Review on Hydraulic and Geotechnical Mechanisms of Riverbank Roadway Erosion and Collapse

Main Article Content

Huda Qasim Mawat
Asma Thamir Ibraheem
Qassun Mohammed Shafiqu

Abstract






Riverbank erosion is a critical geomorphological process with significant impacts on river systems and adjacent infrastructure. In many regions, transportation networks are constructed near riverbeds, making them susceptible to bank instability and erosion. Hydraulic forces including flow velocity, turbulence, and shear stress play a major role in determining the rate of riverbank erosion. Concurrently, the geotechnical properties of bank materials, such as cohesion, permeability, and soil structure, influence the riverbank’s resistance to erosion and slope failure. The interplay between hydraulic dynamics and soil mechanical properties results in various bank failure mechanisms, including rotational slip, cantilever failure, and block failure. Additionally, traffic loads and human activities can exacerbate the instability of riverbanks adjacent to transportation infrastructure. This paper reviews previous researches on riverbank erosion, soil characteristics, hydraulic flow conditions, and the instability of roads near rivers. The review aims to identify the key factors controlling riverbank erosion and to highlight existing research gaps, particularly regarding the combined effects of hydraulic loading and traffic-induced stresses. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is essential for developing effective strategies to stabilize riverbanks and safeguard transportation infrastructure.







 

Article Details

Section

Review Articles

How to Cite

[1]
H. Q. Mawat, Asma Thamir Ibraheem, and Qassun Mohammed Shafiqu, “Review on Hydraulic and Geotechnical Mechanisms of Riverbank Roadway Erosion and Collapse ”, Rafidain J. Eng. Sci., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 73–78, Jun. 2026, doi: 10.61268/5csnn888.

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