Abstract
Soil bioengineering includes the sustainable use of vegetation for civil engineering purposes, including addressing climate change challenges. Previous research in this area has been focused on determination of the strength and stability that vegetation provides for the soil it grows in. The industry, on the other hand, has concentrated on mainly empirical approaches in the design and construction of nature-based solutions. The aim of this paper is to attempt a reconciliation of the scientific and technical aspects of soil bioengineering with a view of proposing broad guidelines for management of soil bioengineering projects aimed at combatting climate change and achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). More than 20 case studies of civil engineering projects addressing climate change challenges, such as erosion, shallow landslides, and flooding, were critically reviewed against the different project stages and the UN SDGs. The gaps identified in the review are addressed from civil engineering and asset management perspectives, with a view of implementing the scientific and technical nexus in the future. Recommendations are formulated to help civil engineers embrace the multidisciplinary nature of soil bioengineering and effectively address climate change challenges in the future.
Highlights
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set out 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 sub-targets, most of which are directly or indirectly connected to some form of infrastructure [1]
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The responses from the questionnaire survey and the interviews helped in mapping the case study projects against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) (Table 1)
Summary
In 2015, the United Nations (UN) set out 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with 169 sub-targets, most of which are directly or indirectly connected to some form of infrastructure [1]. It is essential to understand that sustainability for the infrastructure can only be achieved if the elements associated with it are supported and sustained (e.g., support the human resources in their well-being and safety, their employment security, skills development, etc.). Part of this support, estimated at £7 bn/year for the UK [2], is expected to be delivered through the ongoing digital transformation of the infrastructure industry, these benefits are aimed at the people for whom the infrastructure is built. New frameworks, organizational structures, and business models are and will be required to understand, plan, manage, and regulate our infrastructure and the related data infrastructure
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