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Bioengineering – the use of vegetation and natural/man made materials in Civil Engineering construction for surface soil protection, slope stabilisation,
watercourse and shoreline protection
Richard Edwards
Typical Issues and Problems
• Incorrect choice of product/solution (Willow spiling/soil filled geotextiles)• Concept that bioengineering is always a soft solution (Hard/soft combine)• Bioengineering can only be used in low energy rivers (Not true)• No performance data with bioengineering materials (There is!)• Long term performance • Maintenance issues (standard get out clause even within the EA)• Not involved till it’s too late (ECI vital)• General civil contractors used on frameworks rather than specialists
Bioengineering correct choice
Soil erosion control and habitat creation
• Challenge soft and hard engineering
• Study failures. Why?
• Right technique for problem
• Undermines confidence
• Once bitten twice shy....
Replacing four tiers of blockstone
Bioengineering can be a combination of hard and soft.
Mobile Gravel/Cobble Bed
1. Cobble Bed 2. Degradation/Bed
Down cutting 3. Shading 4. Very Steep/High
Energy 5. Blockstone
Proposed
Bioengineering Solution
Bioengineering Solution
BioEngineering Solution
6 weeks on
Slopes Cut & Prepared in Colliery ShaleGrass & Legume Mix Sown
Case study 2 River Ebbw – High Energy Blockstone Replacement
High Performance Composite-TRM installedNAG P550 over prepared surface
High Performance C-TRM with Rock Roll & Willow Fascine ToeLive Willow and rock roll toe revetment
Completed Installation Completed Installation
4 m/s flood!One flood event onto unprotected slopes
Blockstone v bioengineeringOne year later.
Blockstone v bioengineeringFive years later.
Blockstone v bioengineeringFive years later....
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