Abstract
Cut slopes are frequently generated by construction work in hilly areas, and artificial soil is often sprayed onto them to promote ecological rehabilitation. The artificial soil properties are very important for effective management of the slopes. This paper uses fractal and moment methods to characterize soil particle size distribution (PSD) and aggregates composition. The fractal dimension (D) showed linear relationships between clay, silt, and sand contents, with coefficients of determination from 0.843 to 0.875, suggesting that using of D to evaluate the PSD of artificial soils is reasonable. The bias (CS) and peak convex (CE) coefficients showed significant correlations with structure failure rate, moisture content, and total porosity, which validated the moment method to quantitatively describe soil structure. Railway slope (RS) soil has lower organic carbon and soil moisture, and higher pH than natural slope soil. Overall, RS exhibited poor soil structure and physicochemical properties, increasing the risk of soil erosion. Hence, more effective management measures should be adopted to promote the restoration of cut slopes.
Highlights
Of vegetation in the unsaturated region for stability of shallow soils, and found that vegetation helps to control soil loss and stabilize cut slopes, because vegetation soil systems enhance the soil shear strength[19,20]
We suggest using soil that has undergone sufficient long term soil forming processes for repairing cut slopes, to increase soil erosion resistance and reduce the risk of slope protection failure
This study investigated the physical chemical properties of artificial soil on cut slopes formed during railroad construction
Summary
Of vegetation in the unsaturated region for stability of shallow soils, and found that vegetation helps to control soil loss and stabilize cut slopes, because vegetation soil systems enhance the soil shear strength[19,20]. To achieve successful long term restoration of cut slopes, artificial soil must be studied and understood. The physicochemical characteristics of artificial soil were measured, as well as their interrelationships. Soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, pH value, cationic exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and moisture content are closely related to soil quality. We chose edaphic properties (physical, chemical, and biochemical properties) to assess soil quality. Our main objectives were to better understand the characteristics of artificial soil on rock cut slopes through chemical and physical characteristics, to assess the sustainability of artificial soil applied to cut slopes, and provide a theoretical and practical basis for artificial soil restoration
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
