Abstract
We present the results of the reinforcement of plant root systems in surface soil in a model test to simulate actual precipitation conditions. In the test, Eleusine indica was selected as herbage to reinforce the soil. Based on the various moisture contents of plant roots in a pull‐out test, a fitting formula describing the interfacial friction strength between the roots and soil and soil moisture content was obtained to explain the amount of slippage of the side slope during the process of rainfall. The experimental results showed that the root systems of plants successfully reinforced soil and stabilized the water content in the surface soil of a slope and that the occurrence time of landslides was delayed significantly in the grass‐planting slope model. After the simulated rainfall started, the reinforcement effect of the plant roots changed. As the rainfall increased, the interfacial friction between the roots and the soil exhibited a negative power function relationship with the water content. These conclusions can be used as a reference for the design of plant slope protection and reinforcement.
Highlights
A slope landslide is a type of extensive geological disaster, and the most important and direct cause of landslides is rainfall [1, 2]
Mariano et al conducted a linear discriminant analysis to describe the relationship between rainfall and landslides in Bogota, Colombia [4]; Salciarini et al analysed the regional initiation of rainfall-induced shallow landslides in the eastern Umbria region of Central Italy [5]; and Domenico et al used a complete methodology for deriving the critical threshold, starting from the creation of a reliable database of historical rainfall and landslide events occurring in Sicily (Italy) [6]
423 min, and the landslide process of the planting soil slope ended at 705 min, indicating that the implantation of a grass system can delay landslides. e landslide processes for the two types of slopes were roughly similar and can be divided into three stages: the slow slip stage, the severe slip stage, and the stop stage
Summary
A slope landslide is a type of extensive geological disaster, and the most important and direct cause of landslides is rainfall [1, 2]. E physical and mechanical responses of soils during the landslide process are often analysed through simulation and model tests. Artificial rainfall model tests have been widely used in studies on soil slope landslides. E sliding deformation of soil slopes during the rainfall process can be observed intuitively, and physical parameters (such as the landslide displacement) can be measured quantitatively through an artificial rainfall model test, which is a major research tool used to study landslide instability models. Li et al experimented with a model test study on a landslide of a reservoir bank near a dam following rainfall [9]. Luo et al experimented with a model test study on landslides under rainfall and reservoir water fluctuations [11]. Pan et al experimented with a model test of the rainfall warning criteria
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
