Riprap Design Basics: Stone Size, Filter Layer and Placement
Riprap stability depends on stone size, durability and the filter layer. Learn how flow velocity relates to stone weight, what the filter does and how to place it.
Sized by design
Erosion & Water
Slope protection and water structures
Large stone protects slopes and footings from water flow and waves.
The role of materials in Slope protection and water structures
Water structures, shorelines and earth slopes face constant erosion. A stone armour dissipates flow energy through the weight and interlock of its stones, and stops the soil beneath from washing out.
In this application stone size comes from the hydraulic design, and stability depends on sound rock and the filter layer beneath.
Selection criteriaWhat matters
Three deciding criteria
- 1
Stone weight
Stone size matched to the design flow velocity or wave height.
- 2
Durability
Resistance to wetting, drying and weathering cycles.
- 3
Filter layer
Stops the underlying soil migrating through the stones.
Related productsMaterials
Materials commonly used for Slope protection and water structures
Related articlesRead more Read more
Sized by design
Rubble stone
Irregular stones for foundations, retaining walls, aprons and stone structures.Specifications and uses
Made to order
Rounded natural gravel
Washed alluvial gravel with rounded particles for concrete, drainage and landscaping.Specifications and usesIndustrial applications
Quarrying and extraction
Stages of Operating a Stone Quarry: From Exploration to Land Restoration
Operating a stone quarry is a multi-stage process. Review exploration, planning, benched extraction, haulage and restoration of the land.
Send us the specifications of the materials you need
Record the material type, approximate volume and delivery location so availability and terms can be reviewed.