves as water repellant Adapted to wide range of soil & gravel

particle sizes

17Dust Control Dust Suppressants

4. Asphalt Emulsions & CutbacksLimitations Cutbacks are detrimental (lethal) to animals

& plants - great potential for material runoff Forms crust which breaks up under traffic -

must be removed to reapply Tracking - cleanup requires volatile solvents Cutbacks produce VOCs Cure time required Creates a surface that’s not maintainable





5. Resins & Other MaterialsWide range of characteristicsExamples: Ultra Bond 2000* Pennzsuppress D* Coherex (DustBond)* Dirt Glue*

*approved by the SCC for the DGR Program

20Dust Control Dust Suppressants5. Resins: Ultra bond 2000, Pennzsuppress

“D”, Coherex (DustBond), Dirt glueAttributes Approved by the SCC, environmentally sound -

passed all test requirements Binds soil & aggregate by adhesive actionLimitations Cure time required unless rolled Will not bind loose ravelled material (needs

fines) Creates a surface that’s not maintainable


22

Use & Application Product must match road materials

– Water works everywhere! Local climatic conditions need to be

considered with most products Dust control will not make a bad road

good, but may keep a good road good


repair unstable areas remove unsuitable material & replace with

select materialmake necessary

drainage improvements clean ditches grade & restore

proper crown

Dust Control Dust SuppressantsIf you chose commercial dust suppressants:FIRST ADDRESS REQUIRED MAINTENANCE!

24

condition of road & type of wearing surface type of traffic, volumes & speed degree of dust control required climatic conditions frequency of maintenance cost


Then:Determine proper product & application rate based on:

Surface should be damp to help material penetrate No rain in forecast Etc.


Use manufacturer’s specifications

26RoadStabilization


27Reclamation (FDR) Before

Reclamation : Total road rehabilitation of existing surface and base, including adding more materials (when necessary), mixing, shaping, and re-compaction to create a stable road base.




28Reclamation (FDR) Before


29


Reclamation (FDR) Before 30


Reclamation (FDR) Before

31


Core samples tell you what road base is made of and what you need to add

Reclamation (FDR) Before

Why Core?????

32

Core samples tell you what road base is made of and what you need to add

Reclamation BeforeReclamation (FDR) 33Initial pass of Reclaimer


ReclamationReclamation (FDR)

34Close-up of ReclaimerReclamation

Carbide teeth, just like grader blade

Reclamation (FDR) 35


Reclamation Applying Stabilizing AgentReclamation (FDR) 36


Reclamation Applying Stabilizing AgentStabilizing materials provide the desired moisture, increase cohesion, produce a cementing action, & act as waterproofing in an effort to achieve maximum density

AggregateResinsLimeCementAsphaltFly ash

CementAsphaltFly ash

Reclamation (FDR)



37Mixing Stabilizing Agents Reclamation


Reclamation (FDR) 38


Reclamation Mixing Stabilizing Agents Reclamation (FDR) 39


Reclamation Activating Stabilizing Agents

Water

Reclamation (FDR)

40


Reclamation Activating Stabilizing Agents

Water

Reclamation (FDR) 41Shaping Road


ReclamationReclamation (FDR) 42Compaction


ReclamationReclamation (FDR)

43Compaction


ReclamationReclamation (FDR) 44


Reclamation Stabilized BaseReclamation (FDR) 45


Reclamation Aggregate surfaceReclamation (FDR)



46BaseStabilization


Top-stabilization

47


Mini-StabilizationTop-Stabilization : Using a reclaimer or grader to incorporate portland to try to achieve a stable and desirable driving surface

Surface Stabilization 48

Establish Proper Drainage Establish Proper Crown Add New Road Material Add Portland CementMix at Proper Moisture Blade & Shape Compact

Mini-Stabilization Surface Stabilization

49Mini-Stabilization Surface Stabilization 50Mini-Stabilization Surface Stabilization 51Mini-Stabilization Surface Stabilization

52Mini-Stabilization Surface Stabilization © Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies 2011

SUMMARY• Avoid Concentrating Drainage

(More outlets, sheet flow etc.)

• Pre-haul Road Improvements

• Think “outside the box”: ESM Practices





THANK YOUwww.dirtandgravelroads.org

Tim ZieglerDave Shearer


Documents

Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance and Shale Gas Developement