The Impact of Landscape Features and Hardscape Elements (Concrete Floors) on Erosion Control: An Integrated Civil Engineering Perspective

Authors

  • Samuel Imikan Bassey * Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9476-1256
  • Anthony S. Akpan Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Sampson A. Udoh Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Olowole B. Ogo Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Usung B. Okon Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Imoh I. Thomas Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.
  • Udoka E. Daniel Department of Civil Engineering, Akwa lbom State polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.

https://doi.org/10.48314/ijrceai.vi.48

Abstract

Soil erosion constitutes one of the most pervasive environmental and geotechnical challenges confronting modern land management, threatening agricultural productivity, structural integrity of infrastructure, and the ecological balance of natural watersheds. Both natural landscape features and engineered hardscape elements exert significant often opposing influences on erosion dynamics. Natural interventions, including vegetative cover, contour terracing, and bioengineered drainage networks, reduce raindrop impact energy, enhance soil cohesion, and moderate surface runoff velocity. Conversely, impermeable hardscape elements such as concrete pavements and sealed floors, while providing direct physical protection to underlying soils, generate concentrated surface runoff that may intensify erosion in adjacent unprotected zones. This study critically examines the interplay between landscape-based and hardscape-based erosion control strategies within a civil engineering and environmental management context. Employing a systematic literature review, comparative hydrological analysis, and structured field observational frameworks, the research evaluates the performance, limitations, and complementary potential of each approach. Findings confirm that no single strategy offers comprehensive protection; rather, the most effective and sustainable outcomes are achieved through integrated systems that strategically combine vegetative buffers, slope modification structures, permeable surfacing technologies, and engineered drainage infrastructure. This study offers a step-by-step methodology applicable to site-specific erosion control planning and concludes with evidence-based recommendations for practitioners in civil engineering and environmental design.   

Keywords:

Landscape features, Hardscape elements, Erosion control, Surface runoff, Geotechnical engineering

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Published

2026-06-05

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Researches on Civil Engineering with Artificial Intelligence (IJRCEAI)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Bassey, S. I., Akpan, A. S., Udoh, S. A., Ogo, O. B., Okon, U. B., Thomas, I. I., & Daniel, U. E. (2026). The Impact of Landscape Features and Hardscape Elements (Concrete Floors) on Erosion Control: An Integrated Civil Engineering Perspective. International Journal of Researches on Civil Engineering With Artificial Intelligence , 3(2), 78-88. https://doi.org/10.48314/ijrceai.vi.48

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