Abstract
M.Ing. (Civil Engineering)
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a sisal fibre natural
geotextile in controlling the rate and extent of soil erosion. The effectiveness of this
locally produced material was compared to other natural fibre geotextiles and other
methods commonly used for the control of soil erosion. The different materials and
methods were tested under the same conditions to compare the relative effectiveness of
these products. The various erosion control products were subjected to laboratory tests.
A rainfall simulator and an adjustable slope simulator were used to simulate the process
of soil erosion. During these tests the effectiveness of the different products in
controlling soil erosion was measured and conclusions were made about the effectiveness of the products. Mechanical sieve analysis tests were used to determine the erodibility
of the different soil particles. Field trials that made use of the sisal fibre geotextile are
also discussed.