Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

The Geosynthetic Solution – Silt Fence 

Faced with the ineffectiveness of straw barriers, 

a second type of filter barrier, the silt fence, has 

emerged.  Silt fences are composed of tough, 

durable, geotextiles attached to support posts.  

Silt fences can trap a much higher percentage of 

the suspended sediments than can straw bales.  

When properly performing, a well designed silt 

fence will: 

• 

initially screen silt and sand particles from 

runoff. 

• 

form a soil filter adjacent to the sift fence, 

reducing the flow of water through the 

fence. 

• 

create a pond behind the fence which serves 

as a sedimentation basin to collect runoff 

water and retain suspended sediments. 

 

 

Silt fence retaining sediment laden runoff. 

 

Over 40 million square yards of silt fence are 

used annually providing the following benefits 

over traditional sediment control structures: 

• 

Minimal labor required to install; 

• 

Low cost; 

• 

Highly efficient in removing sediment; 

• 

Very durable and sometimes reusable. 

 

 

---

                                               GEOSYNTHETICS IN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL:                                          39 

Hard Armor Systems, Rolled Erosion Control Products, Silt Fence 

For more information please contact the Geosynthetic Materials Association at www.gmanow.com.