Revetment on the Mighty Mississippi

The annual effort to fortify America’s great river highway

BY CHRISTI KILROY

Every year, as August rolls around and the Mississippi River’s waters recede, a dedicated crew of over 300, working under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District, embarks on an arduous yet vital task. Their mission: to lay down massive concrete mats along the riverbanks to prevent erosion and safeguard the crucial levee system.

The process begins with the arrival of the mat sinking fleet, a small armada of quarterboats and barges. These vessels, which serve as both home and workspace for the crew, are akin to floating hotels. As the sun rises over the river, the workday starts, stretching well beyond conventional hours. The crew’s efforts are concentrated over the next four months – typically August through November – when the river is at its lowest.

Crew members on the Mat-Sinking Unit prepare to lay concrete mattresses along the banks of the Mississippi River.

PHOTO BY CHRISTI KILROY

The work is precise and labor intensive.

Four gantry cranes lift 16-block sections of concrete mat from supply barges, moving them to a matboat. Here, workers use customized pneumatic tools to wire the sections together, creating large concrete mattresses that will be strategically placed on and along riverbanks and as a protective shield against the relentless current, preserving the integrity of the levees and preventing erosion.

The Mississippi River is the backbone of a vast transportation network that facilitates the movement of goods crucial to the U.S. economy. As the nation’s largest water highway, it carries a substantial portion of America’s agricultural and industrial exports, from corn and soybeans to coal and oil. Ensuring that this commercial artery remains open and navigable is imperative for the economy. Disruptions in the river’s flow or the riverbank’s integrity can lead to costly delays and logistical challenges, affecting industries nationwide.

“Maintaining the integrity of the Mississippi River is paramount to safeguarding a crucial artery for American commerce and industry,” said Col. Jeremiah Gipson, commander, Vicksburg District. “Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the inland waterways remain navigable and secure, and with innovations like Armor One on the horizon, we’re enhancing our ability to serve the nation by safely delivering the program, which supports our economic stability.”

Innovation is on the horizon for the Mississippi River’s revetment efforts. Soon, USACE will introduce Armor One. This cuttingedge development promises to revolutionize the way riverbanks are protected. Unlike the traditional operation of installing these revetments, Armor One will utilize cutting-edge robotic technology to place articulated concrete mattresses, resulting in higher efficiency and a safer overall operation.

The Armor One technology will improve the longevity and performance of the revetment and cut down on the labor-intensive processes currently required. As USACE continues to refine this technology, it will pave the way for a safer and more efficient revetment.

For now, the mat-sinking crew remains on the front lines, working tirelessly to ensure the Mississippi River’s banks are fortified against nature’s relentless forces. Each year, as they lay down the concrete mattresses, they are reminded of the importance of their work – preserving the river’s path, protecting communities, and maintaining the vital channels of commerce and transportation. The arrival of Armor One will be a milestone in this ongoing endeavor, promising to bring even greater stability to the mighty Mississippi. AE