Articulated Concrete Mat Slope Protection

This paper provides guidance for the design, fabrication, and installation of articulated concrete mat slope protection. Although articulated mat armor has been utilized for many years in low-energy wave environments, it has been extended recently to accommodate intermediate wave energies and severe ice loads. The development of the concept is discussed, after which hydraulic design considerations, material design considerations, and fabrication and installation techniques are presented. Prototype performance is reviewed. It is concluded that articulated concrete mat armor is capable of providing effective slope protection in intermediate-energy wave environments, and that additional research is required relating to hydraulic stability and failure modes under wave and ice loading.