Constitutive modelling of root-reinforced granular soils – preliminary studies

Abstract

A novel solution for the problem of modelling of soil reinforced with vegetation roots. An extension of the Nor–Sand model and its application to granular saturated or dry, soil–root composites. Model implementation in MATLAB: numerical simulations of drained triaxial compression tests, investigation of the sensitivity of the solution to different values of model parameters. Capturing the most important features of soil–root composites. Accounting for the progressive activation of the root’s strength. Indication of the ability of further model application to large-scale problems, such as slope or dune stability.