Cross Creek Stream Bank Stabilization | Fayetteville, NC

The rains of Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence were a significant factor in stream bank erosion along Cross Creek in downtown Fayetteville, which had undermined the parking lot at the Beaver Law Firm as well as at St. John’s Episcopal Church just downstream.

Bank stabilization was also required further downstream along the property of First Presbyterian Church. Portions of the parking lots had collapsed into the creek, and continued erosion threatened the stability of the buildings at both locations.

Along with their subconsultant, GeoEngineers, Gradient investigated several options for bank stabilization to include sheet piles, mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, gabion baskets and a modular concrete block gravity wall.

Gradient Solution

The streambank stabilization improvements were located within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) detailed study area.

A detailed flood study was completed to document the impacts of the streambank stabilization projects to the FEMA base flood elevations, floodway elevations, and floodway limits.

Soil borings were performed and the results of earlier investigations were examined to determine existing subsurface conditions, which were used to establish the bottom elevation of the wall.

 

A concrete block gravity wall system was selected as the preferred alternative due to cost, availability, and limited encroachment into Cross Creek and adjacent properties. Construction drawings were prepared for improvements at all three locations.

Major funding was provided by grants from the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

The overall project involved two other locations where the repairs were not as extensive. Construction drawings were prepared for those locations as well. These projects involved surveying, design and construction observation.