Abstract
We study the effect of roots of alder trees on soil reinforcement and slope stabilization. Two types of soil, i.e. Marl and Clayey soils and alders of three ages are considered. The slope stability is studied according to the tree indices based on tree age and soil type. The effect of root reinforcement on slope stability is considered by an additional cohesion. The stability analyses are carried out by the FEM. We perform parameter studies considering tree age, soil type and surcharge. The results indicate that soil type is effective on cohesion. The results also showed that with increasing age of trees from 7 to 15 years, the amount of additional root cohesion increased and with the increase of the age of trees to 20 years this amount slightly decreased. Also, with regard to a constant slope geometry, the type of soil and the uniform surcharge pressure, 7-year-old trees have shown better performance in slope stabilization. It has been observed that as the age of alder trees grows, although the amount of additional root cohesion increases, however, due to increased surcharge pressure, the overall slope stability factor decreases.
Highlights
The activity of plant root systems to slope strengthening, environmental restoration and soil erosion control has received a lot of attention in recent years (Reubens, Poesen, Danjon, Geudens, & Muys, 2007; Zhou & Wang, 2018)
By specifying root tensile strength and investigating their density in different layers of soil, it is possible to investigate their effect on stability of slopes (Genet et al, 2008)
It is well recognized that plant roots can improve the shear strength of soils by their high tensile strength and closely spaced root matrix system (Chok, Jaksa, Kaggwa, & Griffiths, 2015)
Summary
The activity of plant root systems to slope strengthening, environmental restoration and soil erosion control has received a lot of attention in recent years (Reubens, Poesen, Danjon, Geudens, & Muys, 2007; Zhou & Wang, 2018). The main root related indices include density, depth, and tensile strength of root, which cause soil reinforcement (Wu, McKinnell III, & Swanston, 1979; Reubens et al, 2007; Roering, Schmidt, Stock, Dietrich, & Montgomery, 2003). The root strength and density depend on such factors as tree species, plant conditions, type of soil, and type of the stand (Keyes & Grier, 1981; John, Pandey, & Tripathi, 2001; Schmidt, Roering, Stock, Dietrich, Montgomery, & Schaub, 2001). The soil characteristics, such as chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics, may influence the root characteristics including density in the soil’s horizontal layers and its tensile strength. With investigating root of plants in different soils, role of soil on the change in various root indices can be found
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
