What must be avoided when placing riprap over geotextile?

When placing riprap over geotextile, it is crucial to avoid damaging the geotextile. Geotextiles serve a vital function in erosion control and sediment management by providing separation, filtration, drainage, and reinforcement within the soil structure. If the geotextile is compromised during the placement of riprap, its effectiveness can be severely diminished, leading to potential failure of the erosion control system.

Damaging the geotextile can occur due to sharp edges of the riprap, heavy machinery, or careless handling. This could result in tears or punctures, allowing soil and sediment to migrate through the geotextile layer, which can undermine its purpose and lead to erosion or sedimentation problems in the surrounding area.

Conversely, while factors like water saturation, excavation of the ground, and overlapping of materials are relevant in the context of installing riprap and geotextiles, they do not pertain directly to the integrity of the geotextile itself in the same way that potential damage does. Keeping the geotextile intact is essential for ensuring that the riprap system performs as intended and effectively mitigates erosion and sedimentation issues.