Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Shear Strength Analysis and Slope Stability Study of Straight Root Herbaceous Root Soil Composite

Version 1 : Received: 10 October 2023 / Approved: 11 October 2023 / Online: 11 October 2023 (10:54:37 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Wang, B.; Wang, S. Shear Strength Analysis and Slope Stability Study of Straight Root Herbaceous Root Soil Composite. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 12632. Wang, B.; Wang, S. Shear Strength Analysis and Slope Stability Study of Straight Root Herbaceous Root Soil Composite. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 12632.

Abstract

Bare slope instability is a prevalent concern. The root system of, herbaceous vegetation enhances the shear strength of shallow–slope soil. Indoor experiments were conducted on rootless undisturbed soil (RUS) and undisturbed soil with a root system (USRS) using a triaxial compression apparatus to analyze the slope stability of composite soil with a Tagetes erecta root system. Significance tests and correlation analysis of the factors affecting shear performance were conducted using R software. The slope reinforcement, effect by the plant root system was simulated under 24 working conditions using the MIDAS finite element method. The results revealed the influence of the–root content (RC), moisture content (MC), and stress on the shear strength of USRS, the contribution degree, and the variables’ influences on slope stability. Both RUS and USRS exhibited strain hardening during shearing. The internal friction angle (φ) and cohesion (c) of USRS were negatively and positively correlated with the RC and MC (root burial depth), respectively, and a good fit was obtained for the relationship. The maximum deviatoric stress during shear failure was 1.29 times higher for USRS than for RUS. The RC (root depth) was positively correlated with the slope safety coefficient and the slope of the line under different working conditions, whereas the slope gradient was negatively correlated with the slope safety coefficient. The reinforcement effect by the root system resulted in a 13.2% increase in the safety coefficient and improved stability of slopes with a gradient larger than 1.5%. This article investigated the mechanism of the root–soil system and, the effects of different influencing factors on the shear strength of the soil, and slope stability. The findings provide new insights into shallow slope stability in practical slope protection projects.

Keywords

tagetes erecta; deviation stress; undisturbed soil with a root system; rootless undisturbed soil; moisture content; root content; shear strength parameters; numerical simulation

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science and Technology

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.