Piping Phenomena & Erosion Control in Fragile Terrains

Abstract

Flow slides, prevalent in areas with steep slopes and loose soil or rock, pose significant environmental and social challenges. Soil piping, also termed internal erosion, is both a geomorphological and a land degradation process with severe implications for the environment. This research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of soil piping across diverse soil types and develop mitigation strategies through synthetic and biological methods. Soil samples, including sand, peat, and Kuthiran soil, were analyzed using a constant head hole erosion test to study erosion behaviors. The results indicate that using synthetic abatement (modified polysaccharides) and bio-abatement (vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae) enhances soil stability and reduces piping. This study highlights eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to combat soil erosion.