Thalia Stream Restoration

Stream Restoration Design Features MSE Retaining Wall

Project Details

Sector:
Environmental Restoration

Location:
Newport News, Virginia

Partners:
Henry S. Branscome, Inc.

Critical Products:
Precast MSE Wall Block

About the Thalia Stream Restoration Project

Tree overgrowth and stream bank erosion threatened private property, water quality and the livelihood of this Stony Run tributary in Newport News, Virginia. The City of Newport News approved a stream restoration project that would mitigate these threats, control flooding and prevent sedimentation.

Stream Restoration Design and Construction

The centerpiece of the stream restoration design was a precast MSE wall block retaining wall. The retaining wall was designed to control flooding and restore the stream channels.

Before the first precast concrete block was placed, a woven geotextile fabric was installed. The woven geotextile wraps behind the wall block and separates the block from the backfill.

Next, precast wall blocks were installed. The precast MSE wall blocks interlock together to provide a new structural support system for the stream banks. The block’s voids were filled with compacted #57 stone. Woven geotextile fabric was wrapped from the back of the wall and under the stone that capped the wall.

Top soil and Single Net Straw Erosion Control Blanket capped the block retaining wall. Single Wall HDPE Pipe was installed to convey stormwater.

Further down stream, Coir Matting armored the outfalls. This heavy duty coconut fiber erosion matting naturally stabilizes the stream channel in a location where it is subject to severe erosion. Coir products are commonly found on stream restoration projects because of their natural composition and strength.