The paper reviews the present state of the art of slope bioengineering for erosion control and slope stabilisation along highways in several countries in Southeast Asia. The introduction of such measures has gradually expanded over the last 20 years and has taken advantage of the vast range of suitable grasses and woody plants occurring within the region. The high rainfall and temperatures induce rapid plant stem and root growth rates to match the high rates of erosion and slope instability induced by the same climatic factors. Inspired also by the work of European bioengineering practitioners, slope bioengineering practice has spread from an initial base in Malaysia in the early 1980's to Hong Kong SAR China, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Leading examples of these are described. These plant-based systems are energized by free solar power and rainfall and draw on low-cost materials and labour. They will be increasingly in demand as raw materials and carbon-based energy becomes scarcer and more expensive. The paper includes discussion of obstacles to the acceptance and performance of slope bioengineering techniques, including identification and sourcing of suitable plant species and climate change. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.
Abstract