What is the primary purpose of using riprap in erosion control?

Riprap serves the primary purpose of protecting shorelines and preventing erosion due to its effectiveness in dissipating the energy of flowing water. When water moves over surfaces like soil or sediment, it can erode those materials, leading to loss of land and degradation of natural habitats. By placing riprap—typically composed of large stones or rock—along the banks of rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water, the velocity of the flowing water is reduced as it interacts with the irregular surfaces of the stones.

This stone layer acts as a barrier that absorbs the energy of waves and swift water, thereby shielding the underlying soil from erosive forces. The strategic placement of riprap can significantly enhance the stability of banks and shorelines, making it a critical component in effective erosion control and management practices. As a result, riprap is widely used in various environmental applications, such as beach restoration, riverbank stabilization, and bridge abutment protection, underscoring its crucial role in conserving land and protecting structures from erosion-related damages.