Coir Fiber Logs Design and Use Guide
Coir Fiber Logs Design and Use Guide
DESIGN GUIDE
COCOLOGIX
CONTENTS WHAT IS COIR?
Coir is a natural fiber from the husk of a coconut (the
What is Coir? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 material between the hard, internal shell and the outer
coat of a coconut). It is traditionally used to make floor
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses, upholstery
padding, sacking, rope, nets, erosion control products,
How are Coir Logs Used? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 and much more. Each fiber cell is approximately 0.04
inch and 10 to 20 μm (0.0004 to 0.0008 in) in diameter.
Shapes and Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Individual fiber cells are joined to form fibers 4 to 12
inches in length. Coir fibers are hollow and have narrow
Netting Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 cellulose walls. This void space within the cellulose
walls is an essential physical property as shown later
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 in this document. There are two different types of coir:
white and brown. White coir fibers are harvested from
Side Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 the coconuts before ripened while brown fibers are
harvested from fully ripened coconuts. White fibers tend
Comparison to RipRap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 to be smoother and finer making them perfect for the
yarn used in mats or rope. The brown fibers are thick,
Interval Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
strong, and have a high abrasion resistance. These fibers
are typically used in mats, brushes and sacking. Coir
Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
fiber, either white or brown, is relatively water-proof and
is one of the few natural fibers resistant to salt water Brown Coir Lightly Misted for Log Production
Inundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
damage.
Coir Logs contain the brown coir compacted in to
Permeability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 a tubular or rectangular net as shown above
Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 HISTORY
Life Expectancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 In the early 1990’s, coir fiber logs were introduced to The invention of coir fiber logs has eliminated many
the United States by Mr. Lothar Bestmann of Bestmann challenges associated with live fascine practice such
Plantings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Green Systems, Germany. Mr. Bestmann developed as proper plant identification, highly trained labor
and perfected many techniques to stabilize high energy performing field fabrication, dormant season installation
Wave Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 reservoir shorelines, shipping lanes, and waterways and harvesting. Coir fiber logs, as invented by Mr.
& rivers utilizing vegetation as the primary stabilizing Bestmann, changed the seasonality of live fascine
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 mechanism. Inspired by “wattles” or “live fascines”, practice by extending its use to all seasons. Additionally,
Mr. Bestmann developed coir fiber logs. Wattle or live the species of plants utilized for live fascine practice
Anchoring Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 fascine practice entails the use of live and/or dead plant dramatically increased to include, not only woody
parts (stems, branches, and dormant cuttings) which species, but also herbaceous sedges, grasses, rushes,
End to End Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 are inserted, driven, buried, or otherwise placed on and forbs.
the ground in specified orientations to control erosion,
End Treatments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 minimize shallow sliding, initiate sedimentation, protect
structures, and provide a favorable environment for
Installation Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 the establishment of a permanent vegetative cover.
The manufactured version of the wattle or live fascine
Common Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
was comprised of long coir fibers, tightly machine
compressed to a density of 9 lbs/ft³, contained in a highly
Project Profiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
UV stabilized knotless 100% virgin polypropylene net.
The manufactured version of the wattle or live fascine
expanded the utility of this soil biotechnical practice
more quickly and uniformly.
Side Slope
9 lbs/ft³ coir fiber density natural net coir fiber log but
Site geometry can affect the size of coir log to be used.
in reality it simply is not practical. Often the confusion
As the steepness of the side slope increases, the coir log
lies with coir fiber density per cubic foot versus coir fiber
at the toe will need to increase accordingly. The toe of
log weight per lineal foot. For example, a 12” diameter
slope log size should be as follows:
coir log with a coir fiber density of 9 lbs/ft³ weighs 7
lbs/lft thus making it a conversion misunderstanding. Note the diameter size can change when placed
Even when properly manufactured to a fiber density of next to riprap or other system designs.
Natural Fiber Net Polymeric Net
7 lbs/ft³, natural net coir fiber logs are not as strong and
Comparison to RipRap
durable as their 9 lbs/ft³ poly net counterpart. See Design When evaluating coir logs, it is often being compared
Natural nets are comprised of coir fibers, hand twisted Section – Weight for more information. to the size of the riprap protecting the toe, which the
into yarns, and hand woven into tubular nets. Natural coir log is adjacent to; therefore, to properly select the
coir fiber nets vary widely in consistency, strength, diameter size of the coir log, see the guidelines below:
uniformity, and durability. Furthermore, natural fiber
nets begin to deteriorate as soon as the product is made
and stored. The rate of degradation varies with the raw
fiber’s water content, length of storage time before use,
and storage location. Having imported coir fiber logs
and natural coir fiber nets since 1994, one constant
remains: 20 to 25% of the imported logs or nets are
damaged when unloaded from the shipping container.
When natural net coir fiber logs are stored for any length
of time, whether indoors or outdoors, Asia or North Inconsistent Netting
Attempt to Compact 12” Example 12” Riprap Trench with 12” Coir Log
America, the nets begin degrading in the inventoried
Natural Coir Net to 9 lbs/
pile (especially without the proper ventilation). The nets
ft³ Density
Interval Spacing
at the bottom of the pile are the last ones to be shipped The length of slope and insurance of vegetation growth
yet have been sitting in storage the longest. When determines the coir log spacing along the side slope.
imported tubular coir nets are pressed into coir fiber When Mr. Bestmann, noted in the History Section, Coir logs break up the slope minimizing the chance
logs domestically, stored in a temperature controlled started to evaluate high energy sites wanting to utilize of erosion. As the length of a slope increases, flow
environment, and cross stacked to facilitate air flow, vegetation as a stabilizing mechanism, it is now easy to becomes channelized increasing its shear stress which
the coir fiber exterior nets still degrades more quickly understand why he chose to use a highly UV stabilized, results in erosion. The void space within the coir logs
than its polymeric counterpart. D2 no longer inventories knotless polypropylene net for its strength, durability, itself and the hollow coir fibers act as a pipe retaining
natural net coir fiber logs but rather only manufacture and longevity. Remembering that live fascines work due and moving water perpendicular to the slope. Coir logs
these logs to order. It should be noted that even to their survival during fabrication, storage, handling, should be placed in the following intervals:
manufactured to order natural net coir fiber logs can and installation, proper net selection is critical. It
be damaged during loading, shipping, unloading, and should also be noted that this replica of a live fascine
installation operations. must perform long enough to ensure the establishment
of a local plant community. Unbound coir fiber has a
Natural fiber nets for coir logs also have a limited long life expectancy, but only coir fibers secured into
manufacturing fiber density of 7 lbs/ft³ due to its lower a dense tubular or rectangular shape will perform the Interval Spacing Along
tensile strength (100 lbs. of natural fiber nets verses 250 functions of a live fascine. To this day, more than 45
lbs. of polypropylene nets per ASTM D-4632). When you years after their invention, coir fiber logs utilized in The above chart is based on D2’s experience and ranges
truly pack coir fiber to a density of 9 lbs/ft³ into a natural Europe remain predominantly comprised of long coir published by the EPA. D2 strongly recommends that the
fiber net, the nets will break during the manufacturing fibers, tightly machine compressed to a density of 9 coir logs be placed at the overlap locations of blankets or
process. The import community professes to provide a lbs/ft³, and contained in a highly UV stabilized knotless turf mats. The coir logs will help secure the rolled goods
polypropylene net. during the “grow-in” period as well as aid in getting
vegetation through this denser overlap area.
D2 Land & Water typically recommends the highly UV
stabilized knotless 100% virgin polypropylene net, the
same as Mr. Bestmann.
Wave Action
Sites with exposure to wave energy should only utilize
poly net coir fiber logs with a fiber density of 9 lbs/
ft³. The fill material placed behind the coir fiber log will
migrate through the coir fiber logs with a density of less
than 9 lbs/ft³.
ANSWER: ANSWER:
• C
oir logs allow native vegetation to root, stabilizing • M
aintain valuable nutrients on site that may otherwise Depending on climatic region and time of year, coir is adequate. Due to the climatic zone, being outside of
nature’s best protection against erosion. discharge into the waterway. logs require a lead time of a minimum of 2 months this time frame requires additional time. Outside the 500
• S
eeding by itself can be dislodged during water • E
xpedite vegetative cover due to the proper selection of to be properly pre-vegetated and have roots protrud- mile radius of Indianapolis will also require additional
fluctuations. Vegetated coir logs can minimize these native plants with protective measures. ing through the bottom of the log. If within a 500 mile time. Please consult with your D2 representative to get
occurrences. radius of Indianapolis, IN and placing an order between specifics on ordering vegetated coir logs.
• A
llows for proper transition from hard armor systems to April 1st and September 1st, the two month lead time
• D
uring water fluctuations, silt and/or algae film can be soft armor systems.
deposited on the newly planted seedlings depriving QUESTION 5: Have you seen successful installation incorporating various reinforcement products in lifts to
them of the proper oxygen to grow. Coir logs have establish a stabilized vegetative slope?
approximately 85% void space allowing plants to
continue growth until protrusion can occur. ANSWER:
Bioengineering is the term often used to describe the One needs to be sensitive to all items listed above in
QUESTION 2: What is the most common use of coir logs in erosion control applications? use of vegetation in the construction of civil engineering making decisions on temporary products. If in doubt,
projects. As designers, we tend to explore the limits of utilizing a permanent product is encouraged. Permanent
ANSWER: manufactured products and do the same for vegetative products are suggested in areas below OHWM as well as
Biodegradable Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) and Per- often located at two-thirds bank full. Turbulent forces growth as well. Vegetation is nature’s best protection for areas when full vegetated systems cannot sustain by
manent Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs) are designed are increased where rough, smooth surfaces meet and against erosion, but the “danger” time is the period themselves.
to stabilize slopes, shorelines and waterways; however, coir logs bridge the gap between these dissimilar mate- prior germination and plants rooting. Construction is
when blankets or mats are used adjacent to “live” water rials while encouraging vegetative growth. stressful on plants and the need for outside products
(water constantly flowing) the termination detail of to encourage rapid growth should be considered. The
these products can be difficult to secure prior to estab- biggest question is whether temporary products or
lishing vegetation. Coir logs act as a protective piece permanent products are required.
from the moving water with erosive forces to blankets
or mats, which are mechanically anchored. An addi- Temporary products should be used in applications
tional feature of coir logs is their ability to encourage where vegetation only needs moderate assistance to
the deposition of sediment behind the log maintaining successfully establish a plant community. When eval-
valuable nutrients while resulting in a bank backfilling uating a slope, or similar system, placing temporary
zone upon decomposition of the coir log in lieu of a products above water fluctuation zones are general
void space. adequate if the slope is stable. Other considerations
should always be given to the following whether the
Coir logs are also a transitional piece from hard armor vegetation will have enough time to fully develop prior System Solution of TRM, Coir Log & Riprap
products to rolled erosion control products (RECPs). to temporary products degrading:
This transitional location is often located above the Coir Log with PolyNet (9 lb/ft3Density) after 5 • Velocity of the waterway
low flow elevation where vegetation can be reinforced Years As long as each slope is carefully analyzed, vegetative
and sustain inundation up to 14 days. This elevation is • Energy of the waterway slopes can be successfully installed in a wide range of
applications.
• Sun exposure or lack of
QUESTION 3: Because a coir log is being utilized along a shore line to reduce wave action energy, could the turf • Site geometry
reinforced mat be eliminated to save money?
• S
teepness of slope (General Rule of Thumb: Less
ANSWER: than or equal to 3:1)
Remember that coir logs are biodegradable and are typi- a permanent structure. TRMs (permanent turf reinforce-
cally not used to dissipate wave energy by them self but ment mats) are used to increase the shear stress capac- • Period of inundation
to establish vegetative growth to prevent erosion during ity of the vegetation. Utilizing a vegetated coir log with
the vulnerable “grow in” time period. Coir logs may TRMs increases plant survival on sites where erosive • Number of wet/dry cycles
be used in conjunction with other materials to create a forces during the “grow in” period would have previous-
system capable of stabilizing soils prone to wave ener- ly failed. • Proximately to septic systems
gies but cannot be used to eliminate other stabilizing
• S
oil physical structure and chemical
products with specific design characteristics. Coir logs
characteristics
are a temporary measure and cannot be considered as
ANSWER: ANSWER:
Coir logs for this application require a density of 5 lbs/ft³ The table listed above for slope interval spacing in the Coir logs encourage the deposition of sediment behind up the net and plants are growing over entire coir log
and typically have diameters of 8 or 12 inches; howev- Design Section can also be used for sediment control the log maintaining valuable nutrients while resulting in space. Once the coir logs have completely deteriorated,
er, diameters could be larger depending on site design. intervals. a bank backfilling zone upon decomposition of the coir the polymeric net will not be on the surface of the slope,
Local regulations should be checked for the placement log. As this process takes place the sediment covers but rather buried.
of coir logs. Typically, the coir logs are placed at the
same location as silt fences or other alternative prod-
ucts. Sediment should be removed when deposits reach
one-half the height of the log.
QUESTION 10 : Can coir log vegetative systems be used in coastal applications?
ANSWER:
Yes. There are two major differences when working ble, salt tolerable and deep rooting. Coir log projects
QUESTION 7: What is slope contouring? on coastal applications. The first is utilizing different have been on the East Coast as well as Southern United
anchoring mechanisms for the sand base and resistance States. Projects have included erosion protection for
ANSWER: against increased wave action. The second difference boardwalks, sidewalks, roadways, and loss of usable
As mentioned in the Design Section -Interval Spacing of is the types of plants used in pre-vegetation. Plants land. Some example cross sections used in the past are
this document, coir logs are sometimes used to break up used in coastal applications need to be water tolera- shown below.
the length of slope to minimize the potential for erosion.
This concept is known as slope contouring. For most ap-
plications of slope contouring (or live staking), a 7 lbs/ft³
density coir log is utilized as flow is minimized at these
locations. Example of Slope Contouring
ANSWER:
Coir logs are often used in soil lifts on various types
of slope/wall construction projects. Each project is site
specific; therefore, each site is designed independently.
A few examples utilized in past projects include:
Looking Upstream after First Flood December 2003 May 2004 August 2005
May 2003
Installation - August 2007 May 2013 Standard Coir Log Design Section Installed Dec. Standard Coir Log Design Section
2009 - Picture taken Aug. 2012 Installed December 2009
Tree Roots being Threatened by Transition from Coir Log to Coir Log to GeoWeb Wall
Erosion GeoWeb Wall August 2013
June 2012 June 2013
Upper Section of North Bank- 2007 Installation Lower Section of North Bank- 2007 Installation
Upper Section of North Bank- August 2009 Lower Section of North Bank- August 2009
After the Lake Lemon Conservancy District (LLCD) The results of this system were immediate. It provided
received a LARE (Lake and River Enhancement) grant, a self-sustaining solution that allowed for sediment
they selected Donan Engineering to help administer deposition behind the coir log for natural slope refilling,
the grant and address the shoreline erosion. Donan the rock toe allowed for energy dissipation and created
Engineering contacted D2 Land & Water Resource to an environment to allow the native species to establish.
evaluate the problems at Lake Lemon. After a site visit, The site continues to be monitored, and even after
D2 proposed the following design: nearly a decade in place, the system is still providing the
erosion protection and habitat development.
August 2003, One Month after Installation August 2008- 5 Years after Installation