Use of Geosynthetics as a Soft Structural Measure to Mitigate Flood Hazard and Bank Erosion Problem

Abstract

Conventional structural measures can directly reduce the magnitude of flood hazards to some extent but are not always efficient or cost-effective. However, the impacts of floods can also be mitigated to a certain degree by adopting appropriate soft structural measures. This paper focuses on the soft structural measures using geosynthetics as an immediate measure to mitigate the flood hazard and bank erosion problem. Over the years, significant progress in the use of geosynthetics as a short-term and localized flood mitigation has been witnessed. This paper is based on some of the key advances over the past years in improving understanding of the geosynthetics products and methods of construction techniques. Various case studies at vulnerable reaches along the River Brahmaputra, Swan, Ranganadi, Dibang, Ganga and Sarda have been discussed thereof and the conclusion arrived at. Considering the advantages of geosynthetics materials, their use may rapidly increase in the future and the importance of material evaluation and their frequency should, therefore, be emphasized to ensure that the geosynthetics materials meet the qualifying criteria.