Significance and Use

An articulating concrete block revetment system is comprised of a matrix of individual concrete blocks placed together to form an erosion-resistant revetment with specific hydraulic performance characteristics. The system includes a filter layer compatible with the subsoil which allows infiltration and exfiltration to occur while providing particle retention. The filter layer may be comprised of a geotextile, properly graded granular media, or both. The concrete blocks within the matrix shall be dense and durable, and the matrix shall be flexible and porous.

ACB revetment system are used to provide erosion protection to underlying soil materials from the forces of flowing water. The term articulating, as used in this standard, implies the ability of individual concrete blocks of the system to conform to changes in subgrade while remaining interconnected by virtue of geometric interlock, cables, ropes, geotextiles, geogrids, or combination thereof.

The definition of ACB revetment system does not distinguish between interlocking and non-interlocking block geometries, between cable-tied and non-cable-tied systems, between vegetated and non-vegetated systems or between methods of manufacturing or placement. Furthermore, the definition does not restrict or limit the block size, shape, strength, or longevity; however, guidelines and recommendations regarding these factors are incorporated into this standard. Blocks are available in either open-cell or closed-cell configurations.

1. Scope

1.1 The purpose of this test method is to provide specifications for the hydraulic testing of full-scale articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment systems under controlled laboratory conditions for purposes of identifying stability performance in steep slope, high-velocity flows. The testing protocols, including system installation, test procedures, measurement techniques, analysis techniques, and reporting requirements are described in this test method.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D1556 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone Method

D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)

D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils

D5195 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock In-Place at Depths Below Surface by Nuclear Methods

Keywords

articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment system; channel; channel lining; channel stability; erosion; erosion control; open-channel flow; permissible shear stress; permissible velocity; shear stress; velocity;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products)

DOI: 10.1520/D7277-08

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D7277