Geosynthetics in roads and pavements

Installation Details 

1.  Dig a minimum 6-inch deep x 4-inch wide 

(150 mm x 100 mm) trench where the silt 

fence will be installed.  

2.  Unroll the fence and position it on the down-

slope side of  the trench. Place at least six 

inches (150 mm) of the fabric below ground 

level. For greater effectiveness, lay a portion 

of fabric along the bottom of the trench.  

3.  Backfill and compact soil in the trench to 

prevent runoff from getting underneath the 

fence. Fill the trench with soil and tamp by 

foot or with equipment. 

4.  Place posts on the down-slope side of the 

fabric (the side away from the expected 

runoff flow) and drive them into the ground. 

5.  Attach fabric and mesh reinforcement (if 

required) to the up-slope side of the posts.   

1 – 3 Alternative. “Slice” the silt fence into the 

ground and compact as directed by the slicing 

machine manufacturer.