Recent advances in slope stabilization using porous vegetation concrete in landslide-prone regions: A review

Abstract

The risks of soil erosion and landslides in tropical regions are severe. They are triggered mainly by excessive rainfall, which leads to a pore water pressure spike and a lower shear strength of earth materials. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of durable, economical, and sustainable slope stabilization technologies, and porous vegetation concrete (PVC) has proven to be a promising solution. The PVC technique incorporates both porous concrete and vegetation. Combining these two materials aims to achieve dual benefits: immediate slope protection from porous concrete and continued vegetation growth, which positively influence the mechanical and hydrological properties of the slope and enhance its aesthetic appeal. This review presents the latest advancements in the use of PVC for slope stabilization, focusing on material mix designs and properties (porosity, strength, pH, and durability), challenges hindering its effective implementation, such as the type and quantity of vegetation seeds compatible with porous concrete, and prospects for future studies that could improve its application. Furthermore, it highlights the advantages and disadvantages of other slope stabilization techniques. This review serves as a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to implement new methods of slope protection using PVC.