Designation: D6884 − 03 (Reapproved 2015)´1

Standard Practice for

Installation of Articulating Concrete Block (ACB) Revetment
Systems1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6884; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

ε1 NOTE—Reapproval with editorial change to 1.3 in November 2015.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 The purpose of this standard is to provide recommended 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
guidelines for the proper installation of articulating concrete C33/C33M Specification for Concrete Aggregates
block (ACB) revetment systems. C698 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and
Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Mixed Ox-
1.2 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing ides ((U, Pu)O2)
one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace
education or experience and should be used in conjunction with 3. Terminology
professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be 3.1 Definitions:
applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not 3.1.1 articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment system,
intended to represent or replace standard of care by which n—a matrix of interconnected concrete block units for erosion
adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor protection. Units are connected by geometric interlock, cables,
should this document be applied without considerations of a ropes, geotextiles, geogrids, or a combination thereof, and
project’s many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title typically include a geotextile underlayment for subsoil reten-
of this document means only that the document has been tion.
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
4. Summary of Practice
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 4.1 The proper installation of articulated concrete block
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only revetment systems is essential to the adequate functioning and
and are not considered standard. Use of units other than performance of the system during the design hydrologic event.
inch-pound shall not be considered non-conformance with this This standard provides guidelines for maximizing the corre-
practice as long as the selected parameters are met as a spondence between the design intent and the actual field-
minimum. finished conditions of the project.

1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, 4.2 This standard addresses the preparation of the subgrade,
geotextile placement, block system placement, backfilling and
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
finishing, and inspection.
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
5. Significance and Use
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1 This standard is intended for use by designers and
contractors to assist in understanding the importance of proper
installation of articulating concrete block revetment systems in
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and
2
Sediment Control Technology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015. Published November 2015. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6884–03(2010). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D6884-03R15E01. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D6884 − 03 (2015)´1
order to achieve suitable hydraulic performance and maintain 6.1.4 When placing in the dry, the areas to receive the ACB
stability against the erosive force of flowing water. system shall be graded to establish a smooth surface and ensure
5.2 An articulating concrete block system is comprised of a that intimate contact is achieved between the subgrade surface
matrix of individual concrete blocks placed together to form an and the geotextile, and between the geotextile and the bottom
erosion-resistant overlay with specific hydraulic performance surface of the ACB system. Unsatisfactory soils, soils having
characteristics. The system includes a geotextile underlay excessive in-place moisture content and soils containing clods,
compatible with the subsoil that allows hydraulic infiltration roots, sod, brush, or other organic materials shall be removed,
and exfiltration to occur while providing particle retention. The backfilled with approved material and compacted. It is recom-
blocks within the matrix shall be dense and durable and the mended that the subgrade be uniformly compacted to a
matrix shall be flexible and porous. minimum of 90 percent of Standard Proctor density (Test
Method D698). Should the subgrade surface for any reason
5.3 Articulating concrete block systems are used to provide become rough, corrugated, uneven, textured or traffic marked
erosion protection to underlying soil materials from the forces prior to ACB installation, such unsatisfactory portion shall be
of flowing water. The term “articulating,” as used in this scarified, reworked, re-compacted or replaced as directed by
standard, implies the ability of individual blocks of the system the Engineer. Excavation of the subgrade above the water line
to conform to changes in the subgrade while remaining shall not be more than 2 in. (50 mm) below the grade indicated
interconnected by virtue of block interlock and/or additional on the contract drawings. Where such areas are below the
system components such as cables, ropes, geotextiles, or allowable grades, they shall be brought to grade by placing and
geogrids. compacting approved material in layers not exceeding 6 in.
5.4 The definition of articulating concrete block systems (150 mm) thick. Where such areas are above the allowable
does not distinguish between interlocking and non-interlocking grades, they shall be brought to grade by removing material or
block geometries, between cable-tied and non-cable-tied reworking existing material and compacting. The subgrade
systems, between vegetated and non-vegetated systems or shall be raked, screeded, or rolled by hand or machine to
between methods of manufacturing or placement. Furthermore, achieve a smooth compacted surface that is free of loose
the definition does not restrict or limit the block size, shape, material.
strength, or longevity; however, guidelines and recommenda- 6.2 Placement of Geotextile:
tions regarding these factors are incorporated into this stan- 6.2.1 Immediately prior to placing the geotextile and ACB
dard. This standard does not specify size restrictions for system, the prepared subgrade shall be inspected. The geotex-
individual block units. Block systems are available in either tile shall be placed directly on the prepared area, in intimate
open-cell or closed-cell varieties. contact with the subgrade and free of folds or wrinkles. The
5.5 The installation of articulated concrete block systems geotextile shall be placed in such a manner that placement of
shall be performed so as to maintain intimate contact between the overlying materials will not excessively stretch or tear the
the blocks, the geotextile filter and the subgrade that the system geotextile. After geotextile placement, the work area shall not
is intended to protect. be disturbed so as to result in a loss of intimate contact between
the concrete block, the geotextile, and the subgrade. The
6. Procedure geotextile shall not be left exposed longer than the manufac-
6.1 Subgrade Preparation: turer’s recommendation to minimize potential damage due to
6.1.1 Stable and compacted subgrade soil shall be prepared ultraviolet radiation.
to the lines, grades and cross sections shown on the contract 6.2.2 The geotextile shall be placed so that upstream strips
drawings. Termination trenches and transitions between slopes, overlap downstream strips and so that upslope strips overlap
embankment crests, benches, berms and toes shall be downslope strips. Overlaps shall be in the direction of flow
compacted, shaped and uniformly graded to facilitate the wherever possible. The longitudinal and transverse joints shall
development of intimate contact between the ACB system and be overlapped at least 3 ft (91 cm) for below-water installations
the underlying grade. Termination between the articulating and at least 1.5 ft (46 cm) for dry installations. If a sewn seam
concrete block revetment system and a concrete slab, wall or is to be used for the seaming of the geotextile, the thread to be
similar structure, shall be secured in a manner which prevents used shall consist of high strength polypropylene or polyester
soil migration. and shall be resistant to ultraviolet radiation. The geotextile
6.1.2 The subgrade soil conditions shall meet or exceed the shall extend beyond the top, toe and side termination points of
required material properties described in 6.1.4. prior to place- the revetment. If necessary to expedite construction and to
ment of the block. Soils not meeting the requirements shall be maintain the recommended overlaps anchoring pins, “U”-
removed and replaced with acceptable material. staples or weights shall be used. Granular filters may be used
6.1.3 Care shall be exercised so as not to excavate below the in place of, or in combination with, the geotextile per the
grades shown on the contract drawings, unless directed by the Engineer’s design drawings and specifications.
Engineer to remove unsatisfactory materials. Any excessive 6.3 Placement of Articulating Concrete Block System:
excavation shall be filled with approved backfill material and 6.3.1 The articulating concrete block system shall be placed
compacted. Where it is impractical, in the opinion of the on the geotextile in such a manner as to produce a surface in
Engineer, to dewater the area to be filled, over-excavations accordance with 6.3.3 that achieves intimate contact with the
shall be backfilled with approved backfill material. geotextile.

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 D6884 − 03 (2015)´1
6.3.2 Placement of the ACB system, whether as mats or by rounded transition (that is, minimum radius per specific system
hand, shall be performed to ensure that the individual blocks lie characteristics). However, if a discontinuous revetment surface
in intimate contact with the geotextile and subgrade. For blocks exists in the direction of flow, a grout seam at the grade change
within a mat and blocks that are hand placed, the joint spacing location shall be provided to produce a continuous, flush
between adjacent blocks is to be maintained so that binding of finished surface.
blocks does not occur and so that block to block interconnec- 6.4 Termination Trenches:
tion is achieved. In areas of curvature or grade change, 6.4.1 Termination of blocks shall be in excavated trenches
alignment of an individual block with adjacent blocks shall be which shall be properly backfilled with approved material flush
oriented such that intimate contact between the block, with the top of the finished surface of the blocks (see 6.1.4).
geotextile, and subgrade is maintained and block to block The integrity of the trench backfill shall be maintained to
interconnection is achieved. ensure a finished surface that is flush with the top surface of the
6.3.3 Care shall be taken during block installation so as to articulating blocks.
avoid damage to the geotextile or subgrade during the instal-
lation process. Preferably, where the geotextile is laid on the 6.5 Anchor Penetrations:
ground prior to the ACB installation, the ACB placement shall 6.5.1 Anchor penetrations through the geotextile shall be
begin at the upstream section and proceed downstream. If an grouted with approved material to prevent migration of subsoil
ACB system is to be installed starting downstream and through the penetration point.
proceeding in the upstream direction, a contractor option is to 6.6 Finishing:
construct a temporary toe trench at the front edge of the ACB 6.6.1 The open area of the articulating concrete block
system to protect against flow which could otherwise under- system is typically either backfilled with suitable soil for
mine the system during flow events. On sloped sections where revegetation, or with 3⁄8 to 3⁄4 in. (10 to 20 mm) diameter
practical, placement shall begin at the toe of the slope and crushed stone. Backfilling with soil or granular fill within the
proceed upslope. Block placement shall not bring block-to- cells of the system shall be completed as soon as practicable
block interconnections into tension. Individual blocks within after the revetment has been installed. When topsoil is used as
the plane of the finished system shall not exceed a 0.5 in. (13 a fill material above the normal waterline, overfill by 1 to 2 in.
mm) protrusion or greater protrusion than the tolerance refer- (25 to 50 mm) to account for backfill material consolidation.
enced in the contract documents. 6.7 Inspection:
6.3.4 If assembled and placed as large mats, the ACB mats 6.7.1 The subgrade preparation, geotextile placement and
can be attached to a spreader bar to aid in the lifting and ACB system installation, and overall finished condition includ-
placing of the mats in their proper position with a crane or ing termination trenches shall be inspected.
backhoe. The mats shall be placed side by side and/or end to
end, so that the mats abut each other. Mat seams or openings 7. Keywords
between mats that are 2 in. (50 mm) or greater in the matrix 7.1 articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment systems;
shall be filled with grout. Whether placed by hand or as mats, erosion control; geotextile; subgrade; termination trenches;
distinct grade changes shall be accommodated with a well- toe-ins

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