Geosynthetics applications for the mitigation of natural disasters and for environmental protection

TLDR

Geosynthetics are versatile for mitigating floods, landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, avalanches, and for environmental protection such as renewable energy extraction, among other applications. The study focuses on dykes, flood protection dams, geosynthetic‑reinforced stabilising fills up to 130 m, barrier dams, and recommends roller‑integrated continuous compaction control to optimise geosynthetic‑soil behaviour. Geosynthetic‑reinforced floating embankments up to 70 m in creeping slopes and seismic zones outperform rigid structures in geotechnical performance, cost, maintenance, and environmental impact.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper first describes the versatile application of geosynthetics for the mitigation of floods, landslides, rockfalls, debris flows and avalanches. It focuses on dykes or flood protection dams, on geosynthetic-reinforced stabilising fills (up to 130 m height) and barrier dams. Geosynthetic-reinforced floating embankments (up to 70 m height) in creeping slopes and seismic areas show clear advantages over rigid structures (e.g. bridges) not only from a geotechnical point of view but also regarding economy, maintenance and environmental aspects. Environmental protection is predominantly considered by gaining renewable energy from the ground via ‘energy-geosynthetics'. Several other applications are also mentioned. Compaction optimisation and control of geosynthetic–soil structures is recommended by roller-integrated CCC (continuous compaction control), thus improving their behaviour significantly.