‘Engineered’ bio-interfaces for stabilisation of geo-infrastructure

Objectives • Monitor the moisture evolution in a newly-vegetated ground (seeded or transplanted) in large-scale laboratory experiment and relate it to root architecture to establish a relationship between the evolution of suction profile and root growth • Investigate a new hydro-seeding technique to encourage vegetation growth as a means to stabilise diffuse landslides. The mechanical and hydrological effects of vegetation growth will be monitored at a highly instrumented site near Naples in pyroclastic covers susceptible to debris-flows. • Monitor the root-enhanced soil strength evolution for a newly-vegetated ground in large-scale laboratory experiment and relate it to root architecture to establish a relationship between the evolution of strength and root growth. • Investigate a softer engineering approach based on the stimulation of existing populations to form biofilms, such that associated products (e.g. Exopolysaccharides - EPS) to contribute to soil stability and resistance to erosion Expected Results • A model to predict suction in the short term based on existing dynamic model for root growth. • A deep understanding of the interaction of moisture regime and vegetation in pyroclastic slopes and guidelines for hydro-seeding depending on morphology and soil type • A model to predict vegetated soil strength in the short term based on existing dynamic model for root growth. • In depth understanding of mechanical effects of microbial activity on mechanical response of soils and approach to ‘engineer’ soil bacteria to stabilise and protect slopes from erosion