In the fight against erosion, articulated concrete blocks serve as an option to armor auxiliary spillways.

A new chapter in the National Engineering Handbook – reviewed by Freese and Nichols’ Grady Hillhouse, PE, and Colin Young, PE – covers articulated concrete blocks (ACBs), its usages, new design methodologies, design considerations, maintenance and installation guidance.

Grady and Colin worked in collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service ’s National Design, Construction and Soil Mechanics...