Application of Innovative Ropes from Textile Waste as an Anti-Erosion Measure

Abstract

Using materials from recycling is a key part of decreasing present-day waste. It is optimal for recycled material to be used in environmental protection. This paper presents the application of geotextile ropes in erosion protection of a slope of a gravel pit. To protect the slope, thick ropes with a diameter of 120 mm made from wool and a mixture of recycled natural and synthetic fibers were used. After 47 months from installation, soil and rope specimens were taken from the slope parts with inclinations 1:1 and 1:1.8, and their physical and mechanical properties were determined. Direct shear tests were applied to determine the soil shear strength parameters in state at sampling and at Ic = 0 (unconsolidated and consolidated). Based on the obtained soil shear strength parameters, the loads on the ropes were determined, taking into account also unfavorable hydraulic conditions and compared to rope strength. It was shown that even after 47 months from installation, rope tension strength was higher as tension forces were induced in the ropes in every case. At present, whole slopes in protected sections are stabilized, without rills and gullies.

Stability of the Čachtice Underground Corridors

“…To preserve the stability of the portals and the natural appearance of the geostructure, it is possible to apply various raw materials presented in detail [14]. Repairs of the walls of the Čachtice underground by people from the civic association lead to the question of correctly designing the monitoring of such a geostructure [15].…”

Closing the Loop with Keratin-Rich Fibrous Materials

“…Geotextile meandrically arranged rope was produced from strips of needle-punched nonwoven wool—Kemafil technology [ 172 , 173 ]. Such rope, which proved to be very efficient in controlling soil erosion [ 174 ], could be produced also from KRMF extracted for α-keratin. The remaining insoluble β-keratin should be a longer-lasting material.…”