Evaluation of the effect of hysteretic flow and root system on shallow landslide
Journal
Soil Research
Journal Volume
50
Journal Issue
7
Pages
616-624
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper analyses the mechanics of slope stability with regard to the hysteretic flow of unsaturated soil and the root system of the covering vegetation. The hysteresis of the soil water retention curves and root strength are important factors in the evaluation of unsaturated shear strength. Engineers should consider how the transportation of the soil water content and the plant root strength influence evaluation of surficial slope stability analysis. The integrated slope stability analysis considering the hysteretic flow and root strength were calculated on variations of the safety factor (SF) and in accordance with different infiltration profiles and several species of vegetation. The results show that it is possible to predict shallow landslide on unsaturated slopes covered by different vegetation types. Tree planting, in combination with mechanical reinforcement, on the slope's toe was found to improve stability, in addition to having economic benefits. This process allows for the selection and comparison of combinations and densities of vegetation types, in order to find the optimum location for increased SF. This will quickly improve shallow slope stability before it is destroyed. A better understanding of the process mechanics, as provided by the model, is critical for a reliable and appropriate design for slope stabilisation. © 2012 CSIRO.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Economic benefits; hysteretic flow; Influence evaluation; Mechanical reinforcement; Optimum location; Plant roots; Process mechanics; Root strength; Root system; Shallow landslide; Slope stability analysis; Soil water content; Soil water retention curves; Tree plantings; Unsaturated shear strength; Unsaturated soil; Vegetation type; Hysteresis; Reforestation; Safety factor; Shear strength; Slope protection; Soil moisture; Vegetation; Slope stability; economic growth; hysteresis; infiltration; landslide; plantation; root system; slope stability; soil water; unsaturated medium; vegetation type; water retention; Earth Movement; Flow; Hysteresis; Plants; Roots; Shear Strength; Soil; Stability
Type
journal article