Field tests of porous fences in the regime of sand-laden wind

Abstract Wind blown sand in inhabited arid regions is a serious environmental problem. Some of the problems are encroachment of drifting sand on roadways, railway tracks, farms and other essential installations. One of the most effective methods for controlling sand drift is using porous fences. In this paper some results of porous fence tests conducted in the Jafurah sand sea in Saudi Arabia are presented. The field tests involved a snow type fence, date palm leaf fence and an innovative spire-shaped elemental fence called the Jet fence. The Jet fence, whose porosity increases with height, proved to be the most efficient. The optimal porosity of the snow type fence as a sand fence was found to be about 50%.