BIO-ENGINEERING
CE 72504

Course Objectives:
The course is aimed at providing the alternative approach to the slope stabilization techniques using living vegetation. After the completion of the course, the students will be able to analyze the slope stability based on various parameters and use soil bioengineering techniques for the purpose of erosion control and stabilization of the shallow seated instability. They will also gain the knowledge of appropriate technology and its significance in the development of rural infrastructures in Nepal, in the field of hill roads,

1. Introduction to Bio-engineering
   (4 hours)
1. Glimpses of landslides and scenario of soil erosion in Nepal
2. Identification of problems on slopes
3. Engineering functions to be performed
4. Materials to be used for slope protection and stabilization works
5. Use of vegetation as a slope stabilizing material
6. Definition of Soil Bio-engineering
7. Justification of Bioengineering
8. Field of application and scope
9. Advantages and limitations
2. Site Investigation
   (10 hours)
1. Analysis of slope stability based on the mineral types
2. Analysis of the slope stability based on the orientation of fracture and joints
3. Analysis of the slope stability based on weathering grade of rock
4. Analysis of the slope stability based on the rock types
5. Types of slope materials and its relationship with slope failure
6. Introduction to mass movements and its classification
7. Introduction to landslides
8. Causes and mechanism of slope failure
9. Landslide mapping
10. Assessment of seriousness
11. Priorities of repair
3. Basic Aspect of Vegetation
   (4 hours)
1. Plant types, plant form and structures
2. Vegetation and plant community
3. Basic requirements of plants
4. Plant propagation
4. Role of Vegetation
   (6 hours)
1. Hydrological effects
2. Hydraulic effects
3. Mechanical effects
4. Soil strength and stability analysis
5. Plant Species Selection
   (4 hours)
1. Distributions of plants in Nepal
2. Criteria for species selection
3. Selection of plant types depending upon the Drought factor
6. Vegetative Stabilization Techniques
   (6 hours)
1. Vegetative engineering systems
2. Design of vegetative techniques
7. Small Scale Civil Engineering Systems
   (4 hours)
1. Engineering systems
2. Selections of engineering systems
3. Interactions between vegetative and civil engineering systems
8. Optimal Technique
   (2 hours)
1. Site categorization
2. Selection of optimal technique
9. Nursery
   (4 hours)
1. Nursery establishment
2. Nursery technique
10. Management
    (1 hour)
1. Importance of seasonal programming

Tutorial:
Detail Analysis of slope stability
Practical:

1. Landslide Mapping in the Field.
   
1. Map the site.
2. Find out the causes and mechanism of failure.
3. Prepare the proposal for the treatment.
2. Examination of Bio-engineering Systems in the Field.
   
1. Map the site of bioengineering implementation.
2. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the site.
3. Suggest the further improvements.
3. Examination of Civil Engineering Systems in the Field.
   
1. Map the site of civil engineering systems.
2. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the site.
3. Suggest the further improvements.
4. Interaction between Civil and Rio-engineering Systems.
   
1. Evaluation of compatibility of civil and bioengineering systems.

Note: 15 hours in the field and 7.5 hours report presentation
References:

1. Donald H. Gray, Robin B. Sotir, "Biotechnical and Soil Bioengineering Slope Stabilization a Practical Guide for Erosion Control",
2. N.J.Coppin, I.G.Richards, "Use of Vegetation in Civil Engineering",
3. R.P.C.Morgan, "Soil Erosion and Conservation",
4. "Roadside bioengineering: site handbook", Reference manual
5. R.P.C.Morgan, R.J. Rickson, "Slope stabilization and erosion control: A bioengineering Approach",

Evaluation Scheme:
The questions will cover all the chapters in the syllabus. The evaluation scheme will be as indicated in the table below:

Chapter	Hours	Marks Distribution*
1	4	8
2	10	16
3	4	8
4	6	8
5	4	8
6	6	8
7	4	8
8	2	4
9	4	8
10	1	4
Total	45	80

*There could be minor deviation in mark distribution.