Cost analysis of sand barriers in desertified regions based on the land grid division model

Sand barriers are the most widely used mechanical implements for wind-blown sand control and desertification prevention. However, there is no standard quantitative cost analysis of the sizes and materials required for sand barriers. In this study, based on the original land grid division model for optimal resource utilization, we calculated the total side lengths of square and regular hexagonal sand barriers with the sizes of 1.0 m×1.0 m, 2.0 m×2.0 m, and 3.0 m×3.0 m in a desertified region of the Shapotou area on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, China. Then, through literature review and social survey, we obtained the material cost and material utilization amount of sand barriers with different materials and sizes. Finally, we calculated the costs of square and regular hexagonal sand barriers comprised of wheat straw, corn stalk, Salix mongolica, poly lactic acid, magnesium cement, and high-density polyethylene, with the sizes of 1.0 m×1.0 m, 2.0 m×2.0 m, and 3.0 m×3.0 m. The results show that the material cost of regular hexagonal corn stalk sand barriers with the size of 3.0 m×3.0 m is the lowest, while the material cost of square magnesium cement sand barriers with the size of 1.0 m×1.0 m is the highest. When using the same material, the cost of regular hexagonal sand barriers is lower than that of square sand barriers with the same size. When using the same size, the cost of sand barriers with corn stalk material is lower than that of sand barriers with other materials. Based on the above analysis, we can conclude that the economic benefits of regular hexagonal sand barriers are greater than those of square sand barriers. This study provides a theoretical basis for accurately calculating the material cost of sand barriers, particularly for the estimated cost of mechanized sand barrier engineering projects.