Biomechanical properties of plant root systems and their ability to stabilize slopes in geohazard-prone regions

Abstract Vegetation is widely used for reinforcing slopes, and thus controlling shallow landslides, because plant root systems can increase soil shear strength by anchoring soil layers and modifying hydrological characteristics. However, limited information is available regarding the vertical variation of soil reinforcement by roots at the slope scale, and how slope stability is influenced, especially in plantation areas. In this paper we examine the biomechanical effects on slope stability of the roots of Populus tomentosa, Robinia pseudoacacia and Olea europaea in a geohazard-prone region in China. Root density, variation in root area ratio (RAR) with depth, root tensile strength and root peak tensile force are measured, along with calculating the contribution of root cohesion to the factor of safety. The Wu-Waldron model and fiber bundle model are used to estimate static stress and dynamic stress adherence of plant roots to soil during debris flows and landslides, and a two-dimensional finite element model is used to calculate the increase in the factor of safety caused by additional root cohesion. The results show that RAR is higher for P. tomentosa than for R. pseudoacacia and O. europaea. The vertical soil profile of R. pseudoacacia roots has the highest soil water content (7.06%). The additional cohesion provided by R. pseudoacacia roots (10.35–15.12 kPa) is greater than that provided by P. tomentosa roots (6.19–10.26 kPa) and O. europaea roots (2.31–5.06 kPa). The stable area is also larger on a slope planted with R. pseudoacacia compared with the other two species. Young growth roots (8 years) are shown to affect the distribution of soil water and are limited by soil water in the semi-humid region. R. pseudoacacia roots provide significant additional cohesion by both static and dynamic stress for slope stability. This study aims to increase current understanding of the biomechanical properties of plantation species roots and their efficacy in soil reinforcement.