Erosion Control Toolbox: Wire Mesh Confinement System

Introduction

Welded wire confinement examples

Slopes steeper than 1:1 (H:V) will not reliably support vegetation and require a more permanent confinement technique than Rolled Erosion Control Products (RECP). A wire mesh confinement system provides additional shear strength necessary to hold non-vegetated fill material in place. Key features include:

  • Structural backfill material is placed in a double twisted wire mesh enclosure with an articulated front face that can be set to match the desired slope angle
  • The bottom of the confinement system can function as a geosynthetic reinforcement layer which enhances slope stability
  • Local Topsoil or select material is typically used at the slope to support sustainable vegetative growth
  • Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Netting is placed inside the confinement system to prevent release of topsoil through the face
  • Welded Wire Confinement System is also known as Embankment Confinement System

When to Use This Treatment

Wire confinement drawing details

Welded wire confinement

Wire confinement

Benefits

  • Provides immediate slope reinforcement
  • Creates slope breaks that shorten slope length and reduce runoff velocities
  • Increases infiltration rates on dry sites
  • Provides for vegetation establishment, cover, and natural recruitment

Limitations

  • Unsuitable for slopes with limited equipment access
  • Must have solid footing

Technical Design Tips

  • Establishment of vegetation is difficult on slopes steeper than 1:1 (H:V), and extremely difficult on slopes that exceed 0.5:1 (H:V)
  • Maximum slope gradient of 0.5:1 (H:V) has been used in extreme cases for slope tie-ins to natural grades

Consider Using With

To effectively treat sites with poor soils (compacted, sterile or poorly draining), consider combining this treatment with:

Plans and Details

  • Nonstandard Detail - Erosion Control (Wire Mesh Confinement)

Updated: February 12, 2019