REVETMENTS
A revetment is a covering or facing placed upon an earth slope to enable it to stand at an inclination greater than it would naturally assume. Some revetments also increase the tenacity of slopes and diminish the injury by fire. The upper parts of revetments that may be struck by projectiles which penetrate the cover of earth must not be made of materials of large units which will splinter when struck. The upper part of the revetments is technically known as crowning.
Sandbags
Sandbags are made of coarse canvas or burlap. They are 33 inches long and 14 inches wide. They are filled loosely with earth or sand about ½ cubic foot to a bag. Having been placed in position they are pounded down with a shovel to a rectangular form when they will fill a space about 20 by 13 by 5 inches.
The sandbag revetment is constructed by laying alternate rows of headers and stretchers, breaking joints. The tied ends of the headers and seams of the stretchers are put into the parapet. Men working in pairs lay the bags and set them firmly in place with a spade or mallet.
The advantages are:
1. The portability of the empty bags. Only 62 pounds per one hundred bags.
2. They may be filled with any kind of soil.
3. They are rapidly filled and easily placed in position.
4. They are invaluable in making repairs.