Temporary Surface Protection

Interim erosion-control systems for exposed surfaces between construction phases, seasonal shutdowns or final rehabilitation.

Application

Surfaces left exposed by the schedule, not the design

Construction and earthworks frequently create surfaces that are complete for the current phase but not yet ready for their final cover, landscaping or vegetation system. Graded fills, stockpiles, embankments and prepared subgrades may remain exposed for weeks or months because of sequencing, weather restrictions or seasonal shutdowns.

During this interim period, the surface is vulnerable even though its final engineering design may be sound. Rain can erode slopes and transport sediment, while dry conditions allow wind to remove fine particles. Construction traffic can disturb provisional cover and create new runoff paths.

Temporary protection must control these risks without interfering with the next phase of work. It should provide sufficient stability for the defined exposure period while remaining compatible with excavation, regrading, reuse or final treatment.

This is particularly important for stockpiled mineral materials such as sand and gravel. The protection system must minimize the introduction of organic matter or other components that could affect the material's intended reuse or relevant classification.

Topsoil and humus layer as the planning basis for soil development

Fields of application

Why standard methods fall short

Interim exposure

Temporary surfaces often fall between two planned construction measures. Because they are not part of the final works, protection may be delayed or under-specified even when the exposure period presents a foreseeable erosion risk.

Rain events

Heavy or prolonged rainfall can detach particles, create rills and transport sediment from unprotected fills and slopes. A single event may damage finished grading and increase the work required before construction can resume.

Wind pickup

Dry, fine and loosely compacted material is readily lifted from stockpiles, graded surfaces and exposed subgrades. Wind erosion can cause material loss, dust emissions and deposition beyond the intended work area.

Traffic

Construction vehicles apply shear, compression and turning forces that break temporary surface layers. Repeated traffic can also create wheel tracks and preferential drainage paths, reducing the effectiveness of provisional protection.

The engineered surface system

SRBT develops temporary surface-protection systems around the exposure period, material type, weather risk and next planned use of the surface. The objective is to provide only the functions required during the interim phase without creating unnecessary barriers to later earthworks or material reuse.

Site analysis considers substrate composition, grading, slope, drainage, expected rainfall, wind exposure, traffic, shutdown duration and the final construction sequence. Stockpiles and fills are also assessed according to whether the material will remain in place, be regraded or be excavated and reused.

Depending on the project, the material system may use functional fibers and a biopolymer-based binder to create a temporary, low-residue protective layer. The system can reduce particle detachment, limit surface wash and control wind pickup while remaining compatible with the intended subsequent works.

For mineral stockpiles such as sand or gravel, the input of organic matter must be kept low. The aim is to allow the protected material to be returned directly to its intended fill or construction use without an avoidable change in its relevant classification. This must be confirmed against project specifications, applicable regulations and any required material testing; surface treatment alone cannot guarantee continued classification.

Selection considers required durability, removability or incorporation, environmental suitability and the constraints recorded for the site. Proprietary formulations remain project-specific.

Protective mulch layer for hydraulically applied erosion control

Our approach

01

Site analysis

Assess material, exposure period, weather, traffic and subsequent reuse requirements.

02

Material system

Define temporary protection with minimal residue and compatible organic-matter input.

03

Application

Coordinate surface preparation, access, treatment zones, coverage and later removal or reuse.