Overtopping is a common failure mode for earthen embankment dams. Currently, numerous dams cannot pass the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) without overtopping. Many of these embankment dams would have a high probability of failure if subjected to a sustained overtopping of a foot or more.
HydroTurf® revetment technology is the solution to provide erosion protection in the high velocity applications of dam spillways and embankments. It has been shown to be able to withstand 5.5 feet of overtopping resulting in a velocity of 40 ft/s with no instability or damage. It is also able to survive and prevent erosion in severe hydraulic jump conditions. Besides this excellent hydraulic performance, HydroTurf® is low maintenance, cost efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.