Non-conventional techniques using bamboo for landslide mitigation in geological risk areas

Abstract

Informal urban occupation remains one of the major challenges faced in Brazil, particularly on hillslopes susceptible to mass-movement processes. Informal settlements often house vulnerable populations who are routinely exposed to natural hazards. In built environments, sustainable solutions have become increasingly relevant through the adoption of innovative technologies that aim not only to reduce the consumption of natural resources but also to optimize construction and maintenance costs. In this context, renewable natural materials–such as bamboo–emerge as competitive alternatives, as they can contribute to slope stability and erosion control at costs that are manageable for public administrations. Bamboo also plays a role in mitigating climate change and improving urban landscapes, functioning as an integrating element in the development of smart and resilient cities. This study aims to demonstrate the favorable mechanical and morphological characteristics of the roots and rhizomes of a running bamboo species as a structural element in actions designed to mitigate shallow landslides and surface erosion. Laboratory experiments were conducted to observe the growth of seedlings in pots with different inclinations, along with physical and mechanical tests on rhizomes extracted from these plants to establish parameters of tensile and bending resistance. The results highlight the formation of an interwoven root–rhizome network capable of increasing soil cohesion and improving slope stability. These findings contribute to advancing the understanding of bamboo’s potential as a sustainable alternative for slope protection and climate-resilient urban development.