RIP RAP (ALSO RIPRAP)

A facing layer (protective cover) of stones placed to prevent erosion or the sloughing off of a structure or embankment. On steeper inclines, the stones may be secured with wire on some form of link fencing material. Also, a layer of large stones, broken rock, or precast blocks placed in random fashion on the upstream slope of an Embankment Dam, on a reservoir shore, or on the sides of a channel as a protection against waves, ice action, and flowing water. Very large rip rap is sometimes referred to as Armoring.