Design considerations related to the performance of erosion control systems combined with soil bioengineering techniques

Abstract

The combined use of erosion control systems (commonly referred to as "nonliving systems") and live plants for the restoration of waterways requires the standardization of terminologies, material performance, and design criteria for each system. This will yield the combination of a correct engineering approach with the appropriate best management practices to produce the desired long term performance. This paper focuses on combining soil bioengineering techniques with sound engineering practices when dealing with soil erosion or overall instability problems. The performance will be discussed with a proposed multidisciplinary approach, in order to achieve the desired environmental effect. The concept of "Minimum Energy Level" will also be discussed to identify the best environmentally compatible solutions, typically ranging from simple to complex design scenarios. Due to the combined presence of inert materials and living plants, the field performance of the various solutions will evolve over time. The contributing factor will require one to test the strength characteristics of the systems both in the short and in the long term, in close relationship with the field performance criteria, in order to understand their function in waterways. The dynamics of the project site and the overall structural stability are greatly affected by these decisions. © 2009 WIT Press.