Role of bioengineering in mountain road maintenance: observations from Nepal

Nepalese road network expanded rapidly in the last two decades and is increasing every day. Different types of instabilities are caused in mountain road slopes depending upon the type of material and the environment. Alignment selection, spoil management, drainage systems, and the type of protection measures considered during construction stage play vital role in maintenance stage of the roads. The environment friendly road construction was introduced during 1980s on rural roads and gradually adapted on strategic roads. The concept is labour based construction, reduced geometry and balanced cut and fill. Similarly, suitable bio-engineering techniques in conjunction with small scale civil engineering structures are used to stabilize road side slopes. This concept emphasizes on preventive measures and begins from the planning stage of the road promoting sustainable maintenance. The most significant aspect in mountain road maintenance lies in the use of scale of vegetation cover. The roadside bio-engineering is not just used for slope protection but also incorporates productive plants to become a part of the neighbouring agricultural system. This paper examines how to cope with roadside erosion and landslides through the use of bio-engineering which ultimately contributes to the sustainability of mountain roads.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.piarc.org/en/order-library/13949-en-Proceedings%20of%20the%20XXIVth%20World%20Road%20Congress,%20Mexico%20-%202011.htm
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of the World Road Association – PIARC.
• Corporate Authors:

  World Road Association (PIARC)

  La Grande Arche, Paroi Nord, Niveau 5
  F-92055 La Defense Cedex,   France 
• Authors:
  • Dhakal, Indu S
• Conference:
  • 24th World Road Congress
  • Location: Mexico City , Mexico
  • Date: 2011-9-26 to 2011-9-30
• Publication Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 8p
• Monograph Title: 24th World Road Congress Proceedings: Roads for a Better Life: Mobility, Sustainability and Development

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Erosion control; Highway maintenance; Landslides; Mountain roads; Slope stability; Soil stabilization; Sustainable development
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bioengineering
• Geographic Terms: Nepal
• Subject Areas: Environment; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I15: Environment; I51: Earthworks and Soil Drainage; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500415
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 2840602679
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 3 2013 9:11AM