ASTM D6939-03

A brushmattress is used to provide erosion and sedimentation control primarily by armoring the bank. In addition to shielding the surface, a brushmattress can increase infiltration, slow runoff, and trap seed and sediments. This method provides surface slope stabilization through vegetative growth and shallow soil reinforcement through root development. The ability of a brushmattress to function properly depends on the quality and choice of the materials used to construct the brushmattress, the means and methods of fabrication and installation, and proper consideration of site characteristics and time of year. For the brushmattress to function completely, it is important that the live material develops suitable growth. The brushmattress helps to control soil erosion while serving as habitat for birds, small mammals, invertebrates and other organisms that in turn, are fed upon by fish and other higher organisms. Once the vegetation matures, it can provide shade to the streamlowering water temperatures, offering protection from predators, and generally improving fish habitat. Figs. 1-3 show a brushmattress immediately after construction, in the first growing season, and in the 2nd season.

FIG. 1 Brushmattress after Light Backfill of Soil

FIG. 2 Brushmattress in the First Growing Season

FIG. 3 Brushmattress during 2nd Growing Season

1.1 This practice covers the material, preparation and installation work required for brush- mattress construction used in soil bioengineering.

1.2 The values in this standard are in SI units and are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace standard of care by which adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without considerations of a project's many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.4 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.