FAQs

Freeze-thaw may cause some slight shifting but concrete-lined or riprap channels would be subject to the same effects. The flexibility of the HDPE allows the product to better absorb shifts in the earth caused by freeze-thaw cycles. If some noticeable slack appears in the anchors, the cables can easily be tightened.

The anchors act to hold the SmartDitch in place and keep good ground contact especially when the ditch is empty. When flowing full the weight of the water increases the frictional force between the product and soil that resists slipping.

Under normal weather and operational conditions, SmartDitch is easy to maintain. Like any other channel or ditch, routine inspections are recommended to make sure there is no erosion along the SmartDitch-Soil interface that would potentially cause undermining. The anchors should be checked for any slack and tightened as needed.

SmartDitch will flow at any slope. However, since SmartDitch is a flexible lining system, care should be taken to maintain a positive slope when excavating. A minimum slope of 1.5% is recommended to prevent ponding due to the difficulty of excavating a trench at a slope less than 1.5%. However, SmartDitch will still function at slopes less than 1.5%

Most questions can answered within 24 hours of your inquiry. SmartDitch can also be custom engineered to your specific application requirements. Please call 1-866-576-2783 for more information.

Yes, SmartDitch is manufactured from HDPE, which is 100% recyclable.

SmartDitch is made of HDPE and enhanced with UV inhibitors. Accelerated laboratory testing projects a minimum lifespan of 20 years.

SmartDitch can be installed on the following minimum radius of curvature:
12 Trapezoid – 10 feet
24 Trapezoid – 75 feet
24 Semi-circular – 80 feet

The maximum slope of an installation is dependent on soil types and the stability of the slope on which the product is installed. Additional anchoring is recommended on slopes greater than 4:1

Flow capacity is dependent on slope. The steeper the slope, the higher the flow capacity. Flow calculations can be found in the Appendix section of the SmartDitch Technical Manual, Section 4.2

Depending on the scope of the project, the product will either ship directly from our manufacturing facility in Portage, WI, or through a local stocking distributor.

Yes, the price includes of all installation kit components.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) – in an ISO certified facility.

SmartDitch is made of HDPE, which is very durable and extremely resistant to chemicals and corrosion. UV stabilizers are also included to inhibit the physical and chemical process of UV-induced degradation. The inherent physical properties of HDPE manufactured SmartDitch will also allow it to perform well in both hot and cold environments.

SmartDitch is a considered a permanent erosion control product with a projected minimum service-life of 20 years.

The SmartDitch system is anchored using steel anchors that are driven into the ground with a driving rod or an impact hammer in tight soils. The cable is pulled tight and held in place with a cable lock.

Yes. Environmental Green and Desert Tan.

North America’s # 1 heavy-gauge thermoformer, Penda Corporation. For more information, we suggest you go to www.penda.com

Use riprap or geotextile fabric. Geotextilse should be either woven or nonwoven polyester, polypropylene,
stabilized nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene chloride with the following physical properties:
• Minimum Grab Tensile Strength (ASTM D 4632) 205 lb (900 N)
• Minimum Puncture Strength (ASTM D 4833) 80 lb (350 N)
• Minimum Apparent Breaking Elongation (ASTM D 4632) 15%
• Maximum Apparent Opening Size No. (ASTM D 4751) 30 (600 micrometers)
• Minimum Permittivity (ASTM D 4491) 0.12 s-1
Riprap should be sized and carefully placed based on site conditions and expected flows.

Two reasons. First, you cannot just lay down some Riprap in a creek bed or flow channel. It requires a variety of rock sizes that must be carefully secured and placed to ensure it achieves the desired flow control results. Second, Riprap does not handle high velocity flows well, and will be displaced over time; creating maintenance and reapplication issues. The amount of Riprap needed to be laid into a ditch to equal the same flow capacity the SmartDitch System can handle is staggering. Results show that a RipRap lined channel requires 2.6 times the cross-sectional flow area to equal the flow in a SmartDitch System. An additional 1.5 ft.- 3 ft. of over excavation would also be required to install the RipRap creating a larger footprint and additional waste soil. (Ask for the SmartDitch vs. Riprap Product Comparison Chart)

There is no maximum shear stress in the traditional sense between the water and the HDPE liner. Theoretically that maximum shear stress would be equivalent to the tensile strength of the HDPE (~3,000 psi). The main concern is the transfer of shear stress to the liner-soil interface. A conservative approach to quantify this is outlined in 3.3.2 (pg. 18) of the technical catalog. We assume all the shear stress is transferred to the liner-soil interface. The only resisting force is the frictional force of the liner on the soil. You can calculate both the frictional force and the shear stress and compare. For a less conservative evaluation and much more realistic evaluation you would include the force of the anchors resisting the sliding.

The ribs are engineered to maximize the flexibility potential of HDPE to create curves, but they also give extra strength / stability to the product. The corrugated design helps to control high velocity flows and creates a self scouring action so that in a rain event debris will be washed away. Another advantage is that it allows SmartDitch to stack well for shipping purposes.

The SmartDitch System on its own will not act as a treatment system. However, SmartDitch is a versatile product that can be used in conjunction with floc logs and jute mats to create an extremely capable turbidity system. This system utilizes the 24 semi-circular SmartDtich, which is designed for above ground use, and can easily be set up on construction sites to treat stormwater runoff before it reaches the streets and local streams. (Please ask for a write up on this system design)

SmartDitch can be accurately described as both. It really depends on how it is designed into the application. And, in many instances it will have dual functionality.