Biological & Engineering Impacts of Climate Change on Slopes (BIONICS)
The aim of this project was to deduce the effects of climate change on infrastructure slopes by establishing a unique facility.
Project leader
Dates
Project staff
Dr Oliver Heidrich (Co-I)
Dr P Quinn
Professor C Kilsby
Dr M Rouainia
Dr G Parkin
Professor DAC Manning
Professor mg anderson, University of Bristol
Professor A Davison
Professor M.C.R. Davies, University of Dundee
Professor D Muir Wood, University of Dundee
Mr J Greenwood, Nottingham Trent University
Professor DG Toll, Durham University
Dr MF Bransby, University of Dundee
Professor BG Clarke, University of Leeds
Professor N Dixon, Loughborough University
Professor JW Hall, University of Oxford
Sponsors
EPSRC
Partners
British Waterways
CIRIA Geotechnical Observations Ltd
Highways Agency Metronet Rail SSL Ltd
Mott Macdonald
Network Rail
New & Renewable Energy Ctr NaREC
Rail Research UK
Railway Safety Ltd
Scottish Crop Research Institute
Skanska UK Plc
Description
The project facility is a full-scale, instrumented soil embankment. Planted with a variety of flora with controlled heating and rainfall at its surface.
The project aimed to establish a database of high quality embankment performance data. This data would enable further research into the interaction of climate, vegetation and engineering on the behaviour of infrastructure earthworks.
It brought together key stakeholders and academics. They provided the focus for 'spin-off' projects aimed at answering specific needs-based problems.
In the longer term this strategy will enable advanced procedures. These procedures will enable serviceability and safety of strategic embankments and cuttings. It also advances the science base.