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Evaluation of root reinforcement models using numerical modelling approaches

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Abstract

Background and aims

The root reinforcement (RR) models commonly used in slope stability modelling can be simply explained as a single soil additional cohesion parameter estimated with simple analytical functions of root traits. We have simulated 3D direct shear tests using the standard implicit Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Discrete Element Method (DEM), aiming to (i) evaluate the RR models and (ii) compare the two numerical approaches.

Methods

In homogeneous soil with low cohesion, 36 straight, non-branched and thin root models were implanted in three parallel lines. Root traits, including orientation relative to the shear direction (45°, 90° and −45°), longitudinal modulus of elasticity (10 MPa and 100 MPa), and bending and compressive behaviours (beam, truss and cable) were investigated.

Results

Compared to the FEM, the DEM achieved consistent results and avoided convergence problems, but required longer computation time and used parameters potentially difficult to identify. Root reinforcement did not occur until significant plastic deformation of soil. The RR values estimated by the shear tests were much lower than those estimated by the usual RR models and were significantly dependent upon root traits.

Conclusions

Ignoring the effect of root traits in RR models might lead to an important bias when using slope stability models.

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Acknowledgments

This study was financed by a joint research program Ingecotech – CNRS/Irstea project CATARS (Characterisation of Architectural Traits of Root Systems in the Processes of Soil Stabilisation) and a French funded ANR project ECOSFIX (Ecosystem Services of Roots – Hydraulic Redistribution, Carbon Sequestration and Soil Fixation, ANR-2010-STRA-003-01). We are grateful to Dr. Alexia Stokes (INRA, UMR AMAP, France) and Huaxiang Zhu (IRSTEA, France) for their inspiring suggestions to this work. Thanks are also due to François Kneib (IRSTEA, France) and Jean-Baptiste Barré (IRSTEA, France) for their technical support with regard to numerical modelling. Finally, we thank Marie Christou-Kent (Université Joseph Fourier, France) for checking the manuscript’s English.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UR EMGR, IRSTEA, 2 Rue de la Papeterie BP 76, 38402, Saint Martin d’Hères Cedex, France

    Zhun Mao & Franck Bourrier

  2. UMR 1391 ISPA, INRA, Aquitaine, 71 Avenue Edouard Bourlaux, CS 20032, 33882, Villenave d’Ornon Cedex, France

    Ming Yang

  3. Ecole Centrale de Pékin, Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Ming Yang

  4. UMR AMAP, CIRAD, Boulevard de la Lironde, 34398, Montpellier Cedex 5, France

    Ming Yang & Thierry Fourcaud

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  1. Zhun Mao
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  2. Ming Yang
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  4. Thierry Fourcaud
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Correspondence to Franck Bourrier.

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Responsible Editor: Alexia Stokes.

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Mao, Z., Yang, M., Bourrier, F. et al. Evaluation of root reinforcement models using numerical modelling approaches. Plant Soil 381, 249–270 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-014-2116-7

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