Runoff and soil erosion from highway construction spoil deposits: A rainfall simulation study

To measure soil loss from these road construction spoils, 30 rainfall simulations involving five rainfall intensities were conducted to study runoff and soil erosion processes on a road in China. Twenty-five of the rainfall simulations were carried out on loose materials five different slopes. Another five rainfall simulations were conducted on compacted road materials with a slope of 30.6%. The results show that soil bulk density has a positive effect on runoff rate, and the effect of slope on runoff rate changes with rainfall intensity. Higher soil bulk density increases soil loss under low rainfall intensity, but decreases soil loss when rainfall intensity is high. Soil loss is positively related to slope, but the relationship differs from that in prior studied of croplands and disturbed lands. Equations for predicting soil erosion from loose materials and compacted road are developed.

► We study the runoff and sediment yield processes on construction spoils.
► High rainfall intensity could mask the effects of soil bulk density and slope on runoff.
► Slope effects on soil loss rate on construction spoil differ from that of mines and croplands.
► Equations to predict soil loss from construction spoil are developed.