A Review Of Road‒Related Soil Erosion: An Assessment Of Causes, Evaluation Techniques And Available Control Measures

Seutloali, Khoboso Elizabeth; Beckedahl, Heinrich Reinhard · 2015 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.15446/esrj.v19n1.43841

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Summary

This review paper addresses the significant environmental challenge of soil erosion caused by road construction, a problem exacerbated by the global expansion of road networks to support growing populations. The authors note that while road-related erosion is a major contributor to land degradation, particularly in developing nations, it remains largely unaccounted for in comprehensive land management strategies. The study aims to synthesize existing literature to provide a clear overview of the causes of road-related erosion, the methods used to assess it, and the available control measures. This synthesis is intended to guide future research and offer informed recommendations for efficient, low-cost monitoring and erosion control, especially in resource-scarce environments where sophisticated monitoring techniques are limited. The paper evaluates the mechanisms driving erosion, identifying that road construction alters geomorphic and hydrological settings by creating steep roadcut and fill embankments, removing vegetation, and concentrating runoff through impervious surfaces and drainage structures. The authors review various assessment techniques, including field measurements such as rainfall simulation and volumetric surveys of erosion features, as well as predictive modeling using tools like the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP). The review also examines a range of erosion control strategies, categorized into non-engineering/bio-engineering methods (e.g., vegetation cover, erosion control blankets, geotextiles) and engineering techniques (e.g., diversion drains, lattice structures). The findings indicate that roadcut embankments are the primary sources of soil loss, with erosion rates significantly higher than those on fill slopes due to steep gradients, low vegetation cover, and soil properties. Slope gradient is identified as the most critical factor influencing erosion on roadcuts. Regarding assessment, while field methods provide process understanding, they are difficult to generalize; conversely, predictive models like USLE and WEPP offer spatial and temporal estimates but often require modification for road-specific applications and may lack accuracy at small scales. In terms of control measures, the review concludes that vegetation cover is the most effective and economical long-term solution, as it intercepts rainfall, stabilizes soil with roots, and reduces runoff velocity. Short-term measures like erosion control blankets and geotextiles are effective for immediate protection and promoting vegetation establishment, with natural geotextiles offering environmental advantages over synthetic alternatives. The significance of this work lies in its provision of a structured framework for understanding and managing road-related erosion. The authors conclude that no single control method is universally cost-efficient across all landscapes, but revegetation remains the priority for restoring roadside slopes. The paper highlights critical gaps in current research, including the need for better quantification of soil loss from paved roads, further testing of erosion models for road-specific conditions, and the exploration of new technologies like remote sensing for large-scale monitoring. By synthesizing these elements, the review offers valuable guidance for sustainable road construction and land management, particularly in developing regions where resource constraints limit the adoption of complex engineering solutions.

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