Novel Ropes from Textile Waste and Polypropylene Nonwoven for Dual-Function Use in Slope Erosion Control and Retaining Structures

The use of waste textiles and the search for alternative materials for landslide and erosion control are currently subjects of great importance. This paper presents and evaluates a novel application of waste wool and waste textile ropes arranged in a rhomboid pattern on a slope, and polypropylene nonwoven ropes threaded through iron rods to form a layered retaining wall at the slope toe. Together, these measures provide dual functionality in erosion control and the retaining wall. Monitoring results, material property evaluations, and qualitative and quantitative erosion assessments using the Universal Soil Loss Equation model indicate that the proposed measures are effective, with both the slope and the retaining wall performing well several years after installation. Furthermore, variations in the rainfall erosivity factor as calculated using different equations can lead to notable differences in estimated soil loss, highlighting the need for careful determination of this factor. This case demonstrates a new approach to using polypropylene nonwoven material, and potentially also waste textiles, as a layered retaining structure that is cost-effective and time-efficient and contributes to sustainability and the circular economy. Similar layered retaining structures could be applied in various fields of civil and environmental engineering.