Investigation of suitable methods to protect main roads adjacent to water bodies

Abstract

Main roads near water bodies are prone to stability issues caused by erosion from rainfall, river flow, sudden water drawdowns, and human activities. This study examines four sites facing such challenges, identifying erosion causes and evaluating stabilization methods. Techniques such as gabion walls, bamboo crib walls, and vegetated soil bags were explored, balancing cost, constructability, and sustainability. Implemented solutions have shown promising performance, supporting eco-friendly infrastructure initiatives. The findings demonstrate the potential of combining conventional and bioengineering methods for effective slope stabilization. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices for protecting road infrastructure, crucial for future applications in similar geotechnical conditions in Sri Lanka.