A field study using 3D photo-reconstruction has been made to estimate the rates of concentrated flow erosion at three roadsides of transport infrastructures across Andalusia (Spain) on different parent materials. We tested a methodology based on a combination of ‘structure from motion’ software, pictures taken from a 3-m-long pole, relative referencing using a levelled frame and automated algorithms for rill volume assessment. The proposed methodology proved to be an efficient, inexpensive and accurate approach for erosion assessment of roadsides, characterized by challenging conditions of slope, accessibility and reduced rill dimensions. Significant differences were found between the rates of flow concentrated erosion on diverse materials, with the highest rates being found on sand formations (6 kg·m-2·yr-1). In all cases soil losses were well above tolerable levels. These results provide evidence of the need of improved designs or treatments in roadsides to control the effects of water erosion, as well as the usefulness of 3D photo-reconstruction in this kind of technical studies.

A lo proyectos G-GI3000/IDIS “Estabilización biotécnica de taludes: optimización de tratamientos en proyectos de restauración paisajística de infraestructuras viarias en Andalucía” financiado por la Consejería de Obras Públicas de la Junta de Andalucía y el proyecto AGL2012-40128-C03-01 del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad del Gobierno de España y fondos FEDER.

Trabajo presentado en la XIII Reunión Nacional de Geomorfología, celebrado en Cáceres del 9 al 12 de septiembre de 2014.

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