Analysis of Biodegradation Characteristics Based on Visual Observation and Mass Loss Percentage in Soil Burial Test of Sustainable Geo-bag Materials as Temporary Structures in Natural Coastal Protection System

Abstract

Coastal erosion is a significant hazard that causes heavy loss of land and damage to structures in coastal areas globally. To mitigate this problem, coastal engineers worldwide are focusing on sustainable coastal development practices. To this end, many countries are using natural protective methods, including vegetation such as mangroves. However, this practice is not without challenges; to ensure that mangroves could grow strongly required at least two years. A natural coastal protection system is the proposed solution, which combines mangrove vegetation as the main structure and geo-bag-dykes as temporary structures to solve this problem. The role of geo-bag-dykes is needed until mangrove plants mature. So, the length of time for geo-bags to degrade naturally is vital to get considered because otherwise, it will become hazardous coastal debris. Today, commonly used geo-bags are made from synthetic fibers that take a long time to degrade. Thus, this study tested alternative materials made from natural fibers, such as lyocell, kenaf, cotton, and rayon. The objective is to determine whether these alternative materials can be used as sustainable geo-bag materials or not in terms of biodegradation. Based on the soil burial test results contained in ISO 11721-1, these alternative materials degrade much faster when compared to commonly used geo-bag materials.