5.1 This test method evaluates a system of temporary ditch checks and their means of installation to:

5.1.1 Reduce soil loss and sediment concentrations in stormwater runoff under conditions of varying channel conditions and soil type; and

5.1.2 Improve water quality exiting the area disturbed by earthwork activity by reducing suspended solids.

5.2 This test method models and examines conditions typically found on construction sites involving earthwork activities, including: highways and roads; airports; residential, commercial and industrial developments; pipelines, mines, and landfills; golf courses; etc.

5.3 This test method is a performance test. It is a comparative tool for evaluating the erosion control characteristics of different temporary ditch checks. Take caution when comparing results from different laboratories because information about between-laboratory precision is incomplete and slight differences in soil and other environmental and geotechnical conditions may affect.

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method covers the guidelines, requirements, and procedures for evaluating the ability of temporary ditch check systems to protect earthen channels from stormwater-induced erosion. Critical elements of this protection are the ability of the temporary ditch check to:

1.1.1 Slow or pond runoff, or both, to encourage sedimentation, thereby reducing soil particle transport downstream;

1.1.2 Trap soil particles up stream of structure; and

1.1.3 Decrease soil erosion.

1.2 This test method utilizes full-scale testing procedures, rather than reduced-scale (bench-scale) simulation, and is patterned after conditions typically found on construction sites at the conclusion of earthwork operations, but prior to the start of revegetation work. Therefore this test method considers only unvegetated conditions.

1.3 This test method provides a comparative evaluation of a temporary ditch check to baseline bare soil conditions under controlled and documented conditions.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard.

1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.