Modelling the seismic performance of rooted slopes from individual root–soil interaction to global slope behaviour

• DOI: 10.1680/jgeot.14.p.207
• Publication Date: 2015-11-23T19:04:51Z
• Authors: T. Liang; J. A. Knappett; N. Duckett
• Keywords: Centrifuge; Plane stress

Many natural and man-made slopes are planted with vegetation, it is known that this can increase the stability of under static conditions. There anecdotal evidence vegetated also perform better than fallow during earthquakes. However, study dynamic behaviour species having dichotomous (‘woody’) roots relatively rare owing to extreme expense difficulty involved in conducting full-scale testing on shrubs trees. In paper, centrifuge supporting numerical modelling have been conducted problem. modelling, ABS plastic rods used simulate repeatably mechanical properties real roots. The work consisted two parts. First, a computationally-efficient beam-on-non-linear-Winkler-foundation (BNWF) model using existing p–y formulations from piling engineering was employed produce macro-element describing individual root soil interaction both pre- post-failure. By adding contributions different analogues diameters, smeared continuum were derived could be included fully dynamic, plane-strain continuum, finite-element straightforward way. BNWF approach validated against large direct shear tests stress conditions simulating those at potential slip plane depths. conversion for global time-history analysis slope by comparing results test data terms response permanent deformations crest, these demonstrated good agreement. Owing simplicity its ability consider variable geometries properties, along variation depth, suggested described will useful linking root–soil characteristics (root strength stiffness, diameter variation, spacing so on) behaviour.