Application of erosion-control materials and spontaneous vegetation in the protection of reservoirs in southern and eastern Serbia

Abstract

The quality and stability of erosion-control materials in protection of reservoirs in Southern and Eastern Serbia have been examined both in the field and in accredited laboratories in our country. Field investigations have been carried out over a period of 15 years in Eastern Serbia and for up to 30 years in Southern Serbia, and they are still being conducted by monitoring the state and possible damage of consolidation-retention check dams, walls, and other erosion-control structures. The materials used in protection of the Selova and Grliste Reservoirs are typical construction materials, such as resistant natural stone, concrete of the BI group, i.e., MB 20, aggregate, synthetic elements, etc. Longterm monitoring of their state and minor deformations has shown that the materials were well-chosen and stable, and that there has been no significant damage, except for some minor crumbling and smaller cracks due to negligible scouring. This is all the result of prior thorough empirical and laboratory testing of applied materials, which helped to achieve stability and functionality of structures erected to prevent silting-up of the reservoir. Such a state has contributed to stabilization of erosion processes and reduction of sediment quantities, improvement of water quality, and advancement of the autochthonous vegetation (Salix L., Cornus L., Quercus L.). Vegetation has further mitigated erosion, decreased floods, and consolidated the structures, thereby improving the ecological quality of the catchments as well as the entire study area.