A state-of-the-art review on the advancement of sustainable vegetation concrete in slope stability

Slope stability and ecological restoration of steep slopes caused by infrastructure development such as highways, railways, and water conservancy projects are generally challenging, especially for rocky slopes, which are unfavorable for vegetation growth. Vegetation concrete is an excellent material that enhances the landscape, prevents pollution, and is environmentally sustainable. The vegetation concrete technology improves the slope stability by integrating the supporting structure with the plants, and rehabilitating vegetation could reduce the detrimental impact of infrastructure development. This paper reviews emerging research advances on sustainable vegetation concrete technologies in identifying key building processes and types that revealed the mechanism of slope stability. In addition, this paper examines design and specifications and the precision of the maintenance of vegetation concrete, mechanical strength and durability, porosity, permeability, and adaptability of plants. Several research gaps in mix ratio, low strength, and pore characteristics give room for future study to provide better slope stability for sustainable infrastructure development. The vegetation concrete slope protection technique might swiftly restore the region’s environmental integrity, entire landscape, and natural ecosystems. Besides, the regeneration of the surface vegetation on the slope promotes photosynthesis and the transpiration of plants while also purifying the air quality.