Levees and other earthen embankments must withstand erosion, overtopping, extreme weather and changing soil moisture. ERDC researchers are investigating whether biostabilization, a nature-based treatment using biopolymers and vegetation, can help these systems remain stronger for longer.
Dr. Lucas Walshire, a research civil engineer with ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, explains how biopolymers can provide immediate improvements in soil strength and erosion resistance while encouraging denser root growth that may offer long-term protection (3:13). He discusses laboratory studies, field demonstrations and full-scale levee overtopping tests in which treated sections experienced less erosion than untreated areas (14:21).
The episode also explores whether biostabilization could reduce slough slides in highly plastic clay soils (6:38), its performance across different soil and weather conditions (9:51), and how it compares with traditional erosion-control measures (18:15). Walshire also discusses ongoing technology-transition efforts with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts and opportunities for industry and academic partners to support additional demonstrations, production methods and application standards (20:07).
Listen to the audio podcast at PowerofERDCPodcast.org/73-biostabilization.
