Environmental protection in river regulatory works using biodegradable materials

Abstract

The paper presents biodegradable methods and materials used to carry out river bed works. River regularization works must help to keep the environment as natural as possible. Biodegradable materials respond to bioengineering methods and concepts for ecological regulation or renaturalisation of river beds. Studies and research have shown the possibility of using biodegradable materials for the execution of shore defense works at the riverbed. The researched biodegradable materials are made of woven sheep wool fabrics and strips. They are used as a support and filter bed at the shoreline contact with the rock in the site. The material has the advantage of natural degradation in about 4-6 years after it has performed its support function. Woollen fabrics are used to make the biological cells used for river bank layout or sloping slopes.