Smart IoT Monitoring System for Nature-Based Slope Stabilization

Nature-based slope stabilization offers a sustainable solution to enhance the climate resilience of long linear infrastructures in Thailand's changing climate. This approach integrates local species such as vetiver grass with biochar-amended soil, erosion control blankets, capillary barrier systems, and flexible bioengineering structures—including vegetated flapped soil bags and micro screw piles. This combination effectively improves erosion control, slope stability, and movement tolerance while fostering vegetation growth and promoting biodiversity.

 

However, the adaptive and continuously growing nature of these living systems necessitates in-depth investigation of their mechanical and hydraulic behaviours. This study emphasizes the critical role of IoT-based monitoring systems in delivering early landslide warnings and assessing the performance of nature-based slope stabilization. Key parameters include pore-water pressure, suction, slope deformation which are then used to estimate the performance metrics for geotechnical stability and water demand.

 

Field data from various bio-stabilized slopes across Thailand—collected through tensiometers, tiltmeters, inclinometers—demonstrate the system's efficacy. The integration of advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission, is also discussed, highlighting future research directions in enhancing slope stability and resilience. Potential carbon credit gains are also discussed by means of root mass measurement and evapotranspiration flux.