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![]() Surface Armor for Erosion Protection 
Channel Stabilization Works stated in 1965 that "Stone is the most commonly 
used material for upper bank paving for revetment works, and in most cases 
has proved superior to other materials because of durability and ability to 
conform to minor irregularities in the slope" (ASCE, 1965). Since that time, 
further development and application of manufactured proprietary armor 
materials, and increasing emphasis on environmental considerations and the 
use of vegetation for erosion control, has tempered that observation to some 
degree. However, the favorable attributes of stone armor are not diminished 
by the increasing availability of alternative materials. Furthermore, well- 
graded stone can often be placed without a separate underlayment material, 
because it provides permeability without exposing bank material. This 
characteristic may be a crucial factor when comparing the economics of 
alternative armor materials. 
Disadvantages are: Stone may be more costly than other materials, depending 
on its availability. It requires heavy equipment for efficient placement on large 
projects. It may be considered unaesthetic for some locations, and may not 
compare favorably with other materials in some environmental circumstances. 
7.1.1 RIPRAP BLANKET 
Detailed discussion of and design guidance for this most common form of stone armor 
is provided in Appendix A. Environmental considerations pertinent to the use of riprap armor 
are discussed in 5.2.2. 
7.1.2 TRENCHFILL 
7.1.2.1 Description 
A trenchfill revetment, shown in Figures 7.1 and 7.2, is simply a standard stone armor 
revetment with a massive stone toe. It is normally constructed in an excavated trench behind 
the river bank, in anticipation that the river will complete the work by eroding to the 
revetment, causing the stone toe to launch down and armor the subaqueous bank slope. 
Material other than stone, such as broken soil-cement, has been used successfully and 
may be less costly than stone, but careful design of the soil/cement mixture, and careful 
monitoring of the material mixing, breaking, and placing operation is required. 
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