Simulation of Root-Reinforcement Effect in Natural Slopes Based on Progressive Failure in Soil-Root Interaction

Abstract

A new numerical scheme in Finite Element Method (FEM) along with Mesh Free Method (MFM) and suitable convergence criterion is used to simulate the progressive nature of failure in soil-root matrix continuum. With the consideration of homogenizing approach, the complex behavior of soil-root interaction can reliably be captured of any natural slopes. Root-reinforcement effect has significant role in modifying stress anisotropy and displacement behavior of the slope. Result shows that stability factor first increases with RAR, after attaining certain stability factor further increment of RAR within certain limit does not impart on stability factor of slopes. After certain RAR say more than 0.5%, there is no any change on stability factor. Results show that vegetation has significant influences on safety factor in certain effective RAR-range, which further illustrates the necessities of vegetation cover in slopes; however, it requires more realistic model parameters and boundary conditions to perform more relevant simulations.