Filling HESCO barriers with local soil efficiently requires precision to ensure structural integrity for military bases, flood control, or perimeter security. As a trusted manufacturer with 20+ years of expertise, JOESCO provides this actionable guide aligned with NATO and ASTM standards.
Step 1: Prepare the Site & Materials
Key Requirements:
Soil Type: Use granular soils (sandy loam or gravelly sand) with ≤10% clay content to prevent water retention issues.
Equipment Checklist:
Excavator (1.5–3 ton capacity)
Plate compactor or vibratory roller
Geotextile liner (optional for flood-prone areas)
Pro Tip: Conduct a soil density test (aim for 100–110 lbs/ft³) using ASTM D698 standards. Avoid organic soils—they reduce barrier lifespan by 40%.
Step 2: Position & Secure the Barrier
Unfold the HESCO barrier on level ground, ensuring collars are interlocked.
Anchor corners with rebar stakes (minimum 18″ depth) in high-wind zones.
Install geotextile liners if combating floodwaters exceeding 3 ft/sec velocity.
Step 3: Layer & Compact Soil
Military-Approved Filling Technique:
First Layer (12″ Depth):
Use coarse gravel for drainage, compacted to 90% density.
Equipment: Plate compactor (3 passes minimum).
Subsequent Layers (18″ Each):
Alternate soil types include fine sand for stability and local clay for cohesion.
Maintain moisture at 8–12%—spray water if the soil is too dry.
Final Layer:
Overfill by 6″ to account for settling, then trim excess with a grader.
Case Study: A 2023 U.S. Army project in Texas used this method to achieve 98% compaction and reduce refill cycles by 70%.
Step 4: Quality Control & Maintenance
Stability Test: Insert a 2″ steel rod vertically—if it sinks >8″, add more layers.
Post-Flood Inspection: Check for soil erosion behind barriers and recompact if gaps exceed 3″.
