A Textbook of Bio Engineering.pdf

Slope instability and soil erosion are serious problems in hilly areas of Nepal. These problems have disastrous effects due to which there is huge loss of life and property every year. Bio-engineering, hence can be used as an alternative approach to stabilize the slopes. Bio-engineering is a great measure to mitigate the problems on slope as it is a low-cost method and can be used in conjunction with civil engineering structures. In Chapter I, meaning and importance of bio-engineering, history of bio-engineering and practices in Nepal, applications of bio-engineering are described. The analysis of slope stability, the causes of slope failure and knowledge of landslides with mass movements is described in Chapter II. Different types of plant, form, structure in plant community are discussed in Chapter III. Therefore, Chapter IV deals with the engineering, mechanical functions of the plant, addition of the strength due to plant root. After assessing the plant, we have to know about the different vegetation zones, plant species in the zones and plant morphology in Chapter V. Various types of vegetative engineering systems are discussed in Chapter VI. After knowing about the various systems, we should know about the selection of these engineering systems which we discussed in Chapter VII. Chapter VIII deals with the optimal techniques and the guidelines for selection of the techniques. For the completion of the bio-engineering, plants are needed which are produced in the nursery. Chapter IX deals with the establishment and management of the nursery. The proper implementation and maintenance of the bio-engineering is equally important to ensure bio-engineering in the sites. Chapter X describes basic concept of bio-engineering programmes.