Centrifuge modelling to study the effect of root spacing on load transfer mechanism in vegetated slope

Abstract

Failure of slopes has been a frequently occurring hazard, which leads to loss of life and resources. To stabilize the slopes, vegetation has been used, where stump of plant roots act as passive piles by providing mechanical reinforcement. In this research, effect of spacing of trees on load transfer mechanism in a slope has been studied and comparability of passive piles and roots has been investigated. Half portion of an embankment has been taken and simplified instrumented roots were planted in staggered pattern on the slope. Two models with spacing of 3 times the diameter of root and 6 times the diameter of the root were prepared to study the effect of spacing on load transfer mechanism. A model with no reinforcement (fallow) has also been tested. During the test, load was introduced to a foundation at the crest of slope till the slope failed. It was observed that as the spacing increases, load bearing capacity of slopes decreases. As spacing of roots decreases, incidence of failure prolongs. Also, as the spacing of roots decreases, shear failure plane gets deeper in the slope. As these aspects of passive piles were observed, behaviour of roots is comparable to that of passive piles.