Revised in 2020
This design manual provides guidelines and procedures for the design and installation of articulating concrete block revetment systems. Articulating concrete block (ACB) systems are used to provide erosion protection to underlying soil from the hydraulic forces of moving water. An ACB system is comprised of a matrix of
individual concrete blocks placed together to form an erosion-resistant revetment with a geotextile underlay for subsoil retention.
The term “articulating” implies the ability of the matrix to conform to minor changes in the subgrade while remaining connected with or without the use of cables, geotextiles or geogrids. Several
varieties of ACB systems are available: interlocking, cable-tied and non-cable-tied matrices, and open cell and closed cell varieties. Open cell units contain open voids within individual units that facilitate the
placement of aggregate and/or vegetated soil.
In addition to the Manual, CMHA has developed a design spreadsheet for ACB systems using the same methodology. Access the design spreadsheet here.