Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sand-fixing effect and compound change of nylon checkerboard sand barrier

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Environmental Science and Pollution Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Grid-based sand-fixing protection barriers have been widely used to solve linear engineering problems in sandy areas. Their placement directly affects the combined change law of wind speed weakening and sand sediment in the sand barrier. It also affects the cost of sand control and the selected structure of the protection system. Therefore, quantifying the effect of different sand barriers is important. We installed nylon mesh checkerboard sand-fixing barriers of three heights and three sizes on the windward side of the highway in the Ulanbuhe Desert, China. By using anemometer and sand collecting instrument, through comparing and observing air flow changes, windproof efficiency, and sand sediment inside the sand barrier, it is found that height had more influence on the protective benefit of a sand barrier than did the mesh specification. The protective effect at the boundary of a sand barrier resulted from compound superposition. The model for calculating a suitable sand barrier protection width was affected by sand-driving wind speed, open field wind speed, sand barrier unit side length, height, and actual protection demand. Sand barriers of 1 × 1 m (It is the grid size of the mesh.) at 20-cm height, 1 × 1 m and 1.5 × 1.5-m at 30-cm height could be laid over a wide area. Different collocation patterns can be selected according to the dominant wind direction. The results can provide basic data and theoretical support for sand barrier protection system.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmadpoor DE, Abbasi SA, Pajouhesh M, Tahmasebi P (2022) Straw checkerboard barriers improve soil restoration and mitigate the impacts of drought on Medicago scutellata L. Ecol Eng 178:106578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bo TL, Ma P, Zheng XJ (2015) Numerical study on the effect of semi-buried straw checkerboard sand barriers belt on the wind speed. Aeolian Res 16:101–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai YH, Dong Z, Li HL, He YX, Li JR, Guo JY (2019) Effects of checkerboard barriers on the distribution of aeolian sandy soil particles and soil organic carbon. Geomorphol 338:79–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ding BS, Cheng JJ, Xia DT, Wu X, Gao L, Ma BT, Li DS, Lin ZJ (2021) Fiber-reinforced sand-fixing board based on the concept of “sand control with sand”: experimental design, testing, and application. Sustainability 13:10229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dong ZB, Chen GT, He XD, Han ZW, Wang XM (2002) Controlling blown sand along the highway crossing the Taklimakan Desert. J Arid Environ 57:329–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Folk RL, Ward WC (1957) Brazos River bar: a study in the significance of grain size parameters. J Sediment Petrol 27:3–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang LM, Chan HC, Lee JT (2012) A numerical study on flow around nonuniform porous fences. J Appl Math 1:203–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang N, Xia XP, Tong D (2013) Numerical simulation of wind sand movement in straw checkerboard barriers. Eur Physical J E Soft Matter 36:99

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krumbein WC (1934) Size frequency distribution of sediments. J Sediment Res 4:65–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li XJ, Zhou RP, Jiang HT, Zhou DD, Zhang XW, Xie YH, Gao WB, Shi J, Wang YH, Wang J, Dong R, Byambaa G, Wang J, Wu ZB, Hai CX (2018) Quantitative analysis of how different checkerboard sand barrier materials influence soil properties: a study from the eastern edge of the Tengger Desert, China. Environ Earth Sci 77:481

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li SH, Li S, Yao D, Wang S (2020) Feasibility of microbially induced carbonate precipitation and straw checkerboard barriers on desertification control and ecological restoration. Ecol Eng 152:105883

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu L, Bo TL (2020) Effects of checkerboard sand barrier belt on sand transport and dune advance. Aeol Res 42:100546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu HY, Hou ZF, Chen Z, Wu P, Xuan CZ, Wang HB (2019) Effects of standing stubble on the interception of soil erosion particles. Land Degrad Dev 30:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luca B, Marko H, Lorenzo R (2018) Windblown sand along railway infrastructures: a review of challenges and mitigation measures. J Wind Eng Ind Aerodyn 177:340–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lv P, Dong ZB (2014) The status of research on the development and characteristics of mass-flux-density profiles above wind-eroded sediments: a literature review. Environ Earth Sci 71:5183–5194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lv P, Dong ZB, Ma XM (2016) Aeolian sand transport above three desert surfaces in northern China with different characteristics (shifting sand, straw checkerboard, and gravel): field observations. Environ Earth Sci 75(577):1

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ning BY, Ma JX, Jiang ZD, Chen C, Zhang XL, Lu JL (2017) Evolution characteristics and development trends of sand barriers. J Resources Ecol 8:398–404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qiu GY, Lee IB, Shimizu H, Gao Y, Ding GD (2004) Principles of sand dune fixation with straw checkerboard technology and its effects on the environment. J Arid Environ 56:449–464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qu JJ, Zu RP, Zhang KC, Fang HY (2007) Field observations on the protective effect of semi-buried checkerboard sand barriers. Geomorphology 88:193–200

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qu JJ, Han QJ, Dong GG, Zhang K, Zu RP (2013) A study of the characteristics of aeolian sand activity and the effects of a comprehensive protective system in a coastal dune area in southern China. Coast Eng 77:28–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richard F (1982) Scattered data interpolation: tests of some methods. Mcom 38:181–200

    Google Scholar 

  • Taniguchi T, Yuzawa T, Mao HP, Yamamoto F, Yamanaka N (2021) Plantation soil inoculation combined with straw checkerboard barriers enhances ectomycorrhizal colonization and subsequent growth of nursery grown Pinus tabulaeformis seedlings in a dryland. Ecol Eng 163:106191

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tian LH, Wu WY, Zhang DS, Lu RJ, Wang XQ (2015) Characteristics of erosion and deposition of straw checkerboard barriers in alpine sandy land. Environ Earth Sci 74:573–584

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Qu JJ, Ling YQ, Liu BL, Xiao JH (2017) Shelter effect efficacy of sand fences: a comparison of systems in a wind tunnel. Aeol Res 30:32–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang T, Qu JJ, Niu QH (2020) Comparative study of the shelter efficacy of straw checkerboard barriers and rocky checkerboard barriers in a wind tunnel. Aeol Res 43:100575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiao JH, Yao ZY, Qu JJ (2015) Influence of Golmud-Lhasa section of Qinghai-Tibet Railway on blown sand transport. Chin Geogra Sci 25:39–50

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu B, Jie Z, Huang N, Gong K, Liu YS (2018) Characteristics of turbulent aeolian sand movement over straw checkerboard barriers and formation mechanisms of their internal erosion form. J Geophysical Res: Atmospheres 123:6907–6919

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CL, Li Q, Zhou N, Zhang JQ, Kang LQ, Shen YP, Jia WRM (2016) Field observations of wind profiles and sand fluxes above the windward slope of a sand dune before and after the establishment of semi-buried straw checkerboard barriers. Aeolian Res 2059:70

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang S, Ding GD, Yu MH, Gao GL, Zhao YY, Wu GH, Wang L (2018) Effect of straw checkerboards on wind proofing, sand fixation, and ecological restoration in shifting sandy land. Int J Environ Res Public Health 15:10–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang S, Ding GD, Yu MH, Gao GL, Zhao YY, Wang L, Wang YZ (2019) Application of boundary layer displacement thickness in wind erosion protection evaluation: case study of a Salix psammophila sand barrier. Int J Environ Res Public Health 16:592

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank Leonie Seabrook, PhD, Liwen Bianji (Edanz) (www.liwenbianji.cn), for editing the language of a draft of this manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the Inner Mongolia Agricultural University High-level Talent Introduction Scientific Research Launch Project (No. NDYB2020-7), the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2016YFC0501009), and the “Science and Technology Revitalize Mongolia” Action Key Special Project—Study on ecological protection and control technology of Kubuqi Desert (No. KJXM-EEDS-202006).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Aeolian Physics and Desertification Control Engineering, College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 29 Erdos East Street, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010018, People’s Republic of China

    Cheng Xi, Hejun Zuo & Min Yan

  2. The People’s Government of the Village of Tamsu Bragg, Alxa Right Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 737314, People’s Republic of China

    Xianghong Wei

Authors
  1. Cheng Xi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hejun Zuo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xianghong Wei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Min Yan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Min Yan.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Hereby, we consciously assure that for the manuscript/insert title/, the following is fulfilled: (1) this material is the authors’ own original work, which has not been previously published elsewhere. (2) The paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. (3) The paper reflects the authors’ own research and analysis in a truthful and complete manner. (4) The paper properly credits the meaningful contributions of co-authors and co-researchers. (5) The results are appropriately placed in the context of prior and existing research. (6) All sources used are properly disclosed (correct citation). Literally copying of text must be indicated as such by using quotation marks and giving proper reference. (7) All authors have been personally and actively involved in substantial work leading to the paper, and will take public responsibility for its content.

Highlights

• The protection mechanism between the inner units of the chequered nylon sand barrier is expounded.

• The compound change law of the grid nylon sand barrier is calculated.

• The reasonable layout mode of nylon grid sand barrier in different environments is recommended.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Xi, C., Zuo, H., Wei, X. et al. Sand-fixing effect and compound change of nylon checkerboard sand barrier. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 35727–35744 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24741-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24741-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation