Protecting Ohio’s North Coast through the lens of restoration ecology and biomimicry

[Past Projects]

Dr. Petra Gruber and Elena Stachew

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In the Biodesign Lab, we are studying the ability to design, prototype and evaluate biomimetic innovations to restore natural habitat complexity at Lake Erie. We are testing complex root shapes mimicked after native coastal forests in the region. Other root forms may be considered and explored, such as those mimicked after mangroves or coastal wetland plants. We create 3D root models using photogrammetry and a variety of 3D software programs. We 3D print these roots using different materials for materiality and constructability exploration. Possible lab visits to Cleveland State University and Kent State University to conduct lab-scale wave attenuation and sediment depositional prediction studies may be arranged. Field work will be done in the spring to obtain adequate rootwads for imaging. The goal of the project is to contribute to the understanding of the functionality of root systems for soil stabilization through imaging, 3D information and analysis of root traits. This knowledge is then translated to innovative structural designs for coastal protection that are prototyped and evaluated using the above experimental tests.

You’ll gain skills and exposure in one or more of the following:

• Structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry
• 3D modeling and printing
• Materials investigation
• Communication skills with a diverse array of disciplines: engineers, architects, biologists and designers

We hope students will have prior experience with 3D modeling and design, but this is not a requirement to apply. We are interested in undergraduate students from any major that are willing to learn and explore. Work at the interface of engineering, design and biology to improve the coastal ecology of Lake Erie with a Biomimicry Fellow.

Additional Background: According to the United Nations, 40% of the world’s population lives within 100km of a coastline and this number is projected to increase. Coastal protection structures, typically made of rock, steel and concrete, are used to protect homes and businesses from waves, storm surges and flooding. On Lake Erie’s shoreline in Ohio, 80% of the shoreline is protected with these simple and rigid materials.

  Worldwide, shoreline hardening destroys the land-water interface and nearshore habitat complexity, key to many significant transitional ecosystems and nursery habitat for fish, birds and other species. These natural coastal ecosystems also often act as protective barrier from waves, storm surges and flooding.

Check out some examples of creative infrastructure and restoration efforts in marine environments for more inspiration: ECOncrete, Reef Design Lab, TetraPOT and Cemex.

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Click here for more information on Dr. Gruber’s lab.