Hillslope with multiple techniques used together

 

Conclusions

Biotechnical stabilization and soil bioengineering are unconventional by North American standards, but are widely used elsewhere. Whether or not such techniques are appropriate in any given situation is determined by: the site, the objectives, vegetation, and costs.

Typically in North America, these techniques have been used either in:

Comparatively high labour costs with the projects are compensated for by other factors such as use of local (inexpensive) material, and low maintenance.

To examine some interesting case studies, click here.

Given the large number of possibilities, it can be a challenge to determine what technique (or combination of techniques) is best suited to a specific circumstance. The following tables come from a binational conference sponsored by the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative and partners. As a result of the conference, a website: Best Management Practices for Soft Engineering of Shorelines, was developed. These include some but not all of the techniques discussed previously, and several not considered here.

 

Matrix comparing the benefits of different streambank protection measures. From Best Management Practices for Soft Engineering of Shorelines.

 

 

Environmental benefits of soil bioengineering for streambank protection. From Best Management Practices for Soft Engineering of Shorelines.

 

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