Naturalistic engineering is the green answer to the grey problem of hydrogeological instability. Plants are not just for aesthetics; they are the protagonists in this battle against hydrogeological instability, working together with engineers to create a perfect mix of beauty and functionality.
- Hydrogeological instability and causes
- Investing in prevention
- Naturalistic engineering to prevent hydrogeological instability
Hydrogeological instability and causes
The flood that hit Emilia-Romagna in September 2024 was an event that once again highlighted the territory’s vulnerability to hydrogeological instability.
That region, already tested by similar events as recently as 2023, faced emergencies related to the flooding of watercourses and significant damage to infrastructure, housing, and agriculture.
Main causes of hydrogeological instability are multiple and often interconnected, resulting from a combination of natural and man-made factors.
Natural factors include weather conditions, with heavy rainfall that can lead to landslides and flooding.
Soil and reservoir geomorphology, slope and vegetation cover are also elements that influence soil stability.
On the other hand, human activities have a significant impact, due to:
- uncontrolled overbuilding and urbanisation
- deforestation
- squatting
- abandonment of high ground
- indiscriminate digging of quarries
- unsustainable cultivation techniques
- extraction of hydrocarbons and groundwater
- invasive interventions on watercourses
- lack of maintenance.
In addition, climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of rainfall, widening the areas at risk and aggravating the severity of the phenomena.
Investing in prevention
The European Commission emphasised that every euro invested in prevention can reduce emergency and reconstruction costs after a natural disaster by up to four euros.
Prevention measures, therefore, are those that combine structural and non-structural interventions, integrating spatial planning with sustainable management of natural resources.
The former include the construction of natural engineering works, and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, such as reservoirs and drainage systems.
Non-structural measures include risk mapping and urban planning that respects risk areas, avoiding construction in potentially dangerous areas.
Education and public awareness are equally important: being informed about the risks and the correct practices to adopt in an emergency can save lives and reduce damage.
Not to forget that urban green management and reforestation are essential to increase rainwater absorption and prevent landslides and mudslides; ‘side’ effects are cleaner air and cooler cities.
Naturalistic engineering to prevent hydrogeological instability
Naturalistic engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on the use of natural materials and methods for the prevention and control of hydrogeological disruption.
It not only minimises the use of non-renewable resources, but also reduces emissions of pollutants such as CO2 and other greenhouse gases associated with the production and transport of conventional building materials. In fact, the most commonly used elements are living plant materials such as wood, stone, soil and plant fibres.
These solutions often improve biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife, thus contributing to biodiversity conservation.
They are particularly suitable for slope stabilisation, drainage works, and erosion prevention, as the plant roots help to consolidate the soil and reduce the surface runoff of rainwater.
Another significant advantage is durability: while concrete structures can deteriorate over time, naturalistic engineering solutions strengthen and stabilise as vegetation grows and develops.
Finally, the use of local materials increases the aesthetic value, improving the quality of life and our cities.
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