Correlation of Bench-scale and Large-scale Performance Testing of RECPs

Large-scale laboratory and field tests have historically been used to evaluate the performance properties of rolled erosion control products (RECPs), using boundary conditions that simulate field conditions. More recently, a new class of test – the bench-scale performance test – that focuses on testing the RECP/soil system under carefully controlled “standard” conditions, but on a scale that facilitates lower cost and quicker testing has been developed. This series of bench-scale (i.e. small-scale) laboratory tests examine 1) slope erosion, 2) channel erosion, and 3) vegetation enhancement.

Since 2003, the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) has used the bench-scale tests along with several index tests as an independent quality assurance program for the industry. Simultaneously, large-scale testing has been performed on some of the same products.

This paper will review the results of bench-scale tests performed to-date and provide correlations between the NTPEP bench-scale results and standardized large-scale tests that validate the use of the bench-scale tests for independent quality assurance.

Keywords: RECPs, erosion control, NTPEP, performance testing