Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
Bio-Engineering
BE469BE
Bio-Engineering
Er. Mahadev Singh Saud
Assistant Professor
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Before After
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
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Before After
Before
After
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
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References
• Roadside Bio-engineering – Reference book,
John Howell
• Slope Stabilization and Erosion Control – A
bioengineering Approach, R.P.C. Morgan and
R.J. Rickson
• Handout & PPT provided by Subject Teacher
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
Introduction
What is bio-engineering?
“ Bio-engineering technique means is the use of
living vegetation or vegetation parts, either alone
or in conjunction with civil engineering structures
and non living plant materials, to reduce shallow-
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Introduction Categories
What is bio-engineering? Soil bio-engineering can be divided into threes
categories:
“ Bio-engineering technique means is the use of 1. Vegetative plantings;
living vegetation or vegetation parts, either alone
2. True Bio-engineering ;
or in conjunction with civil engineering structures
and non living plant materials, to reduce shallow- 3. Bio Technical Techniques (engineering)
seated instability and erosion on slopes.”
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
[Link] plantings [Link] Bio-engineering
• Vegetative plantings are conventional • Plants or part of plants (seeds, seedlings, cuttings,
plantings of grasses & shrubs in order to branches etc.) etc itself provide both the vegetative
prevent surface erosion. and structural components of the design.
• brush layers, wattling, Bamboo fencing etc.
• The living material is not used with structural
• Cutting or branch parts as initial and primary soil
meaning.
reinforcing and stabilizing material
• The erosion prevention function is carry out • During the growing season develop roots and sprouts
only once the vegetation is established. foliage. It becomes a major structural component
which grows stronger with time
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3. Bio-technical Engineering
True Bio-engineering •Living materials (plants) are combined or integrated
with non living or structural materials.
•Vegetative and structural components work together in
mutually reinforcing and have complimentary roles.
•Examples: Live crib walls, vegetated gabions, vegetated
Brush Layering stone pitching etc.
•Structural elements provide immediate resistance to
Bamboo Fencing sliding, erosion, and wash out.
•As vegetation becomes established, roots invade and
penetrate the slope, binding it together.
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
[Link]-technical Engineering Relative Strength of Bio-Engineering Civil B
Engineering Techniques
Live crib walls
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Application
Scope
• Prevention of scour • Mining and reclamation
• Protection of bare soil • Highways and railways
• Stabilization of gullies, prevention of risk • Construction sites
• Waste disposal and public health
of gullying;
• Airfields and helipads
• all slopes where there is a risk of shallow • Waterways
slumps • Land drainages
• any slope that remains bare; • Reservoirs and dams
• Coastal and shoreline protection
• any area that has failed and needs to be
• Buildings and recreation
restored • Pipelines and site appraisal
• Rehabilitation of quarry sites and borrow pits
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
Advantages Limitations
– Protect all slopes against erosion – Depth of root zone limits the performance of
– Low-cost and lower long-term maintenance cost vegetation or bioengineering
– Environmental benefits to wildlife habitat, water – Not able to function in its initial stage
quality, and aesthetics
– Improved strength over time
– Root penetration into foundations and drains
– Improve surface drainage and reduce slumping – Choking of waterways with plant growth
– Reduces shallow plane failure – Vegetation growth on structure cause adverse
– Compatible with environmentally sensitive sites effect on the performance of structural material
– Socially and economically advantageous to local – Needs aftercare, regular repair and maintenance.
communities
– Cost effective
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Justification
Justification Bioengineering methods are justified from following benefits:
• Less cost and less impact on slope •Bioengineering technique require locally available excavation
• Provide economic savings and minimize potential equipment. As a result, there is less cost and less impact on
impacts to the slope and adjoining resources. slope
• Use of native plant materials and seed are well •Installation of bioengineered systems while the site problem is
adapted to local climate and soil conditions. small will provide economic savings and minimize potential
• Useful on sensitive or steep sites where easy impacts to the slope and adjoining resources.
accessibility is not feasible. •Use of native plant materials and seed may provide additional
• Grow stronger with time as vegetation becomes savings. Indigenous plant species are usually readily available
established. and well adapted to local climate and soil conditions.
• Even if plants die, organic litter helps growth of other •Bioengineering work is often useful on sensitive or steep sites
plants. where easy accessibility is not feasible.
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Chapter 1 Introduction 2/20/2026
Justification
• How?
– By field visit and field observations
– By calculation End of Chapter 1
– By estimation
– By interviews with local people
– By case specific and site specific studies
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