ABSTRACT

In regions subject to climate stress from increased storm intensity and frequency, soil bioengineering coupled with appropriate water management techniques can help prevent slope failures in transport infrastructure facilities. Soil bioengineering uses locally available plant and vegetative materials to deter slope failure and treat slope instability. In soil bioengineering systems, grasses and plants, especially deep-rooted species, are an important structural component to reduce the risk of soil erosion and to stabilize slopes. Where technically feasible, use of soil bioengineering alternatives produces equal or better economic and environmental results than the sole application of traditional geotechnical solutions. The paper includes a case study to show soil bioengineering and biotechnical applications in remediating failed slopes on an expressway in Pakistan. The underlying bioengineering principles and techniques for erosion control and slope stabilization are equally applicable to railways, airports, ports and other physical infrastructure.