Modeling root reinforcement using a root-failure Weibull survival function

By M. Schwarz, F. Giadrossich, D. Cohen. 2013

164 citations recorded by the source corpus.

Root networks contribute to slope stability through complex interactions with soil that include mechanical com- pression and tension. Due to the spatial heterogeneity of root distribution and the dynamics of root turnover, the quantifi- cation of root reinforcement on steep slopes is challenging and consequently the calculation of slope stability also. Al- though considerable progress has been made, some impor- tant aspects of root mechanics remain neglected. In this study we address specifically the role of root-strength variability on the mechanical behavior of a root bundle. Many factors con- tribute to the variability of root mechanical properties even within a single class of diameter. This work presents a new approach for quantifying root reinforcement that considers the variability of mechanical properties of each root diame- ter class. Using the data of laboratory tensile tests and field pullout tests, we calibrate the parameters of the Weibull sur- vival function to implement the variability of root strength in a numerical model for the calculation of root reinforce- ment (RBMw). The results show that, for both laboratory and field data sets, the parameters of the Weibull distribution may be considered constant with the exponent equal to 2 and the normalized failure displacement equal to 1. Moreover, the results show that the variability of root strength in each root diameter class has a major influence on the behavior of a root bundle with important implications when considering differ- ent approaches in slope stability calculation. Sensitivity anal- ysis shows that the calibration of the equations of the tensile force, the elasticity of the roots, and the root distribution are the most important steps. The new model allows the charac- terization of root reinforcement in terms of maximum pullout force, stiffness, and energy. Moreover, it simplifies the im- plementation of root reinforcement in slope stability models. The realistic quantification of root reinforcement for tensile, shear and compression behavior allows for the consideration of the stabilization effects of root networks on steep slopes and the influence that this has on the triggering of shallow landslides.

Subfields: Civil and Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plant Science

View Paper: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d0ef27c525ef38f024a960489e5804995790f217

How researchers see this paper

The researchers whose trusted networks rank it highest, strongest advocate first. Every researcher gets a different order.

In Civil and Structural Engineering

1. M. Schwarz

In Mechanical Engineering

1. J. Mattli
2. Christine Moos
3. Peter Bebi
4. C. Rickli
5. F. Graf
6. M. Schwarz

In Plant Science

1. J. Mattli
2. Christine Moos
3. Peter Bebi
4. C. Rickli
5. F. Graf
6. M. Schwarz

Citations in the corpus

• How does forest structure affect root reinforcement and susceptibility to shallow landslides? (2016, methodology): “…studies have performed systematic measurements and model calibration that allows the characterization of the root distribution of the main tree species in the Alps and their variability and thus the modelling of root reinforcement without field data (Schwarz et al., 2013; Vergani et al., 2014).”