Grade Stabilization Structures
This is a structure that is used to prevent head cutting and maintain grade along a drainage way. Grade stabilization structures control erosion, act as a grade control, reduce incised gulley formation and improve environmental quality. Care can be taken to blend structures into the surrounding environment so they are aesthetically appealing.
When used in livestock pastures they must be fenced out to prevent injury to animals as well as damage to the structure itself. Grade stabilizations structures must be cleared of excessive sediment and debris and thus require some maintenance. When designing such a structure the volume, runoff rates, and soil permeability need to be considered in order to control a certain amount of runoff.
Examples of stabilization structures are small dams with a pipe drop structure, an open weir, toe wall, chute, or box inlet drop structure.
