Bioengineering Nature-based Solutions for Linear Infrastructure Slope Stabilization and Protection
Background and Rationale
The potential contribution of bioengineering to the maintenance of slope stability and in the construction and maintenance of roads in Bangladesh has been known for some time. This contribution was recognized as a nature-based solution (NbS). As a consequence, there is a need for engineers to understand and contribute to the implementation of NbS bioengineering works and to their effective maintenance.
To support this initiative, ADB’s technical assistance “REG: Protecting and Investing in Natural Capital in Asia and the Pacific” (TA-9461), administered by the Environment Thematic Group (ETG), conducted bioengineering training with the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) of Bangladesh. The intervention was to help in mainstreaming NbS, through roadside bioengineering, in government policies to inform and complement overall project design and implementation. With associated engineering options, the roadside bioengineering can increase the resilience of roads to extreme climatic events by providing the surface protection of roadside slopes and riverbanks.
Target Participation
This training has been designed to provide the knowledge and skills in bioengineering required by Engineers in the LGED and staff engaged in other work on unstable slopes. It does not seek to provide them with all the skills and answers but to give them the necessary basic knowledge of bioengineering which will enable them to conduct their work more effectively. During the training, a range of reference material will be provided, and further references indicated. This material will enable them to research and take forward their learnings in bioengineering. The training course is designed for Managers and Field Engineers. ADB staff and consultants are welcome to attend and observe the training.
Objective and Key Take-aways
The overall objective of this training course is to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills they require for conducting site appraisal, and designing, implementing and managing bioengineering works. The following is the scope of expected knowledge outputs and key take-aways for achieving the overall training objective:
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Slope instability, types, causes and mechanisms of failure
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Introduction to bioengineering principles and design
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Nursery design, construction and plant production
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Bioengineering site implementation, management and maintenance
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Rate analysis norms and standard specification for bioengineering works
The Bioengineering Training Team
- Shankar Rai (Lead Trainer), Independent Consultant
- Shuva Sharma (Team Leader), CEO, S.W. Nepal PVT. Ltd.
- John Howell (Quality Assurance Advisor), Director, Living Resources Ltd
- Syed Abdur Rahim (Engineering Expert), Independent Consultant
- Mohammad Shariful Islam (Bioengineering Policy Expert), Professor, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
Date | Session / Activity | Presentation Material | Speaker(s) |
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01 Aug 2022 | 1 August 2022 - Day 1: Introduction to bioengineering training course | Shankar Rai | |
01 Aug 2022 |
[VIDEO] Day 1: Introduction to bioengineering training course This is a webinar recording of Day 1. |
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01 Aug 2022 |
[PRESENTATION] Day 1: Introduction to bioengineering training course |
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01 Aug 2022 | Moderator | Mohammad Shariful Islam | |
01 Aug 2022 | Opening of Bioengineering Training Course: Asian Development Bank and Local Government Engineering Department |
Isao Endo Gopal Krishna Debnath |
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01 Aug 2022 | Module 1: Slope instability, failure and protection measures |
Introduction to the training course Type of slope instability and components of an unstable slope Causes and mechanisms of slope failure Slope protection practice and bioengineering |
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01 Aug 2022 | Module 2: Introduction to bioengineering and designing structures with nature |
Engineering design and functions in bioengineering systems Bioengineering structures and their design Site assessment and selection of bioengineering techniques Selection of plant species for bioengineering |
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01 Aug 2022 | Health Break | ||
01 Aug 2022 | Module 3: Programming bioengineering works, rate analysis norms, and standard specifications |
Bioengineering works for slope protection Bioengineering maintenance task and seasonal work programming of bioengineering works Rate analysis norms and standard specifications for bioengineering works |
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01 Aug 2022 | Open Discussion and Announcements |
Date | Session / Activity | Presentation Material | Speaker(s) |
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02 Aug 2022 | 2 August 2022 - Day 2: Bioengineering nursery construction and collection of materials | Shankar Rai | |
02 Aug 2022 |
[VIDEO] Day 2: Bioengineering nursery construction and collection of materials This is a webinar recording of Day 2. |
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02 Aug 2022 |
[PRESENTATION] Day 2: Bioengineering nursery construction and collection of materials |
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02 Aug 2022 | Recap of Day 1 Training Session | ||
02 Aug 2022 | Module 4: Bioengineering nursery site selection, design and construction |
Siting bioengineering nursery Nursery components and size Nursery layout, design and nursery bed construction |
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02 Aug 2022 | Module 5: Collection of seed and vegetative plant materials |
Seed collection and storage Collection of vegetative plant materials |
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02 Aug 2022 | Health Break | ||
02 Aug 2022 | Open Discussion and Announcements |
Date | Session / Activity | Presentation Material | Speaker(s) |
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04 Aug 2022 | 4 August 2022 - Day 3: Bioengineering nursery operations and bioengineering works | Shankar Rai | |
04 Aug 2022 |
[VIDEO] Day 3: Bioengineering nursery operations and bioengineering works This is a webinar recording of Day 3. |
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04 Aug 2022 |
[PRESENTATION] Day 3: Bioengineering nursery operations and bioengineering works |
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04 Aug 2022 | Recap of Day 2 Training Session | ||
04 Aug 2022 | Module 6: Bioengineering nursery operations |
Compost production and filling polypots Seed sowing and planting cuttings in nursery Care of young plant in nursery Hardening, lifting and transporting to site Scheduling nursery work and record keeping |
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04 Aug 2022 | Module 7: Site preparations and bioengineering works |
Site preparation and spoil disposal Construction of vegetative structures Practical application of bioengineering works Application of rate analysis norms and standard specification for bioengineering works |
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04 Aug 2022 | Health Break | ||
04 Aug 2022 | Open Discussion and Training Course Evaluation | ||
04 Aug 2022 | Closing Session: Asian Development Bank | Isao Endo |