_ Te Ren - te Aa Governmect of nia MinsnyofRallways Sagi fers ote rs wen Reseach Desig & Stns Oranisaton ae - 226011 [Lucknow -226 011, ‘Pex 522) 24851200 1D 0522) 2450115 os Fax (0822) 2468500 iD 0522) 2465310 GEIGEN/197/ Coir Geo-textile Date: 28.04.2022 All PCEs & CAOs Indian Railways MD.KRCL, Belapur Bhawan, Sector-11. CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 Chairman and MD, IRCON International Limited, C-4, District Center, Saket, New Delhi-110017 MD, RVNL, Plot No. 25, First Floor, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji kama Place,RK Puram, New Delhi-110066 MD, DFCCIL, 5" floor, Pragati Madian,Metro Station Bulding Complex, Delhi-110001 MD, RITES,RITES Bhawan, 1, Sector-29, Gurgaon, Haryana-122001 MD, MRVC, Churchgate Station Building, 2 Floor, Mumbai-400020 Director General , IRICEN Pune GM (Engg.), Metro Railway, Kolkata Sub: Guidelines for use of Coir Geo-Textile for slope protection in Indian Railways. Ref: (i) Railway Boards Letter No. 2018/09/CE-II/From/TETEX dated 05.04.21 & 24.06.21 (i) RDSO letter of even no. dated 07.07.2021 Rallway Board vide references (j) above has instructed RDSO to examine the feasibility of use of Coir geotextile for protection of slope/embankment& natural hill slopes & cutting. The use of coir geotextile as a erosion control measures is briefly covered in para 8.3.3 (ji) of the ‘Comprehensive Guidelines and Specifications for Railway Formation’ No. RDSO/2020/GE:IRS- 0004, Sept.2020. The same has been informed to Railway Board vide ref. (i) and preparation of a detailed guidelines on this issue. Accordingly, Geotechnical Engineering Directorate, RDSO has prepared a detailed ‘Guidelines ‘on Use of Coir Geo-Textile in Indian Railways (Guidelines No. RDSO/2022/GE: G-0022, April 2022) for protection of railway embankment slopes, hill cutting slopes and nearby natural slopes along railway track. The guidelines includes specification of Coir geotextile and selection criteria for erosion control of embankment and cutting & natural hill slopes with the help of vegetation & coir geotextile covering the other aspects viz. installation, monitoring, transportation, storage & handling, suitable vegetation etc. This guideline has also been scrutinized and vetted by Central Coir Research Institute with help of committee of experts of IIT Madras. The softcopy of the guidelines is being mailed herewith to the Zonal Railways/PSUs for further use for application of coir geotextile as erosion control measures in the filed based on techno- economical considerations vis-a-vis other alternatives. The guideline is also available on RDSO website (www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in) under Specifications/Drawings under Geotech. Dte. and on RDSO Railnet website (10.100.2.12) under Geotechnical Engg. Dte. under Guidelines/Specifications. DA: As above Nw al) glu fredontaedan Copy to: PED/CE(P) Railway Board, for information pleaseFor Official Use Only ' Wabraed GOVERNMENT OF INDIA TIT WHS MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS a HATA GUIDELINES For Application of COIR GEO-TEXTILES In Railway Embankments And Natural Hill Slopes & Cuttings No. RDSO/2020/GE:G-0022 April-2022 Geo-technical Engineering Directorate aceasta sotfrat freee Research Designs & Standards Organisation aya afieed aie ame Wrst Lucknow - 226011 AAT TH—226011PREFACE India is a vast country with varying climate, rainfall and soil characteristics. Network of Indian Railways passes through different types of terrain; deserts in Rajasthan, heavy rainfall regions in sub-Himalayan belts, Deccan plateau and alluvial Gangetic plain. Therefore, problem of erosion varies from one region to another. Hence, erosion control measures are to be provided in such a way that they cater to specific site requirement. Coir is a biodegradable and environment friendly material, which can replace any of the modern polymeric substitutes for erosion control purpose. Coir Geotextile can be used effectively in controlling erosion in Railway Embankment and Natural Hill slopes & cuttings along the track. Keeping this in view, guidelines have been formulated covering relevant details regarding Coir geotextile and ‘it’s laying in field. These guidelines are prepared on the basis of literature survey from relevant BIS Codes, Documents/Reports of Coir board, Previous reports issued by RDSO & field experiences in the use of Coir Geotextiles on Railway. These guidelines will help field engineers to adopt coir geotextiles as an effective measure for erosion control in railway embankments, cuttings and steep hilly slopes along railway track. Suggestions/comments are welcome and may be sent to Executive Director/Geo- technical Engineering, RDSO, Lucknow. ainda) 6 (- Pr. Exe. Director/G#o-technical Engineering Research Designs and Standards Organisation, Ministry Of Railways, Manak Nagar, Lucknow ~ 226 011CONTENTS ‘Sino Description Page Preface 2 Contents p 4, _ | Introduction A 2 | Scope A 3 _| Terminology A 14 __ | Soll Erosion& Protection Mechanism with Coir Geotextiles E Advantage OF Coir Geo-Textiles 5 6g. __ | TYPes OF Coir Geotextiles 5 7, _ | Selection of Coir Geotextile Pa g _| Coir Netting For Erosion Control - 9 _| Characteristics Of Coir Geotextiles And Test Method rh to, _ | Relevant BIS References for coir geotextiles fe) 41 | Techno Economic aspects OF Coir -Geo Textiles a 42 _ | Installation Method for Coir Geotextile G 13. | Monitoring OF Slopes with Coir Geotextiles o 14, _| Packing, Marking, Transportation, Storage And Handling Of Coir Geotextil a 15, _ | Sultable Vegetation’s In Coir Geo Textiles Pa 16, | Other Important Aspects aa 47 __ | Bibliography 22 tg | Acknowledgement ‘Annexures = 19 A. Grasses And Plants For Stabilisation Of Embankment Slope, Steep Hill Slope And Gullies i B, Tentative List Of Manufacturers Of coir Geo-Textiles 261.0 2.0 3.0 INTRODUCTION: Coir is a natural fiber extracted from fibrous husk of the coconut shell and is used to make a wide range of products such as ropes, mats, mattresses, fibre baskets, brushes, brooms, etc. India is the largest coir producer in the world accounting for major part of the total world production of coir fiber and coir products. Coir geotextiles (CGT) are permeable fabrics made from coir fiber extracted from coconut husk by mechanical processes. CGT is made of coir yarn or fibre which is biodegradable and environment friendly. It has good hygroscopic and hydrophilic properties. Biodegradability, hygroscopic and hydrophilic properties of geotextiles help in erosion control and to establish vegetation in varying slopes and environmental conditions. These properties make coir admirably suitable in areas where natural treatment of a soil surface for control of erosion is required. The use of CGT in erosion contro! in embankment construction for roads and Railways, dam engineering, canals, etc. is well established. In order to prevent the soil from further degradation, natural geotextiles are used as soil cover to provide temporary protection for the soil which can effectively control erosion until the soil is stabilized by vegetation. The CGT, mainly composed of plant fiber, conforms to the green concept which is conducive to reducing environmental pollution. For stabilization of slopes CGT can replace the traditional methods like stone pitching, bunding, terracing, etc. Especially in the application of erosion control, the water absorption and its retention are positive aspects of CGTs. Due to the characteristics of longer durability, low cost, easy to use and availability, the CGT is widely used in soil bioengineering and slope protection works. SCOPE * This document covers the guidelines of Coir Geotextiles, suitable for application in slopes of railway embankments and also in hill slopes and cutting slopes along railway track including their selection and installation methods along with techno-economic considerations in comparison to other alternatives. These guidelines have been prepared based on BIS Code IS:15872 and RDSO’s Reports no. GE: G-4, February 2005, based on the relevant literature available online or else and the practices prevalent in the field ‘on highways and other Civil Engineering organizations having similar applications. TERMINOLOGY: For the purpose of these guidelines and related to coir geotextile, the following definitions shall apply. Cross macl ction Direction of geosynthetic in a direction perpendicular to its manufacturing or machine direction.4.0 Transmissivity The ability to allow water permeability along the plane and thickness of the geotextile, Warp (Ends) Set of yarn running length-wise of a fabric. Weft (picks) Set of yarn running width-wise of a fabric Woven CGT Open structured coir geotextile made out of coir fibers in which yarns of a specified diameter are laid in specified numbers/length in machine (warp) and cross (weft) directions. Nonwoven Coir Erosion Control Blanket (ECB) Coir fibres made into nonwoven matrix with or without photo degradable PP/HDPE/LDPE netting and stitched with mono or multifilament PP/HDPE/LDPE/jute yarn together as a homogenized fabric Lot The quantity of CGT of a particular type packed in rolls of a specified length ready for delivery against a dispatch note. Roll The cylindrical rigid package containing a particular type of CGT rolled on a suitable core and wrapped with a roll, covering with its outer layer stitched properly. SOIL EROSION & PROTECTION MECHANISM WITH COIR GEOTEXTILES Several types of erosion/failure mechanisms on hill slopes and railway embankments have been reported due to rainfall. Surface Soil Erosion due to Rainfall Surface soil erosion of natural slopes become more predominant in bare soil where surface is not covered with significant vegetation since vegetation acts as a hatural reinforcement of soil. Two fold mechanisms may be involved with surface soil erosion. Raindrop Impact energy loosens the surface soil. After a rainfall over significant time, raindrop impact energy may loosen the bond between the soil particles and becomes vulnerable to sheet erosion. There are four major types of surface soil erosion that are identified due to heavy rainfall in hillside areas and side slopes of railway embankments. a) Sheet Erosion b) Rill Erosion c) Gully Erosion d) Tunnel Erosiona) Sheet Erosion Sheet erosion is the transportation of loose soil particles by surface runoff that flows downward in the form of thin sheets. A more or less uniform layer of fine particles is removed from the entire surface of an area by raindrop impact energy. Sheet erosion commonly occurs having poorly consolidated soil material with almost inadequate vegetative cover, Figure ao Figure 1.Sheet erosion b) Rill Erosion Rill erosion is the removal of soil by concentrated water running through little streamlets, or head cuts. As detachment continues or flow increases, rills will become wider and deeper. These ills can be up to 300 mm deep. If they become any deeper than 300 mm they are referred to as gully erosion, Figure 2. Figure 2. Rill erosion c. Gully Erosion . Gully erosion occurs when runoff water accumulates, and then rapidly flows in narrow channels during or immediately after heavy rains removing soil to a considerable depth more than 300mm, Figure 3.Figure 3. Gully erosion d. Tunnel Erosion Tunnel erosion is the removal of subsoil. When water penetrates through a soil crack or a hole where a root has decayed, the soll disperses and Is carried away with the flow to leave a small tunnel. Initially, the surface soil remains relatively intact but, with every fiow, the tunnel becomes larger and the soll may eventually collapse and form a gully, Figure 4. Figure 4. Tunnel erosion 4.1 Site assessment and selection of treatment method Soil erosion control treatment selection is based on six steps. This process provides a consistent and effective approach to selecting appropriate erosion control treatments. Step1:- Assess project site & collect site specific data like meteorological data, geometry, slope angles, general gradient of the site, local vegetation details, history of slope failures and their remedial measures Step 2:- Establish objectives like the short or long term treatment, etc. Step 3:- Assess the relevant soil properties like Plasticity index, gradation, shear strength properties, permeability properties, etc. Step 4:- Assess erosion potential Step 5:- Evaluate alternative treatment methods Step 6:- Select suitable CGT and method of installation Exposed soil surface of Railway Embankments and hill slopes may be subject to erosion by impact of rain drops, wind, vibrations due to trains, etc. The soil particles may be detached due to these actions and carried away by the surface runoff or wind. These particles carry seeds and soil 75.0 6.0 nutrients leading to degradation of slopes. Natural growth of vegetation is hindered on slopes of Railway embankments due to surface runoff and particle movements. Severe erosion of embankment & cutting slopes sometimes results in major failures leading to imposition of speed restriction or discontinuation of traffic. There are several methods of erosion control, which can be adopted based on specific site conditions such as, i) Conventional non-agronomical system, ii) Biotechnical system, ili) Engineering system, and iv) Non- conventional hydro-seeding/hydro-mulching system. These have been discussed in COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR RAILWAY FORMATION Specification No. RDSO/2020/GE: IRS-0004. Present document focuses on the use of coir geotextiles. ADVANTAGES OF CGTs Among the natural fibers available, coir is the ideal choice for a geotextile material. Other advantages of CGT's are: It is natural, It is biodegradable but lasts for minimum of 2 years, It provides excellent micro climate for plant establishment and growth and provides nutrients, Easy to install, Available in plenty, Economical. Good drapability over soil surface, Excellent air and water permeability, CGTs provide excellent check dam effect to reduce runoff velocity and minimize erosion potential, Holds the seeds and saplings of vegetation, Eco friendly and nonpolluting, Allow sunlight to pass through, and No chemicals are used during manufacturing. TYPES OF COIR GEOTEXTILES > Coir geotextiles are Woven /Non-woven structures of natural coir fibers used in various geotechnical, Civil Engineering and soil conservation applications. > Coir geotextiles are of different types, the two main geotextiles made from coir are, Woven coir geotextiles and Non-Woven coir geotextiles6.1 Woven CGT > Coir mesh mattings of different mesh sizes are most common CGT. Mesh mattings having different specifications are available with mesh opening sizes ranging from 4.2 mm to 20mm. > These matting of two-treadle weave in construction with the difference that the warp & weft are positioned at a distance to get mesh effect. > CGT controls the soil erosion by acting as a ground cover which reduces the flow velocity of runoff water by forming check dams with the help of net structured strands in firm contact with the soil which absorb the impact of water flow and resist washing down keeping the soil intact. The CGT will also function as an in plane conveyor of water along the slope surface without disturbing the soil particles. > CGT is capable of reducing the erosive effects of rain drops and controlling migration of soil particles of the exposed surface. The micro- climatic condition induced by the CGT promotes the faster establishment of the vegetation. Choice of the right type of coir and plant species is critical for effective results. 400 gsm 700 gsm 900 gsm Figure 5 Different Verities of Woven Coir Geotextiles 6.2 Nonwoven Coir Geotextiles (nonwoven CGT) The nonwoven coir geotextiles are composed of randomly packed coir fibers needle punched to the desired degree of packing. The felts have excellent moisture absorption and retention characteristics and form an ideal medium for plant growth. They have a minimum thickness of two mm. Nonwoven coir geotexiles are available In varying densities from 350 to 1000gsm. They are available in blanket form backed with nets made of jute/polypropylene/polyethylene. ‘oir Needied Fel ‘oir erosion control blanl Figure 6 Types of Nonwoven Coir geotextiles7.0 Selection of coir geotextile The selection of coir geotextiles basically depends on the type of soil of the embankments, rainfall intensity, average annual rainfall, seepage conditions, type of vegetation etc. If the slope is steep, smaller mesh opening sizes are required. IS 15872:2009, Provides guidelines for selection of coir geotextile based on slopes and rainfall intensity. The maximum intensity of rainfall is more important than the average annual rainfall. It is recommended that the choice of woven coir geotextiles shall be 700/900 gsm (gram per square meter) where intensity of rainfall is severe irrespective. of the type of soil and slope steeper than 1:1. Otherwise,400 gsm of coir geotextile can be used for lighter applications with flatter slopes & low intensity rainfall based on local conditions. More information on selection of suitable coir geotextile has been given where various sizes of erosion control coir matting have been discussed in para 8.0. The particular type of CGT is to be selected based on inspection of the site and local factors like rain fall, type of soll, slope angle, height of slope and local vegetation. The Tables 1&2 give criteria for selection of particular variety of coir geotextiles (CGT) for slope protection. Table 1. Selection criteria for Woven Coir Geotextile (CGT) Si. Slope (%) Type of CGT No recommended i 20 = 40 400 gsm 2 30-70 700 gsm 5 60 - 100 900 gsm Table 2. Selection criteria for Coir Erosion Control Blanket (ECB) SI Slope (%) Type of ECB No recommended 1 20-40 350 gsm 2 30 - 70 450 gsm 8.0 COIR NETTING FOR EROSION CONTROL 400 gsm coir geotextiles- This particular erosion control mat has an open weave design with 19 mm. X 19 mm opening. These openings allow for seeding after installation as well as allow room for growth of vegetation. Typical Erosion Control Application of 400 gsm CGT + For 1H:1V and flatter slopes and 5 to 6 m height of slope 10© less than 1500 mm of annual rainfall erodible soil li, 700 gsm CGT Erosion and sedimentation control matting is ideal for use on wetland restoration project 1:1 slopes and high flow channels. This erosion control coir mat has an open weave design with 12.5 mm X 12.5 mm opening. These openings allow to reseed before and after installation, as well as allow for planting plugs to be installed. -al Erosion Control Application of 700 gsm coir geotextiles ‘* For Slope from 2H:1V to 1H:1V * Annual rainfall greater than 1500mm * High flow channels Ty 900 gsm CGT The open weave design allows for re-seeding both before and after installation of the mat. As a semi-permanent mat, vegetation can take root and grow for 4-6 years before the mat degrades. Typical Erosion Control Application of 900 gsm coir geotextiles: - * Slope steeper than 1H:1V «Annual rainfall greater than 1500mm. * High flow channels 9.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF COIR GEOTEXTILES AND TEST METHOD Table 3 ; Requirements for Woven CGT. SL| Characteristics Typei | Type2 | Type3 | Test Method (Ref to LS.) Mass/unit area, g/m2,| 400 700 900 IS 15868 Min Pa! (Part 1to6) ii | Width, cm, minimum | 100 Or [100 oras |100oras | 1s 12503 as {required |required | (part 1to6) required iii | Thickness at 2 kPa, 65 65 6.5 IS 15868 mm, minimum (Part 106) iv | Maximum length 50 Oras |50 Oras | 50 Or as IS 12503 (metre) required | required | required (Part 1to6) v |Aperture size (mm), | 20.0X16. | 7.5x7.3 4.2x5.1 | IS 15868 minimum 75 (Part 1to6) vi | Minimum Breaking Load (Dry condition) (N/m) 5.0 8.5 17.0 | IS 16635 a) Machine Direction (warp-way) WSL Characteristics Typei | Type2 | Type3 | Test Method (Ref to 1.S.) b) Cross Machine | 5.0 8.0 15.0 Direction (weft-way) vii | Minimum Breaking IS 16635 Load (Wet condition) (kN/m) a) Machine Direction 3.0 7.0 15.0 (warp-way) b) Cross Machine | 3.0 5.0 12.0 Direction (weft-way) vii [Peak Load — (dry| 7.5 9.0 18.5 16635 condition) (kN/m) a) Machine Direction (warp-way) b) Cross Direction 7.0 8.0 9.0 (weft-way) ix [Peak Load (Wet| 3.5 85 16.0 16635 condition) (kN/m) a) Machine Direction (warp-way) b) Cross Direction 35 5.5 13.0 (weft-way) Table 4 : Requirements for Erosion control blanket (ECB) SI. | Characteristics CNWGT [CNWGT | CNWGT | Test method No 350 450 550 1 | Thickness (Minimum) | 3.5 45 49 TS 13162 : Part 3 mm 2 [Mass per unit area, |350= (450 +|5502 1514716 gm/m2 10% 10% | 10% 3 [Wide width tensile [1 ey 1.2 TS 13162 : Part 5 strength Dry kN/m (Minimum) = 4 |Wide width tensile | 0.9 10 et 1S 13162 : Part 5 strength wet — kN/m (minimum) 5 | Puncture resistance i3 iz 10 TS 13162 : Part 4 cone drop test, (mm) (Maximum) 6 | Apparent opening 6.2 5.6 4.75 [1S 14294 size(AOS) (Oss) in mm (Maximum) Note: The fabric shall be marked and packed with roll number, grade, length, manufacturer, month and year of packing, gross mass and number of pieces. 1210.0 RELEVANT B.I.S. REFERENCES: The following Star ndards of ‘Bureau Of Indian Standards’ (BIS) should be used for measuring various dimensions of coir and for testing of coir geo textiles for streng} ith parameters and other related items. All standards are subject to revision and parties to agreements based on these standards are encouraged to inv of the standards i estigate the possibility of applying the most recent edition indicated below: Table 5 : BIS standards Referred LS. No. Title 15872: 2009 _| Application of Coir Geotextile (Coir woven Bhoovastra) for rain water erosion control in roads, Railway Embankments and Hill slopes 15868:2008 | Natural fibre Geo textiles (Jute Geo textile and Coir Bhoovastra)-Test method Part 1- Determination of Mass per unit Area Part 2- Determination of thickness. Part 3- Determination percentage of swell Part 4- Determination of water absorption capacity Part 5- Determination of smoldering Resistance Part 6- Determination of mesh size of coir geo textile by overhead projector method 15869:2020 _ | Textiles-Open Weave Coir Bhoovastra ~Specification 12503 (Part 1 to | Coir - Mattings, Mourzouks And Carpets 6) 2020 13162 (Part 5) | Determination of Tensile Properties using a wide 2003 width strip 13162 (Part 3) | Determination of thickness at specified pressure 2003 13162 (Part 4) | Determination of Puncture resistance by falling cone 1992 method 14716 : 1999 _| Geotextiles - Determination of Mass per Unit area 16635 : 2017 Geosynthetics - Wide Width Tensile Test 14294 : 1995 | Geotextiles - Method for determination of Apparent opening size by dry sieving test 13Textile 11.0 TECHNO ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF COIR-GEO TEXTILES 11.1 Technical Comparison between Coir Geotextile & Synthetic Geo- Table 6 : Comparison Between Coir Geotextile and Synthetic geotextiles Coir Geotextile Synthetic Geo textile The high tensile strength of coir fibre protects steep surfaces from heavy flows and debris movement. It can withstand considerable pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic without deterioration ‘Synthetics originate from hydrocarbons, which are obtained from non-renewable sources such as petroleum and natural gas. These are fast depleting and need to be used sparingly Totally bio degradable, 100% natural and provides nutrients. During the ~—_ manufacturing process of coir yarn, no chemicals are used Recalcitrant, ie. not, bio- degradable, application —_of synthetics prevents the percolation of water into the underground water table Water absorbent, thus acts as mulch on the surface and as a wick in the soil mantle Non hygroscopic, they alter the microclimate around the plants Environmentally friendly aesthetically pleasing and non- polluting thus discouraging _healthy vegetation and | Incineration or recycling also | creates pollution due to release of harmful chemicals and gases Provides excellent microclimate for plant establishment and healthy growth of vegetation Being a non-conductor of heat, increases the temperature of soil creating unfriendly atmosphere for the vegetation to grow The thick and protruding fibres from the yarn render an extra protection against soil erosion and provide roughness to the surface floor and holds the soil particles in place Synthetics need 100% shielding from the ultra violet rays to prevent, release of toxic gases into the environment leading to environmental pollution. The chemicals applied for shielding are toxic and pollute the environment The coir geo textiles give the grass plenty of room to grow and at the same time provides large number of “Check Dams” per square meter of soil media, Due to high resistance to salt water action, the coir geo textiles remain virtually unaffected when used against wave lap erosion. _| Undergo slow attack of acid rain and UV light to produce poisonous chemicals 1411.2 Economic Aspects of Coir Geotextile 1, The findings indicate the coir industry will not face competition due to two major facts: (a) Coir is cheaper in comparison to other natural fibres. (b) Value added products produced are distinct and do not invite mutual competition. II, The selection of geotextile materials must be adequate to the actual situation of the project, not only considering the performance requirements of geotextiles in the site, but also considering the product cost. IIL. Cost-wise, coir geotextiles are comparatively cheaper in comparison to other natural hard fibres 12. INSTALLATION METHOD OF COIR GEO TEXTILES The stages of laying coir geotextiles on slopes for erosion control are; 1. Demarcate the slope area. The soil surface on which coir geotextiles is to be laid should be made free from sharp aggregates, boulders etc. Undulations should be levelled. Existing gullies or rills should be filled and levelled. 2. Anchoring trenches should be excavated at the top and toe of the slope (300mm x 300mm). The top trench should be sufficiently away (at least 1.00 m) from the edge of the slope considering the stability of the slope. 3, Place the CGT in the top trench and properly anchored with iron rods or bamboo spikes and backfill the trench with brick bats or soil for preventing the displacement of the CGT. While backfilling care should be taken to see that sufficient width of CGT is left for the placement of adjacent CGT with proper overlapping. s After properly anchoring at top trench, the CGT shall be unrolled along the slope downward. Care should be taken to see that it touches the soil surface at all points and is in intimate contact with it. 5. The CGT should be fixed in position along the slope length by steel staples as shown in Figure 7 (usually 11 gauge diameter and minimum 300 mm length of penetration) or by split bamboo pegs. Stapling shall be done normally at an interval of 750 - 1000 mm both in longitudinal and transverse directions. Special care shall be taken to staple the CGT within the anchoring trenches (300 mm depth and 300 mm width) both at the bottom and at the sides (see Figure 7 Section (1) & Figure 9). 6. Overlaps shall be minimum 150 mm at sides and ends (see Figure 7 section (2) & (3)). The CGT at the higher level on the slope shalll be placed over level. Side overlaps of a CGT piece shall be placed over its next piece on one side and under the next piece on the other. 7. The length of staples to be used depends on the softness of the soil. If the soil is soft, i.e. easily penetrable, longer staples should be used for ensuring a greater pull-out resistance. A manual test for pull out should be made before finally hammering the staple down. 158. The open mesh coir geotextiles are laid side by side by overlapping of 150 mm while end to end overlapping of two coir geotextiles is 200 mm Laying Method & Pin Position Figure 7 Laying & Fixing of Coir Geo-textile 9. Longitudinal edges should be provided with an overlapping of minimum 150mm and stappled at 750mm Centre to Centre, unless otherwise recommended. 10. Overlapping between the end of the upslope roll and top of the next downslope roll should be at least 150mm and secured by stapling at an interval of 500mm to 750mm centre to centre. unless otherwise NAILING ANFigure 8 Nailing and stitching 11, Plantation of seedling can be made after laying the coir geotextiles through openings made as desired. Seeds may be spread on the prepared base soil both before and after laying of coir geotextiles. Refer to Annexure A for guidance in selecting the species of vegetation and for recommended grasses, plants and trees). If seeds are not available, saplings of the appropriate plant species may be planned at suitable intervals through the opening of the CGT. Hydro seeding with seeds can also be adopted. In special circumstances, a second dose of seeds may be spread with dibbling of locally available grass. Installation should be completed preferably before the monsoon to take advantage of the rains for quick germination of seeds. 12, Usually coir geotextiles are laid just before the monsoon, so that seeds and siblings can self-sprout. If it is laid during other seasons, proper watering of treated surface has to be made. 13. If the surface soil along the slope is not good for vegetation, a thin layer of coir pith (25 mm) may be laid over the coir geotextile treated slope. If nonwoven coir geotextile is used for erosion control, then coir pith may be laid on the levelled surface of slope, before laying the coir geotextiles. ( }] | 220 mm COIR NETTING ~_/ STEEL STAPLES | Z STEEL STAPLES (NAIL) Gan let 300 mm a 1150 mm Figure 9 Laying and fixing of coir geotextiles 1720, ay g © pe | Nea wet sen ewer! ! | | i | i | | | gh i | 8 8 f 2 06 8 | | H I \ t i i | | Lal BawBoo HOCK ve Figure 10 Iron and Bamboo hooks for coir geotextile installation 14, Care should be taken to ensure that the coir geotextile is not damaged due to puncture, tear and other operational stresses. Figure 11 (a,b,c & d Coir geotextiles for embankment protection before and after development of vegetation) 1813. MONITORING OF SLOPES WITH COIR GEOTEXTILES i. Close monitoring should be done for at least one season cycle. ii, The treated area should be kept out of bounds for cattle and other grazing animals till the time of maturity of vegetation. The damage and displacement of coir textiles should be noted for corrective actions, Torn portions of the coir textiles should be covered with new pieces of coir textiles of identical specifications duly stapled at all sides. iv. Watering and maintenance of the vegetation should be carried out as per specialist advice of agronomist or botanist. v. Advice should be sought from specialists to find out the cause of unsatisfactory growth of vegetation. The advice should be implemented. Withered plants should be replaced. 14. PACKING, MARKING, TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND HANDLING OF COIR GEOTEXTILE: 1, Packing- CGT shall be packed in rolls duly covered from all sides with a polyethylene sheet inside the roll-covering with loose ends of the roll-covering sewn with jute twine. To reduce the volume of rolls during transportation, the rolls are tightly wound under tension by mechanical means. The number of rolls transported in a container can be increased by this tight winding; additional 40% to 50% rolls can be accommodated, depending upon the variety of coir geotextiles and thereby reducing the cost of transportation, handling and storage. 2. Marking- The roll shall be stenciled with indelible ink to show Roll Number, grade, length of the CGT rolled in metres, indication of the source of manufacture, month& year of packing, gross mass, no of pieces packed in the package and any other information as required by the law in force. 3. Transportation- Coir geotextile can easily be handled and transported. Coir yarns are basically robust, but care needs to be taken to keep it free from moisture and fire. coir geotextile can be shipped in rolls or bales either as a bulk or a break-bulk cargo. 4. Storage - = Coir geotextile should be provided with a water-proof cover protection against rains and moisture. Its direct contact with soil during storage should also be avoided. Spreading of slaked lime before placing the coir geotextiles can prevent the attack of termites on coir geotextiles + Humidity, temperature variation, lack of air-circulation and abnormal moisture absorption affect the quality of coir geotextile. Therefore, coir 19geotextile should be protected against damage and exposure in adverse climate conditions during transportation and storage. * During storage, the geotextiles must be covered to avoid direct contact with atmosphere. The best practice is to cover them with tarpaulin sheets on alll sides. * Coir geotextile should not normally be stored for a long period. Protracted storage of coir geotextile may impair its strength to some extent. 5. Site Handling— * Coir geotextile rolls should be provided with a protective wrapping. It should be kept above the ground and should be covered with a tarpaulin or thick plastic sheet. + As coir geotextile can absorb water up to 150% of their dry weight, their exposure to moisture/water may pose handling problems. Therefore, coir geotextile should be protected against moisture/ water. 15. SUITABLE VEGETATIONS IN COIR GEO TEXTILES In selection of vegetation-type, care must be taken to identify those grasses/ plants which are suitable for the location, may be grown easily and have soil binding properties, such as deep and spreading root system with trailing habit. Based on the above criteria, implantation of local varieties of grass/plants should be preferred. Figure 12. Planting of vegetation The plant species are selected on the basis of suitability to the climatic conditions of the site. If the slopes are entirely raw and infertile and if the soil happens to be slightly acidic calcium ammonium nitrate is applied @50 kg per 1000 sq. meter in solution. The seeds after germination should take up deep rooting system. After preparing the soil surface, the seeds have to be applied on the surface by hand broadcasting or by hydraulic means and the coir bhoovastra to be laid over the seeds almost immediately. First seeding of grass is done at 10g per sq . metre or alternative planting such as root slips may also be done. For quick coverage, rooted slips of grasses and cuttings of shrubs and trees may be planted through the open spaces between the strands of coir geo textiles after laying. Surface is leveled again by compacting the loose soil, 2016, OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECT: m. I. IV. Vi. VII. Bio-technical Solution In this system, vegetation is provided on exposed slopes. It is suited for soil with some clay fractions, Method consists of preparing slope area by grading it for sowing seeds of planting root strips of locally available creeping grass. It's root goes up to 50 to 75 mm deep into the slope serving as a soil anchor and offering added resistance to erosion. Some typical species of grass which develop good network of roots and considered suitable are listed helow. = Doob grass Chloris gyne Iponeagorneas Casuariva and goat foot creepers - Vetiver grass etc, Grass and plants and their suitable location is given in Annexure- A Coir geotextiles are used for stabilization of soil through vegetation against erosion of landscape and soil slopes as well as protection of banks of river, Road and Railway embankment against erosion and other applications. Coir in the form of nettings has proved to be effective for controlling soil erosion in hill slopes as it protects the seeds in the initial stage of plant growth from being washed away by acting as a shield against the impact of rain & wind. Whereas cotton degrades totally in six weeks and jute in 8 weeks, coir has retained 20% strength even after one year and it takes 15 times longer than cotton and 7 times longer than jute to degrade. The longer resistance of coir is due to its high lignin content (about 35%) compared to say 12% for jute. The growth of micro-organisms depends on their chemical composition. Degradation of coir geotextile is much slower than Jute geotextile with expected field life of about 2 to 3 years. In addition, coir fibers are resistant to saline water. Coir geotextile is cheaper than other natural sources of the fibres. However, the techno-economical aspects depend on the availability of raw material, transportation cost, existing skilled/unskilled human resources and state participation etc. Erosion of exposed slopes of bank and cutting, if allowed unchecked may often threaten the integrity and stability of the railway support structures. In all new constructions, including widening etc. a system based on assessed erosion level should be designed & incorporated covering most appropriate erosion protection measures. Adequate growth of vegetation is possible during the lifetime of coir geo- textile provided the right type of species of vegetation is chosen and planted, considering the soil and climatic ambience. As far as possible, use of local variety of grass and legumes must be made for vegetation growth. 2117. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1, Guidelines on erosion control and control and drainage of railway formation’, RDSO's report no. GE : G-4 ,Feb 2005 2. 3. 8. Manual on Use & Manufactures Of Coir Bhoovastra by Coir Board; Ministry Of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Govt. of India Indian Standard (IS) 15872:2009 Application of coir Geotextiles ( Coir woven Bhoovastra) for Rain water erosion control in Roads, Railway embankments and Hills slopes-Guidelines Comprehensive guidelines and specifications for railway formation. Specification no RDSO/2020/GE: IRS-0004, June-2020 . SIRC56,” recommended Practices for treatment of embankment and Roadside slopes for erosion control” Indian Road Congress R K Puram, New Delhi . ‘Guidelines For Application Of Jute Geo-Textiles in Railway Embankment And Hill Slopes’ Report no RDSO/2007/GE: G-0008 by RDSO. Balan, K., Sheela Evangeline, Y., and Venkatappa Rao, G. (2016). Coir Geotextiles (Coir Bhoovastra) for Sustainable Infrastructure, Publication No. 331, Central Board of Irrigation and Power and Indian Chapter of International Geosynthetics Society. Coir Board, (2011), Ravi PK (Ed). Indian Coir: A Reference Book. Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, Kochi. 18. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The Guidelines have been prepared by Shri H.S. Meena, ARE/GE and Shri Shiv Kumar, SSRE/GE and Shri Ajay Singh, SSRE/GE..under guidance of Shri S.K,Jindal Pr. Exe. Director/Geo-technical Engineering and Shri Sanjay Kumar Awasthi, Director/G.E. The above draft has been vetted by an expert committee consisting of the following members 1. 2 3. Dr. K Balan, Professor, Civil Engineering (Retd), College of Engineering Dr. K Rajagopal, Professor and Institute Chair, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Dr. Samson Mathew, Director, NATPAC, Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvanathapuram Dr. KR Anil, Director, National Coir Research and Management Institute, Thiruvannathapuram . Shri. M Kumaraswamy Pillai, Director, Marketing (Retd), Coir Board 22AL A2 ANNEXURE -A Grasses and Plants for Stabilization of Embankment Slope, Steep Hill Slope and Gullies Some important grasses and legumes are listed below with their specific adaptability for stabilisation of moderate slopes : st Name Characteristics 1 | GynodonDactylon Suitable for lighter and sandy soils (Common Doob) sown with the advent of monsoon. 2. | CenchrusCiliaries ‘Adapted to tropical and sub-tropical (Anjan) summer rainfall areas, sown with the advent of monsoon. Suitable to wide range of soils. 3 |DicanthiumAnnulatum | Adapted to tropical and sub-tropical (Marvel Grass) summer rainfall areas. Suitable to wide range of soils, 4 | Eragrostiscuvula Strongly tuffed deep-rooted bunches, (Weeping Love Grass) | excellent for protecting terraces and channels. Suitable for wide range of soil especially sandy loam. 5 |PennisetumPedicelitum | Suitable for dry to marshy ground, (Dinanath Grass) sandy loom with annual rainfall of about 1000mm. Some grasses and legumes for stabilsing steep slopes, waste land gullies are given below : SL Name Characteristics 1_ | StylosanthisGracilis Draught resistant, wide adaptability, suitable for light soils. 2_| StylosanthisGusineusis Drought resistant, suitable for light and medium well drained soils. 3 | CalopegoniumOrthocarpum | Deep-rooted perennial legume, vigorous growth (grows during February-March). 4 [Pennisetum Purpureum | Suitable for an elevation of about 1500 m. 23 andA3. GUIDANCE IN SELECTING THE SPECIES OF VEGETATION Name of the species Suited for [Chrysopogon zizanioides (khus - | All type of soil khus) Avicennia officinalis Shrub suitable for marshy places Rhizophora Mucrunata Shrub suitable for marshy places | Cyperus Exaltatus Grass suitable for highway slopes ‘Acrostichum Aureum Shrub suitable for dam sites Adiantum spices Shrub suitable for dam sites Cyanodon dactylon For light sandy soils |Cenehurs ciliaries ~ |Formosttypesofsol === Eragrostis curuvia For protecting terraces and channels Dianthum annulatum For light soil Pennisetum pedicellatum Sandy loam soil Both rochola glabra For red semi arid soil Stylosanthis gracilis For light soils with low moisture ‘Stylosamthis gusineusis For light and medium soil with low moisture Pucraria hirsute Cover crop suited to alluvial soil and For hills in humid climate Pennisetum purpureum For hill slopes Peuraria hirsta Cover crop suited to alluvial soil 4, GRASSES RECOMMENDED FOR SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATION (SMC) AND SLOPE STABILIZATION SI. No. | Species Propagation method | Bambusa arundinacea Rhizome/Seeds 2 | Bothriochioa pertusa Seeds 3 | Chrysopogon fulvus Slips 4 | Cymbopogon citratus Slips/Seeds 5 | Cymbopogon flexuosus Slips 6 _ | Cymbopogon martini Slips 7 | Cymbopogon nardus Slips & | Chrysopogon zizanioides (khus- | Slips khus) 24Cynodon dactylon Rhizome/Seeds 10 | Dendrocalamus strictus Rhizome 11 Dichanthium annulatum Seeds 12 | Eleusine indica Slips/Seeds 13 | Heteropogon contortus Slips/Seeds 14 | Pennisetum pedicillatum Seeds 15 | Saccharum spontaneum Slips 25Annexure - B TENTATIVE LIST OF MANUFACTURERS OF COIR GEO-TEXTILES Below is the List of some of the manufacturers of coir geotextiles which is indicative only for information purpose. For recent/updated list of manufacturers for coir geotextile can be obtained for Coir Board web site or from the survey of the open market or other appropriate sources. SL Contacts Of Manufacturers SL | Contacts Of Manufacturers 1 | Charnakattu Coir 2 | Brothers Coir Mills Pvt. Ltd. Manufacturing Company (P) Muhamma P.O. Ltd. Alleppey - 688 525 | P.B. No. 7, Cherthala P.O. Fax: 91-478-2862648 | Alleppey ~ 688 524 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 91-478-2862459 E-mail: [email protected] 3 | Naranji Coir Industrials 4 |N.V. Joseph Exports | |P.B. No. 28, Alleppey - 688 001 Nediakalaparambil, Fax: 91-477-2251079 Ruby Nagar P.O. E-mail: alp- Changanassery, [email protected] Kottayam — 686 101 Fax: 91-481-2426896 E-mail: [email protected] 5 | Aspinwall & Company 6 | The Koncherry Coir Factories (Travancore) Ltd. Mayithara Market P.O. PB No. 5, CCNB Road, Cherthala, Alleppey - 688 539 Alleppey - 688 001 Fax: 91-478-2812616 Fax: 91-477-2243143 E-mail E-mail: koncherr koncherry.co.in [email protected] 7 | Liso Coir Tex 8 | Palm Fibre (India) Pvt. Ltd. Pathirappally P.O. Opp. Alll India Radio, Poomkavu, Alleppey - 688 521 Pathirappally P.O. Fax: 91-477-2259285 Alleppey - 688 521 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: 91-477-2258171 _| E-mail: palmfibre@sancharnet 9 Indian Emporium 10 | Travancore Balers 2/77, Calvetty Road, P.B. No, 4802, P. B. No: 45,Cochin, Alleppey - 688 012 Kerala - 682 001 Contact : Mr. V. Jose Telephone : 91-484- 2215484/2217957/ 2216216 Fax : 91-484-2217957, 478- 2593825 E-Mail : [email protected] 11 [ose Augustine 12 | Trellis Horticulture {Coastal Enterprises International 26G-40, Palika Place, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Gole Market New Delhi - 110001, Delhi, India 12/9, Santhoshraj Plaza , Subburaman Street, Gandhinagar Near Anna Nagar Bus stand Madurai - 625020 Tamil Nadu, India Mobile : +(91)-8870013025, 8754823065 13 Kerala State Coir Corporation | 14 PB NO 191, Sea View Ward Alappuzha, Kerala India 688001 Ph 91-477- 2240111 Lt i | m Coir Fed, Near North Pollice Station Revikarunakaran Road, Alappuzha 688012 Mob : +(91)8921380440 Email : [email protected] [email protected] 14 | Foam Mattings (India) Ltd | 15 | Kangayam Coir Cluster (P) | PB No 4619, Beach Road Ltd Alappuzha 498/1, Kasilingampalayam Road Mob : +(91)9947528856 Uthiyur - 638 703 Email : [email protected] Kangayam Tk, Tirupur Dist, Tamilnadu Mob: 9943304107 Email : [email protected] 15 | Ambalappuzha Taluk Coir 16 | Karnataka State Coir Coop Development Society Federation Ltd 52, 52A, DIC Building, Rajajinagar Ward No 11 Industrial Estate, Chord Road, Aryad Block Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010 SSCMMCS Ltd Mob : +(91)9844149468 South Aryad Email Alappuzha, 688006 [email protected] Mob : +(91)8089496475, 9446370537 Email : mai [email protected] 17 _| COIR BOARD SHOW ROOMS ACROSS INDIA Coir Bhavan, House No.153 Shiv Nagar, College Road, Ward No.19 Agarthala 799 004, Tripura. Phone: +91-381-2818017 Email: [email protected] Mob: 8119061796 *pran Vijay”, Ashram Road Navarangapuram Ahmedabad 380 009, Gujarat Phone: +91-79-26580226 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9427711971 35, Sheo Charan Lal Road Allahabad-211001, Uttar Pradesh. Phone: +91-532-2401608 Email: [email protected] Mob:8574178204 Coir Board SR&SD Central Institute of Coir Technology Peenya Industrial Area Bengaluru -560058 Phone:080 28397216 Email: [email protected] 27| Mob: 9869633229 Showroom & Sales Depot No.A/15, Ruchika Market Baramunda Unit - 19 Bhubaneswar - 751 003 1 91-674-2355344 [email protected] 738548892 | SCO = 84, Sector 38 - C Chandigarh-160 036, Phone: +91-172-2699736 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9855993349 Opp. Vanavil Co-optex Teynampet, 578,Mount Road, Anna Salai ,Chennai-600018 Tamil Nadu. +91-44-24349123 [email protected] Mob: 9483715395 Land: 04424349123, No. 61, Gandhi Road, Near Jain Dharmasala P.O. Mazra, Dehradun- 248001, Uttaranchal. 0135-2521245 [email protected] Mob: 7007836887,8765163288 Coir Board SR&SD , Shop No.12,First Floor, Ekta Mall,Kevadia Gujarat-393 151 Email: [email protected] Coir House, M. G. Road, Ernakulam South, Kochi 682 016, Kerala. | Phone: +91-484-2354277 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9995680835 Indira Bye Pass, Near AMDO Golai P, 0, Tadong-Gangtok , Sikkim 737102. Phone: +91-3592-280690 Email [email protected] Mob: 7045096101 First Cross Arundelpet | Guntur 522 002 | Andhra Pradesh Phone: +91-863-2234586 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9440241007 | 4th Line, 6-4-86 26 Dihang Arcade,Bhangahar, Opp.Pallavi Motors, G.S.Raod, Guwahati-781005, Assam. + +91-361-2464142 [email protected] 035284132 5-8-328/1, Chapel Road, | Hyderabad-500 001 | Andhra Pradesh. Phone : +91-40-23202276 | Email: [email protected] Showroom & Sales Depot Plot No.610, Scheme No.44, Khatiwala Tank Vikash Rekha Complex Indore-452 014 Madhya Pradesh Phone: 91-731-2462106 479402540 [email protected] | Raveendra Bhavan, Opp. AIR, M.I.Road , Jaipur-302 001, Rajasthan. Phone : +91-141-2365427 E-mail : [email protected] Mob: 9829048204 Opp. Kalgidhar Gurudwara Rehari Chungi Showroom & Sales Depot, No.111A/403, 80 Feet RoadJammu Tawi-180 001, Jammu & Kashmir. Phone: +91-191-2583827 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9419109147 Ashok Nagar, Kanpur - 208012 +91-512-2540173 <@gmail.com Mob: 9452162668 22 U.N, Brhamchari Road, Park Street. Kolkata-700 016, West Bengal Phone : +91-33-24605287 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9163546761 6, Balmiki Marg, Lalbagh, Lucknow 226 001, Uttar Pradesh Phone: +91-522-2282448 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9918497640 | 182, West Masi Street , Near TM Court, Madurai-625 001, Tamil Nadu. Phone : +91-452-2340505 Email:[email protected] Coir Board Showroom & Sales Depot, Ground Floor Marol Telephone Exchange MIDC, Central Road Andheri (E), Mumbai- 400093 : 022-28384666 jl: [email protected] Mob: 9833481482 Biscomaun Bhavan West Lawn, Patna- 800 001. Phone : 0612-2225550 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9431295471 Showroom & Sales Depot Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan, Ist Floor, Baba Khadag Singh Marg Cannought Place New Delhi-110 001 Phone: 011-23341388 Email: coirboard,[email protected] Mob:9958336699 TC, 25/360-2 Ramakrishna Building, East Thampanoor , Thiruvananthapuram- 695001,Kerala Phone : 0471-2325315 Email: [email protected] Mob: 8089594737 Coir Board SR & SD, B-25/4A, Hanumanpura Ward Bhelpura P.O - Bhelpura Varanasi - 221010 Uttar Pradesh Phone: 0542-2276755 Email: [email protected] Mob: 9839339686 Shop no.4,5,8, & 9, Udyog Bhavan Siripuram Beside APCO, Visakhapatnam 530 003. Phone : 0891-2525186 Email: [email protected] Mob: 8008066003