Erosion Control Toolbar: Fiber Rolls
Introduction
Fiber rolls consist of straw, flax or similar materials inserted into a tubular net.
When to Use This Treatment
Place on erodible slope faces at regular intervals at grade breaks and at the top and toe of slope. Align fiber rolls with slope contours.
Fiber rolls are typically spaced as follows:
- 10 feet apart for slopes steeper than 2:1 (horizontal:vertical)
- 15 feet apart for slopes from 2:1 to 4:1 (horizontal:vertical)
- 20 feet apart for slopes from 4:1 to 10:1 (horizontal:vertical)
- 50 feet apart for slopes flatter than 10:1 (horizontal:vertical)
For additional guidance regarding placing fiber rolls, contact your District Stormwater Coordinator and refer to the Storm Water Quality Handbook - Project Planning and Design Guide.
Benefits
- Reduces slope length
- Reduces stormwater runoff volume and velocity
- Intercepts runoff and releases it as sheet flow
- Reduces the amount of sediment in runoff
Limitations
- Maintenance required to remove sediment and repair or replace damaged fiber rolls
- Difficult to install on steep or rocky slopes
- Fiber rolls will not solve slope stability problems
Standard Plans and Specifications
- Caltrans Standard Specifications - Section 21 Erosion Control
- Use Standard Special Provision 21-2.02P to specify the use of weed-free straw or photodegradable plastic netting
- Standard Plans for Landscape and Erosion Control
- Plans Preparation Manual for Erosion Control Examples
Estimate Information
Updated: February 5, 2019