A Bio-Inspired Perspective for Geotechnical Engineering Innovation

The rapidly emerging sub-discipline of biogeotechnics is comprised of both bio-mediated and bio-inspired technologies. Research and development over the past decade have focused primarily on bio-mediated technologies, while research on bio-inspired geotechnical technologies is still in the early stages. This paper synthesizes the advances in the broader field of bio-inspired design and highlights aspects particularly relevant to the exploration of new geotechnical engineering innovations. The structure, advantages, and challenges of both problem-based and solution-based design methodologies are presented. A hierarchical framework for the characterization of biological systems is discussed in the context of how the framework facilitates the use of bio-inspired methodologies. Finally, an example application of the bio-inspired design methodology to tree root inspired foundation and anchorage systems is explored and discussed.