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Modelling root–soil mechanical interaction considering root pull-out and breakage failure modes

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Abstract

Aims

In the finite element method, the mechanical behaviour of plant roots has been modelled by solid element or embedded beam element (EBE). However, the former is computationally expensive, whereas the latter is unable to capture the root pull–out failure mode. In this study, we modified the constitutive stress–strain relationship of an existing EBE to calculate uprooting resistance by considering the root–soil interfacial shearing and the strength decline as root pulls out.

Methods

We introduced an elasto–softening constitutive law to describe the root–soil interface interaction and an improved damage model to capture post–peak softening behaviour in EBE. We validated the EBE against three case studies. Finally, we conducted parametric analysis to study how root geometries, morphologies and soil saturation affect the uprooting response.

Results

Our new model captures the pre–peak uprooting behaviour up to the peak pull–out force (Pul). Root systems that failed by pull–out mode always had lower Pul than those that failed by breaking, irrespective of the root morphology. Reduction of soil effective stress following soil saturation always reduced Pul and could change the root failure mode, depending on the anchorage length and root–soil contact surface area.

Conclusions

Root–soil mechanical interaction and root failure mode, including pull–out and breakage, can now be modelled with more accuracy. We show the importance of considering soil moisture variation, which translates to variations in root reinforcement effects. The reinforcement effectiveness of deep–rooted systems can be halved, and the root failure mode can switch from breakage to pull–out, following soil saturation and reduction of soil effective stress.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (grants GRF/16202720 and CRF/C6006-20G) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 51922112) for the funding and the resources spent on this work.

Funding

The research work and the PhD studentship of the first author (JZ) are supported by the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (grants GRF/16202720, CRF/C6006-20G). The second author (AKL) is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 51922112).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, SAR, China

    Jun Zhu & Anthony Kwan Leung

  2. Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China

    Yu Wang

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  1. Jun Zhu
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  2. Anthony Kwan Leung
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  3. Yu Wang
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Contributions

JZ derived the model, conducted the numerical work and produced the draft of the manuscript. AKL conceptualised the research idea, supervised JZ to implement the research work and edited the manuscript. YW co-supervised JZ, advised the numerical work and edited the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Anthony Kwan Leung.

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Zhu, J., Leung, A.K. & Wang, Y. Modelling root–soil mechanical interaction considering root pull-out and breakage failure modes. Plant Soil 480, 675–701 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05613-z

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