New Method and Optimal Design of Ecological Cement–Soil Slope Protection for Hydropower Stations

Steep rock slopes in mountainous regions present the coupled challenges of mechanical instability and ecological degradation, yet existing protection methods often focus on structural reinforcement alone, neglecting ecological recovery. To bridge this gap, this study develops an integrated ecological cement–soil (ECS) slope protection system that couples a porous cement–soil layer, galvanized mesh, and anchors to achieve simultaneous mechanical stabilization and vegetation restoration. Field experiments and finite-element simulations were conducted to evaluate the deformation control, strength development, and stress transfer mechanism of the ECS system. Results demonstrate that the ECS layer effectively limited surface displacement (<2 mm) while maintaining sufficient porosity (0.3–0.5 MPa strength) to support plant growth. This work provides a generalizable framework for eco-friendly slope protection, offering new insights for the sustainable rehabilitation of steep rocky terrains beyond the studied project site.