Topic outline

  • Design of Terraces for Erosion Control

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Terraces are an ancient erosion control practice. The terrace has been used by many cultures to allow the production of grains such as wheat and rice on steep slopes. These terraces were generally small width level terraces designed to prevent erosion, capture runoff, and in some cases allow for surface irrigation. The basic concept of these systems was the reforming of steep landscapes into flat farmable benches to control water runoff and reduce erosion. The use of terraces for erosion control in the United States became an accepted practice after the Dust Bowl years.

    This course is a guide for the planning, design, and implementation of terrace and water and sediment control basin (WASCOB) conservation practices. The design of the underground outlet (UGO) conservation practice as used with these practices is also included. The course is national in scope and may be supplemented with regional and local information.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to Terrace Systems
    • Introduction to WASCOB (water and sediment control basin) systems
    • Introduction to UGOs (underground outlets)
    • Total resource management systems
    • Terrace and WASCOB planning considerations
    • Terrace cross sections, channel block, spacing
    • WASCOB cross sections and spacing
    • Broadbase Terraces
    • Steep-backslope (grassed-back) Terraces
    • Narrow-base Terraces
    • Flat channel (level) Terraces
    • Terrace Alignment and Layout
    • WASCOB, and Surface / Underground Outlet Design Procedures
    • Terrace Ridge and Channel Design
    • Terrace Construction Methods
    • Terrace and Outlet Maintenance Requirements

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course:
    Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion


    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, environmental, construction, land development engineers, and land planners. However, this course could appeal to engineers of other disciplines as well.
    Publication Source: USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service

    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1