If you’re wondering about rip rap, you might be surprised to learn that you’ve likely seen it before if you live in coastal Maryland.
Rip rap is one of the many materials you can find for your construction project at Reliable Contracting in Gambrills, Maryland. We offer many different materials, like mason sand, asphalt materials, topsoil, and recycled stone. If you’re wondering about rip rap, you might be surprised to learn that you’ve likely seen it before if you live in coastal Maryland. What is rip rap in construction? Learn more about it here.
What Is Rip Rap?
Rip rap is a type of stone used to pile against slopes, especially in watery areas, to protect soil and structures from water erosion. They can vary in size and are unpolished; together, they break the force of water and protect whatever they are leaning against.
Types of Rip Rap
Rip rap does not have to be one type of stone. It could be limestone, trap rock, granite, fieldrock, etc. This type of construction material also comes in three classes:
- Class 1: Small stones of a 6-12 inch diameter
- Class 2: Medium stones of a 12-24 inch diameter
- Class 3: Large stones of a 24-30 inch diameter
Rip Rap Applications
Erosion can do a lot of damage to shorelines and the structures off of those shorelines. It can also whittle away foundations of constructions in the water. Water is constantly moving, and that’s a healthy thing. However, the constant waves and currents and freeze-thaw cycles take a toll on whatever it hits. For this reason, rip rap applications include:
- Slope stabilization: Erosion control for the shorelines of lakes, rivers, and other beaches or steep slopes
- Protection for bridges, culverts, abutments, etc.: Erosion control for the bases of bridges and other man-made structures
Reliable Rip Rap
Rip rap is beneficial for its longevity and affordability. These stones, once installed, can last in place for up to a century in good condition. Rocks can withstand the test of time, and plenty have already been around for centuries before they were used for rip rap.
It is also relatively affordable, compared to other erosion control options, and requires little maintenance.
If you need rip rap for your construction project or would like to hire Reliable Contracting for the work, please contact us today!
ABOUT RELIABLE CONTRACTING
Reliable is dedicated to delivering quality products, displaying professionalism within the firm, seeking new opportunities for expansion and profitability, and providing an environment for individual success. If you have a commercial or residential construction project that you need taken care of, please contact Anne Arundel County’s largest site-work contractor today by calling 410-987-0313 or visiting our website. You can also follow Reliable Contracting on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Reliable Contracting Company serves the following and surrounding counties: Annapolis, Queen Anne’s, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Howard, Prince George, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Washington D.C.