Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization: A Critical Review on Analysis and Strengthening Methods of Hilly Terrain

Abstract

Erosion control and slope stabilization are critical aspects of geotechnical engineering, essential for preventing soil degradation, landslides, and infrastructure failures. This review explores various methods used to enhance soil stability, mitigate erosion, and improve slope resilience under diverse environmental and load conditions. Furthermore, the use of GIS and remote sensing for tracking slope stability and forecasting collapse hazards is emphasized. Through the integration of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices with engineering concepts, this review offers a thorough comprehension of various stabilization techniques. According to the findings, erosion management and slope stabilization require site-dependent approaches that strike a compromise between effectiveness, environmental impact, and durability. Future studies should concentrate on maximizing the use of these approaches in conjunction to create long-lasting and reasonably priced solutions for geotechnical problems.

Introduction

The review discusses slope stabilization and erosion management as critical solutions to geotechnical challenges caused by natural and human factors. Slope stability depends on factors like slope geometry, soil properties, hydrological conditions, external loads, and environmental stresses (rainfall, earthquakes). Urbanization, deforestation, and climate change have heightened the need for sustainable stabilization methods.

Traditional techniques (retaining walls, drainage) have evolved with new materials and approaches such as geosynthetics, bioengineering, and polymer-based stabilizers. The paper examines chemical methods (lime, polymers, lignosulphonates), biological approaches (vegetation, microbial-induced calcite precipitation), and mechanical solutions (retaining walls, piling, geotextiles) in real-world applications.

Key findings include:

• Steeper slopes and increased infiltration reduce stability.

• Rainfall and seismic activity increase pore water pressure, weakening soils.

• Soil type, cohesion, and internal friction significantly impact stability.

• Building loads and design influence load distribution and slope safety.

• Chemical stabilizers like lime, cement, and polymers improve soil strength and erosion resistance.

• Biological methods enhance soil cohesion and promote vegetation growth, aiding sustainable slope restoration.

• Combining approaches leads to more resilient slopes, addressing environmental and engineering demands.

Conclusion

The effective management of erosion and slope stabilization requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering principles with environmental sustainability. Advances in materials science and soil stabilization techniques have significantly improved our ability to counteract slope instability, as demonstrated by the use of innovative solutions such as geosynthetics, bioengineered systems, and polymer-based stabilizers. These methods enhance soil cohesion, shear strength, and water retention, thereby reducing the risks of failure under adverse conditions like intense rainfall or seismic events. The reviewed studies highlight the importance of tailoring stabilization strategies to specific site conditions. For instance, geotextiles and geogrids are highly effective in mechanical stabilization, while lignosulfonates and polymers serve as efficient chemical stabilizers, especially in soils prone to expansive behaviour. Biological approaches, including vegetation establishment and microbial-induced calcite precipitation, offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternatives, promoting ecological balance while ensuring stability. Future research should focus on optimizing the integration of these methods to achieve durable, sustainable solutions that address both immediate engineering challenges and long-term environmental impacts. By combining advanced technologies with traditional practices, the field of erosion control and slope stabilization is poised to contribute significantly to safe and sustainable infrastructure development in diverse geotechnical settings.

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Copyright © 2025 Amritha M, Chithra S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.